How To Install A Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover

You might be wondering about what a tri-fold tonneau cover is. A tri-fold tonneau cover is a type of cover that folds in three places. You might want to install a tri-fold tonneau cover if you want a tonneau cover that has access part of the truck bed. Confused? Okay, let us make it clear. When you need to access a part of the truck bed without exposing everything you are carrying, you’ll require a tri-fold tonneau cover.

Installing a tonneau cover is not that hard. With enough skill and time, you can install it at home. A tri-fold tonneau cover comes in both hard and soft types. Let’s have a look at the following procedure for both types and start installing your tonneau cover.

Things you will need:

• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Alcohol
• Drill Machine
• Bottlenose Plier

Preparation for the Installation

Firstly, apply the following steps for both hard and soft types of covers.

Step -1: Installation of the bed liner

Start by opening the tailgate; otherwise, it will reduce access to the truck bed. After that remove all screws and handles in the loading area. There might have holes and caps to attach the screws on some trucks. You can also drill to create holes into the truck bed if you don’t have those.

After bed liner installation, clean the truck bed with alcohol and let it dry. You can also use a cloth to make the process faster.

Step -2: Side rails installation

The first thing to do is to place the side rails on the bed rails. Most of the tonneau covers come with two side rails. If your cover doesn’t have those, use toothed clamps to attach the cover with the truck bed floor. You can change position to fit them into the right place. Tighten all the clamps to stabilize the side rails in their position. Do the same for the other side rail.

Final Installation

Now you are all set. It’s time to install your cover. Let’s do that for both types of covers.

Type -1: Hard tri-fold tonneau cover

Put the folded-up cover in place on the truck bed. Attach the cover from underneath using screws starting at the front towards the tailgate. Once it’s fit, tighten the screws using a screwdriver. Use rubber seals to make it water-resistant if there is any gap between the cover and the bed rails.

Type -2: Soft tri-fold tonneau cover

Put the cover in place over the truck bed on both sides. Use clamps to attach the cover with the bed rail and tighten them properly. You can change the position to fit the cover into the right position. Now, unfold the cover completely. To increase or decrease the tension, rotate the clamp clockwise or counterclockwise, respectively. Tighten or loosen the clamp to make sure the clamp is well-secured.

Congratulations! you have successfully installed your tonneau cover. You can now close your truck bed cover and tailgate.

How to remove tri fold tonneau cover

Conclusion

That’s how you can install your tonneau cover at home. Tri-fold and roll up materials are kinds of same, the installation process of roll-up cover is also easy. There can be some differences or modifications in the procedure for different models of truck or tonneau cover brands. It is recommended that you find out what truck model you have and the suitable tonneau cover for your truck. To do so, read the manual that came from the manufacturer with your tonneau cover. If your truck bed have leaking issue, you can also fix a leaking tonneau cover by yourself. For more assistance, leave a comment below.