How-To Install Your Tonneau Cover For Your Truck

If you have a pickup truck it might be time to think about installing a tonneau cover for the cargo bed. In the past tonneau covers were mainly installed by drilling lots of holes in your truck bed to place snap-on connectors. Then you would stretch a fabric cover over the bed and snap down all the little buttons. It was tedious while also being effective. But great leaps have been made in tonneau  design and technology that allow for much simpler tonneau cover installation and use. So check out how to install a typical tonneau cover on a truck bed.

Why Install A Tonneau Cover?

The most basic function of a tonneau cover is to protect the cargo bed area of your pickup truck. Rain, sleet, snow, leaves and road grime can all collect in the nooks & crannies of your truck bed making for a mess over time. On the flip side, if you use your work truck for messy jobs a tonneau cover can hide things making for a more professional appearance on the job site. Some tonneau covers can provide a rigid lockable barrier to protect cargo from theft, just keeping your cargo out of the sight of prying eyes can help with theft deterrence. Another benefit is potential savings at the gas pump thanks to a more streamlined profile that a tonneau cover gives to your truck bed. Smoother air flow means less wind resistance and better gas mileage.

Tonneau Cover Types

There are four major types of a tonneau covers commonly found on the market:

• Hard Top Tonneau Covers – These covers are usually a single large slab of fiberglass fitted to the truck bed. They are commonly hinged at the end closest to the truck cab to allow access to the truck bed. While they are great at enclosing the cargo area, they may need to be propped open or even removed for hauling large cargo.
• Soft Top Tonneau Covers – This is the classic fabric cover that many may recall seeing for decades. Most manufacturers have moved past the old button snap-on installation method. Removal is time consuming but gives full access for large cargo.
• Folding Tonneau Covers – These tonneau covers can have rigid or fabric sections that allow quick access to the cargo area without having to lift or remove the entire cover. The tonneau cover can be opened as far as needed, or stowed out of the way against the passenger cab when full cargo access is needed. Hauling large cargo is no problem when necessary.
• Retractable Tonneau Covers – These tonneau covers work like a roll-up garage door, but laid horizontally. The cover itself is made up of flexible sections or tough fabric that simply slides toward the passenger cab whenever you need cargo area access. Some versions are even powered!

Tonneau Cover Installation

Since there are several types of tonneau covers to choose from, we are going to focus on a popular BakFlip MX4 tonneau cover install.

1. Measure your truck bed. You need to know the length and width of the bed so you can be sure to order the correct size. You also need to know your truck’s year/make/model, but that is easy. Depending on your truck’s options your bed length can vary, so measure it to be certain.
2. Once you have the tonneau cover that fits your truck, you will want to do a little pre-project cleaning. Clean all the truck bed rails so there isn’t any dust, dirt or mud to interfere with the weather seals. It also wouldn’t be a bad idea to clean out the truck bed so you have room to work in a clean space.
3. Take all the tonneau cover pieces out of the box and compare it to the packing list to make sure you have everything. You will also need a basic socket set, a work clamp, and a Phillips head screwdriver.
4. Install the bulkhead seal first.
5. Install the passenger side tonneau cover rail next. Make sure the prop rod is mounted to the inside of the truck bed and the silver elevator bolt channel is towards the cab. Make sure it is slid all the way forward into the bulkhead seal and laying flat on the bed rail cap.
6. Use a work clamp to temporarily hold the tonneau cover rail in place. Now place a supplied clamp between the prop rod mount and the cab (with the nut side facing in towards the bed) to begin securing the tonneau cover rail. Tighten the clamp bolt snugly.
7. Add the middle tonneau cover rail clamp next. Tighten the clamp bolt snugly.
8. Add the rear tonneau cover rail clamp. Tighten the clamp bolt snugly and remove the temporary work clamp.
9. Add the drain tube near the truck cab. This step may vary by truck model.
10. Install the driver side tonneau cover rail next. Make sure the prop rod is mounted to the inside of the truck bed and the silver elevator bolt channel is towards the cab. Make sure it is slid all the way forward into the bulkhead seal and laying flat on the bed rail cap.
11. Use a work clamp to temporarily hold the tonneau cover rail in place. Now place a supplied clamp between the prop rod mount and the cab (with the nut side facing in towards the bed) to begin securing the tonneau cover rail. Tighten the clamp bolt snugly.
12. Add the middle tonneau cover rail clamp next. Tighten the clamp bolt snugly.
13. Add the rear tonneau cover rail clamp. Tighten the clamp bolt snugly and remove the temporary work clamp.
14. Open the tonneau cover and place it on the rails with the front hinge panel nearest the cab.
15. Install the buckles, making sure the open end faces the tailgate.
16. Install the elevator bolts but leave them slightly loose for adjustment later.
17. Unfold the entire tonneau cover and check the gap at the tailgate. There should only be ⅛” – ¼” gap between the tonneau cover panel and the tailgate. Push or pull the tonneau cover forward or back to get the correct gap.
18. Tighten the elevator bolts.
19. Fold three tonneau cover sections forward until only one section remains flat. Install the cab bumpers. These will protect the cab rear window from contacting the tonneau cover when it is folded completely open.
20. With the tonneau cover still folded forward, install the prop rods on both sides.
21. Add the drain tubes near the truck cab. This step may vary by truck model. Now you’re done!

If you are wondering how to install a tonneau cover with bed liner, the procedure is the same if it is a roll-in bed liner. If you have a drop-in bed liner you may have to modify it to allow access for the side rail clamps to attach.

Check out all the truck accessory products available on NAPAOnline or trust one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information on how-to install a tonneau Cover, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA Auto Parts store.

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.