As any car owner knows, keeping the bed of your truck clean can be a real challenge. Whether you’re hauling gear to the jobsite or taking your ATV out for a spin, it’s all too easy for your truck bed to get muddy and dirty. That’s where a tonneau cover comes in handy. A tonneau cover helps to protect your truck bed from the elements, keeping it clean and dry no matter what you’re hauling. Plus, it can also help to improve your gas mileage by reducing drag. If you’re looking for a way to keep your truck bed clean and dry, a tonneau cover is the way to go. Here’s a quick guide on how to install a tonneau cover with a bed liner:
Bed Liner Installation
If you’re planning on pick-up truck bed liner installation, you might be wondering whether it’s better to open or close the tailgate. Well, the answer is pretty simple: it’s better to open the tailgate. Here’s why: first of all, you’ll have much better access to the bed of the truck if the tailgate is down, and second of all, it’s just plain safer. If you try to install a bed liner with the tailgate up, there’s a risk of damaging the tailgate or, worse, injuring yourself. So, next time you’re ready to tackle a bed liner installation project, make sure to open that tailgate!
Remove obstructions
When it comes to removing obstructions from your truck bed, the first step is to clear away any handles or screws that may be in the way. This will give you better access and make it easier to get at the dirt and grime that may be hiding underneath. Once the surface of the truck bed is clear, you can further help prevent rust and moisture from damaging your vehicle by installing a liner on top. A bed liner can protect your truck bed from harmful chemicals and other debris, keeping your truck looking like new for years to come. In addition, a good cleaning with a mix of soft detergent and hot water can help to remove any stuck-on grime or oil stains, restoring your truck’s shine and leaving it ready for the road ahead.
Check for holes
When installing a bed liner in your pickup truck, it is important to check for any holes or gaps in the truck bed. These can be helpful spots to secure your bed liner with a screw or bolt, so if you find any, you should definitely take advantage of them. But if your truck does not have any pre-existing holes, that’s okay too. In this case, you can use a power drill to create your own by drilling through a small opening. This will help ensure that your bed liner stays securely in place even under heavy loads and rough driving conditions.
Fix the bed liner
Fixing a bed liner might seem like a daunting task, but with a few simple steps, it can be done quickly and easily. To start, you will need to remove the old liner, if there is one already in place. This usually involves simply pulling it up and removing the fasteners that hold it in place. Once you have removed the bed liner, clean off any leftover residue or dirt from the vehicle’s bed or tailgate. Then, simply set your new bed liner on top of the surface and secure it using the handle and screws that are provided with your purchase. Finally, you can add a finishing touch by covering up those screw heads with some decorative caps for a polished look. And voila – your bed is now freshly lined and ready for all kinds of cargo!
Install the Side Rail
Side rails are an essential part of any bed liner installation. Without them, your bed liner would be incomplete. The process of installing side rails is simple and straightforward.
Prepare The Rail
Side rails are an essential component of any tonneau cover, and unless you have someone to help you, they can be a bit of a pain to install. If your cover has two side rails, start by supporting the rail with a temporary spring clump. Then attach the rail to the clamp and the canister, making sure that there is a good amount of tension between the three components. Once everything is tight, you can remove the spring clump and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your load is secure.
Clamp The Side Rail
A toothed clamp should be placed underneath the side rail, but close to the cab area so that it can get a good grip on the rail. Use a wrench to tighten the toothed clamp. Once you have secured the side rail, it’s time to add a chip or sealant along the gap between the rail and your tree trunk. This will prevent water from seeping into your railway system and causing damage over time.
Place Additional Clamp
Placing additional clamps along the side rails of your tonneau cover is essential to ensure that it stays securely fastened. Start by attaching the clamps about halfway down each rail, spacing them evenly apart. Then move on to the second rail, repeating the same process.
Adjust The Rail
Adjusting the rail is an important step in ensuring that it is perfectly level and well-aligned. To adjust the rail, simply loosen the clamps on each side of the rail and make any necessary adjustments. Once you have the side of your rail perfectly parallel and flat, run your hands along it to ensure that everything is feeling just right.
Install The Tonneau Cover
This is the last stage of installing a tonneau cover with bed liner. So, check the steps carefully –
Install The Rubber Seal
When it comes to installing a tonneau cover, one of the most important steps is to install the rubber seals. To do this, you will first need to rub down both the tonneau cover and the cab with some alcohol to clean them thoroughly. Then, apply the rubber seals along the edges of the tonneau cover to create a watertight seal that keeps out both rain and snow. This will protect your tonneau cover from extreme weather conditions, ensuring that it lasts for years to come.
Fit The Tonneau Cover
Once the seals are in place, it’s time to fit your tonneau cover. Start by fitting each end of the cover onto its corresponding side rail and securing with a clamp. Make sure that there is not too much space between the two components, or water may come through.
Secure The Cover
Before unfolding your tonneau cover, it’s important to make sure that it is properly closed. This will help ensure that the cover stays in place when you open it up, and also avoid any unnecessary strain on the seams or other components. To adjust your tonneau cover if necessary, simply use the hand-tightened screw to make any necessary tweaks.
Safety Tips To Follow
Now that you know how to install tonneau cover with bed liner, there are a few safety tips that you should keep in mind.
- First and foremost, always make sure that your cover is properly secured before driving. This will help ensure that it doesn’t come loose and cause an accident.
- Secondly, be sure to regularly check the condition of your cover and bed liner. If you notice any wear and tear, be sure to replace or repair the affected parts as soon as possible.
- Don’t sit or stand on a tonneau cover cover with bed liner, it’s important to keep in mind some safety tips.
- Use manual slide lock to keep the cover tight, no need to over-tighten the clamps.
- Check the fastening parts of the tonneau on a regular basis and don’t leave it in the sun.
