Bed cover options

[barch97]

I picked up a cheapo low-profile vinyl tonneau on ebay a couple months back. I really like having it on for my commute during the week. I like to think it's helping fuel efficiency though I haven't observed any consistent improvement... yet. It also gives the truck, and the bed area in particular, a cleaner look and prevents the occasional passerby dropping their trash in the back (I'm not kidding, people can be just that rude).

Anyway, on the weekends more often than not I need the bed to haul a load of leaves and yard waste to the recycling center. And even once the leaves have all been cleared, there's the cans, bottles, plastic, cardboard, newspapers, etc. So, I need to remove the cover to load the truck. This one is held on by aluminum C-clamps with a thumb screw to tighten into position. I had such a time stretching the vinyl to fit the frame the first install that I've been afraid to pull the rubber bead from the channel since. So, I've been climbing into the bed under the cover in "limbo stick" position and backing in far enough to loosen the front clamps.

I really should have held out for the hard folding cover I wanted initially but this one was under $100 and that one is WAY over $100. So, for the time being anyway, I'm giving this one a shot.

Does anyone know of a product or have any suggestions for modifying my current setup to make removal and reinstall of the cover less cumbersome? maybe a spring snap lock on the clamps instead of the thumbscrews?

[F9K9]

Am confused or don't understand the question. Why do the rails need to come off?

I've hauled mulch in mine with my cheapo trucktech cover by unsnapping the cover, removing the supports and the piece over the tailgate.

I do duct tape the anchor holes in my bed liner to keep that dyed mulch from getting between the bed and liner.

[jeff024]

I have a cover with almost the same setup , just start at 1 corner and pull up on the cover I havent had a problem with mine , but for putting it back on my Tail Rail unhooks to get the cover tight it sorta rolls down to snap back in place .

[barch97]

Am confused or don't understand the question. Why do the rails need to come off?

I had such a time stretching the vinyl to fit the frame the first install that I've been afraid to pull the rubber bead from the channel since.

I have a cover with almost the same setup , just start at 1 corner and pull up on the cover I havent had a problem with mine , but for putting it back on my Tail Rail unhooks to get the cover tight it sorta rolls down to snap back in place .

Yeah, I'm not so concerned about getting it off. But, not looking forward to trying to get it back on.

[Walt]

I don't know if this is possible with the type of cover you're using, but have you thought about making a thin frame to stretch the canvas/material over? You could just make a box shape out of this aluminum or something. But then again it may not be possible depending on your cover.

[Rusty]

prevents the occasional passerby dropping their trash in the back (I'm not kidding, people can be just that rude).

And I though I was the only one who had that problem! Every pickup truck I've ever owned has at one time or another been somebody's "personal dumpster". I just wish I could catch one of them in the act, just once. This is the biggest reason I got a bed cover for mine!

[HenryJ]

I don't really have a clear picture of what your cover looks like, so this may not be an option that you could adapt?

My friend with THE upholstery shop has a cover for his truck that is stretched over an aluminum frame. His also has three pieces that are attached to the bedrails. The one in the front holds the front down. You place the cover over it and slide it back to hook it. The sides just keep it properly aligned. At the back two latches secure it.

It is something that He "home built", but there again that is why I like his work

I don't know what your frame consists of , but couldn't a piece of aluminum be formed for attaching to the top front of the bed. Make it fit inside the frame with a lip that just hooks over the inside. The side woulde be easy since they would not need to hook, just align. Then you could either reuse your c-clamps at the back , or install some latches.
I have used the older , '70's seat belt latches on the inside to eliminate the chains on a '59 Chevy Fleetside. They make a clean rattle free attachment.

Just some food for thought

[barch97]

ah yes... you may be on to something there. Just hook uner in the front and clamp tight in back (easy to access the clamps with tailgate open). the only trouble is that there's no lip to hook under along front.

[HenryJ]

...the only trouble is that there's no lip to hook under along front.

Can one be added/fabricated?

There is always a way. Look at the boat trailer dolly for inspiration

[barch97]

Yup yup... I think something could be bolted or clamped one pretty easily.

[barch97]

hmm... this may be more difficult than I had originally anticipated. The cross bows that support under the vinyl sit on the c-clamps. They're not long enough the reach the frame without the c-clamp present. So, I'll have to add some sort of bow mount if I remove the front (or rear) clamps.

Not impossible. Maybe just remove the thumb screw from the c-clamp and fasten the clamp to the frame rail. Just getting a little more involved.

[jeff024]

or $199.00 could get you a new 1 shipped and you wont have any troubles from it

[barch97]

Oh no... I think you may have misunderstood. The one I have opperates exactly as advertised. I don't mean to imply any dissatisfaction with it or its manufacturer.