Auto Truck Depot: Installing Tonneau Covers

Tonneau covers are a great addition to any pickup truck. Perhaps you’re thinking about purchasing a tonneau cover for your vehicle and want to be sure of the installation procedure prior to making the investment, or maybe you already have one that you’re preparing to install yourself. Either way, let me share some knowledge about how to install your cover!

Tonneau covers are usually installed with a simple clamping system that attaches the cover to your bed rails. There is no drilling or modification necessary, so even if your truck is leased, you have no worries about voiding any warranties or causing any unnecessary damage.

Installing an UnderCover Flex Tonneau Cover | Auto Truck Depot

It is important that the rails are straight, since the cover will fold open and rest on these rails. If the rails are uneven, the cover might not close or seal properly. Soft Roll-Up covers often roll out and seal along the rails with Velcro, and Hard Tri-Fold tonneau covers often include latches that secure the cover to the rails. If the rails are not positioned accurately, you risk jeopardising the security of your truck bed.

Once the rails are installed, the rest is a breeze. The cover will generally latch or secure on starting at the cab end of your truck bed and roll or fold forward. The average installation time of a cover ranges from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on your skill level, the tools you have, and the type of cover you're installing. Some covers can be removed from the rails easily after the installation, allowing you to take the top on and off at will without having to do the full installation again.

Access Original Roll-Up Tonneau Cover | Auto Truck Depot

Most tonneau cover installations are similar, but there are slight variations between different covers, so you might want to check the installation guide for your specific cover before attempting to install it yourself. All of the tonneau covers we sell on our website include installation guides and videos, which can be found in the product descriptions. If you plan on purchasing a tonneau cover, you may want to check out the installation guide for that specific cover. If you’re planning on buying a tonneau cover, but haven’t picked one out yet, take a look at these different tonneau cover categories.