Yes, you can install a tonneau cover with a bedliner. Drop-in bedliners may require trimming for a proper fit. Spray-on liners are more compatible and don’t typically interfere with installation. Ensure the cover’s clamps work with your type of bedliner.
Understanding Tonneau Covers and Bedliners
What is a Tonneau Cover?
A tonneau cover is a protective shield that fits over the bed of a pickup truck. Its primary purpose is to safeguard cargo from theft and the elements.
When installed, it also enhances the vehicle’s aerodynamics, which can lead to improved fuel efficiency.
Diverse Types of Tonneau Covers
Tonneau covers come in various styles, each offering different levels of accessibility and security.
Soft covers are lightweight and more affordable, while hard covers provide stout protection. Folding covers can be partially or fully opened, roll-ups retract into a canister, and retractable covers slide back into a housing.
Defining Bedliners
A bedliner is a protective coating that covers the inner surface of a truck bed, shielding it from damage and corrosion. It helps to maintain the value of the truck by preventing dents, scratches, and rust.
Varieties of Bedliners
Bedliners are classed mainly into two types: drop-in, which are pre-formed plastic liners, and spray-on, which are applied directly to the truck bed creating a permanent protective layer.
Both types have their merits, with spray-on liners typically offering a more custom fit.
Combining Tonneau Covers and Bedliners
Utilizing both a tonneau cover and a bedliner delivers double protection for a truck bed, securing cargo while preserving the bed itself.
This combination is ideal for those who frequently use their trucks for hauling and wish to maintain their vehicle’s resale value.
Compatibility Considerations
Compatibility Factors Between Tonneau Covers and Bedliners
Compatibility hinges on factors such as the design of the tonneau cover, the type of bedliner, and the truck’s make and model. It’s crucial to ensure that the cover’s mounting system can work in tandem with the bedliner.
Installation Challenges
Common installation issues include misaligned or obstructed clamps and improper sealing due to the added thickness of a drop-in bedliner. These can often be overcome with minor adjustments or modifications.
Interactions Between Tonneau Covers and Bedliners
Different combinations of tonneau covers and bedliners interact in various ways. A spray-on liner usually presents fewer issues due to its conforming nature, whereas a drop-in liner might necessitate trimming or alterations for a snug fit.
Modifications for Certain Combinations
In some cases, installing a tonneau cover over a drop-in bedliner requires cutting notches or adding spacers to accommodate the cover’s clamps. Accurate measurements and careful cutting can ensure a successful modification.
Installation Process and Tips
General Installation Steps
The general process involves cleaning the truck bed, positioning the cover, securing the front and rear clamps, and making necessary adjustments to ensure a tight fit. It’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for the best results.
Special Instructions for Cover Types
Each type of tonneau cover might come with specific installation nuances. For example, a roll-up cover will require the installation of a canister, while a folding cover will need to have its panels correctly aligned.
Tips for a Proper Fit
To ensure a proper fit, double-check measurements before cutting, avoid overtightening clamps to prevent damage, and ensure seals are not obstructed by the bedliner. Patience and careful attention to detail are key.
Maintenance for Longevity
Regular maintenance includes checking for loose clamps, ensuring seals are intact, and cleaning both the cover and bedliner with appropriate products.
This upkeep will extend the life of both components and keep your truck looking great.
FAQs About Installing a Tonneau Cover with a Bedliner
Can you install a tonneau cover on a truck with a drop-in bedliner?
Yes, but you may need to trim the drop-in bedliner for the tonneau cover to fit properly.
Is it possible to install a tonneau cover with a spray-on bedliner?
Yes, spray-on bedliners generally do not interfere with the installation of a tonneau cover.
Do all tonneau covers fit with bedliners?
No, compatibility varies, so it’s important to ensure the cover’s clamps work with your specific type of bedliner.
Will I need special tools to install a tonneau cover with a bedliner?
Potentially, if you need to trim a drop-in bedliner, you might require tools for cutting, but typically no special tools are needed for the cover itself.
Does installing a tonneau cover over a bedliner affect the truck’s functionality?
Not usually, as long as the tonneau cover is properly installed, it should not interfere with the truck’s functionality.
Final Thoughts
Installing a tonneau cover alongside a bedliner is feasible. Drop-in liners might necessitate modifications for a snug fit, while spray-on liners typically pose no issues during the process.
It’s crucial to verify that the cover’s clamping mechanisms are compatible with the specific bedliner you have in your truck.
