We have discussed almost everything related to a truck bed cover – from proper purchase to using it, from maintenance to repair, etc.
Now, we will discuss the ways of installing them after purchasing. This is important because if not done properly, it might damage the object. Tonneau covers are expensive and thus installing them properly is vital.
Tonneau covers vary in size, designs, and models, but their installation is almost the same for all.
There are some unusual truck bed covers which have different kinds of installation and that will be mentioned in their manual. The installation process and method that we will discuss here work for almost all truck bed covers in general.
Installing soft tonneau covers is easier than the hard variants and takes about an hour by novices. Hard truck bed covers are not only hard on installation but quite heavy at the same time.
Installing cover rails
Check that the cover is compatible with the supplied parts like bed liners, bed rail caps, etc.
The basic rule is that during installation if a bed liner gets in the way, put a mark where you can fix a clamp or similar parts.
Also, if the liner covers across the rails, and the tonneau cover lies between the rails instead of above them, both the parts might not fit the truck. Bed rail caps generally don’t interfere with the installation. There might be fitting problems with diamond plate bed rails.
Opening the tailgate
You have to open the tailgate as a closed tailgate will interfere with truck cover installation.
At this stage, place a side rail loosely on the rail. Most tonneau covers come with two-bed rails and they should fit on the side or top of the truck’s bed rails.
Try placing the side rail flush to the bed rail’s front part, next to the cab. Use a spring clamp for maintaining the thing in place for some time. If possible, someone can hold it manually too.
Take note that if the truck cover doesn’t have rails, the cover must have clamps for swinging down from the underside the moment the cover is put in place.
Though these covers are not waterproof or very stable, they are easy to install and remove. A retractable tonneau comes in a canister. You might have to put it in position before placing the rails.
Place the canister beside the cab, on the edge of the bed rails. See that it is positioned perfectly before attaching the rails to the canister.
Clamp the side rail in place beside the cab
Clamp the side rail in the proper position beside the cab. You will have many toothed clamps in the installation kit. Use the clamp and fit it onto the underside of the side rail.
See that the teeth of the clamps are in alignment with the grooves, before tightening by hand. Use a wrench for further tightening so that you feel it pressing against the bed rail.
Use shims where required
Check below the rail to see if there is any gap. To fill in the gap, put shims evenly all along the bed rail. These are plastic or rubber spacers which align perfectly with the bed rails. If the gap is more than 10mm, you will need shim brackets.
Take off the rail, slide the shim brackets on the ends and space them evenly before reinstalling them.
Using additional clamps
Most installation kits come with 8 clamps (4 on each side). If the bed is short, you will need only 6 (3 on each side).
Attach them in the same way as done in the first, while evenly spacing them along the rails.
This method is however not applicable for a hardcover truck bed.
Repeat the process with the second rail
Just like the first rail, install the second rail.
Adjust the rails till they are flat and central
Adjust the rails till they are flat and centrally positioned in a manner that both the rails are parallel and perfectly balanced with one another. They should also be in the same line as the bed rails.
If required, loose the clamp a little and adjust the rails and re-clamp. If the rail is tilted, raise or lower the position of the clamp, while tightening the clamp.
Tighten the clamps fully
Once the rails are tightened, use a wrench and tighten the front clamp of every rail. Repeat the process with all the clamps while moving towards the truck door.
Summing it up
Using your truck Tonneau cover with care is necessary to prolong its longevity. This will help you get rid of problems related to both expanding and shrinking.
Last modified: June 4, 2025