Tonneau Cover Installation Questions

[JDW]

Hi folks. This is my first Ford and the bed caps have me confused.

I want to mount a tonneau cover but there are warning not to mount anything direct to the bed caps, which is exactly where a tonneau cover goes. This is odd.

I'm pretty sure I'll need metal spacers between the side of the plastic bed cap and the metal bed structure so the tonneau's clamps will have something to clamp down on.

Will I need to do something along the top of the bed caps? I've read here that people are putting spacers along the top too, but I think this is more for when mounting a bed cap/camper which would be much heavier.

Any input is appreciated. Thanks

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[RangerDangerStranger]

I just installed one. they're fine along the plastic covers. Now a Bed Cap- No. But a Tonneau cover is fine.

 

[GLW]

Hi folks. This is my first Ford and the bed caps have me confused.

I want to mount a tonneau cover but there are warning not to mount anything direct to the bed caps, which is exactly where a tonneau cover goes. This is odd.

I'm pretty sure I'll need metal spacers between the side of the plastic bed cap and the metal bed structure so the tonneau's clamps will have something to clamp down on.

Will I need to do something along the top of the bed caps? I've read here that people are putting spacers along the top too, but I think this is more for when mounting a bed cap/camper which would be much heavier.

Any input is appreciated. Thanks

What cover are you considering?

 

[CACTUSGREYFX4]

Mine is also on top don't worry about it.

 

[Trigger24]

I left the plastic covers on. Just be sure that you do not clamp where the metal bed rails are open. If you feel underneath the rail you will notice what is solid and what is not.

 

[Jason B]

Something like Gator SRX ($249) or Truxedo LoPro ($580) will fit inside the bed rails, not on top.

 

[JDW]

What cover are you considering?

Whatever I can find that's cheap. There's a bakflip from a 5th gen truck I'm looking at or some soft roll ups from Chevy mid size trucks.

It doesn't really matter though right? They all sit on top of the plastic bed caps and that is where I am wondering if I'll need to put spacers between the cap and the structural metal.

 

[JDW]

I just installed one. they're fine along the plastic covers. Now a Bed Cap- No. But a Tonneau cover is fine.

That's a nice looking tonneau. Can you post a link?

 

[GLW]

Whatever I can find that's cheap. There's a bakflip from a 5th gen truck I'm looking at or some soft roll ups from Chevy mid size trucks.

It doesn't really matter though right? They all sit on top of the plastic bed caps and that is where I am wondering if I'll need to put spacers between the cap and the structural metal.

I can only comment on the retrax as that is what I installed. It has four supplied corner brackets that support the cover. Incredible tonneau cover but not cheap.

I will offer you a suggestion that will save you considerable aggravation latter when you realize your new cover leaked. Do this for ANY cover you choose.

1. remove the plastic bed rail caps (you can find videos online, it’s not hard). Once you remove the caps you will be surprised how many holes are under the cap. Each of those holes is an opportunity for water/dust to get in your bed.
2. cover the holes with long strips of reflective duct tape. The rail clips will pierce the tape when you reinstall. Before reinstalling the caps,
3. Smear a good amount of clear silicone chalk on top of tape. The idea is to create a barrier. Don’t put so much on that it squeezes out when you put the caps on.
4. Now install your tonneau realizing you have a far less chance of water seeping under the rails.
5. research previous posts on how to seal your tailgate. It’s another problem area for water/dust to get in.

I wish I had know about all the holes under the plastic rails before I installed my cover. Hopefully this will help you.

good luck,

Gary

 

[RangerDangerStranger]

That's a nice looking tonneau. Can you post a link?

I found it to be about an inch short of where i'd like it to be, length wise, but it does seal front and back, but Barely. Other than that, it's about 1/3 of the cost of an eqv rollup cover, Quality is first rate.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKFH3R9J?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

 

[Jimrfox]

Hi folks. This is my first Ford and the bed caps have me confused.

I want to mount a tonneau cover but there are warning not to mount anything direct to the bed caps, which is exactly where a tonneau cover goes. This is odd.

I'm pretty sure I'll need metal spacers between the side of the plastic bed cap and the metal bed structure so the tonneau's clamps will have something to clamp down on.

Will I need to do something along the top of the bed caps? I've read here that people are putting spacers along the top too, but I think this is more for when mounting a bed cap/camper which would be much heavier.

Any input is appreciated. Thanks

Just installed the BakFlip on my RR. No problem mounting as per instructions. Seen a couple MPG increase since I installed it.

 

[iamweasel]

Just installed the BakFlip on my RR. No problem mounting as per instructions. Seen a couple MPG increase since I installed it.

Did you seal the bed rail caps since the Bakflips mount inside of them and don't cover the caps?

 

[Jimrfox]

I am not sure why the concern with the bed rail caps, I have had three trucks that I have installed BakFlip covers on and all are about the same. The cover itself has seals that cover the top of the sides of the bed, itself. The inside of your bed is not going to stay as dry as the interior of the truck, there will be some water after a hard rain, especially if the vehicle is parked, However, it should not be enough to cause any problem with your cargo.

 

[JDW]

I am not sure why the concern with the bed rail caps, I have had three trucks that I have installed BakFlip covers on and all are about the same. The cover itself has seals that cover the top of the sides of the bed, itself. The inside of your bed is not going to stay as dry as the interior of the truck, there will be some water after a hard rain, especially if the vehicle is parked, However, it should not be enough to cause any problem with your cargo.

I'm concerned because the plastic bed caps are basically hollow.

 

[Jason B]

I'm concerned because the plastic bed caps are basically hollow.

It's not really a problem for a tonneau, many have done it.
If it does worry you, get one as I mentioned. They mount inside the rails, not on top.

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