Tonneau Covers - FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will using a tonneau cover improve my gas mileage?

Adding a tonneau cover to your truck will definitely improve your gas mileage—studies show between 5% and 10%.That's saving you 5% to 10% on what you pay in gas! With today's gas prices, that new tonneau cover you just purchased will pay for itself in a matter of just a few months. You can use this handy tool provided by Advantage Truck Accessories to calculate the amount of your fuel savings according to the miles you drive per year.

2. How difficult is the installation of a tonneau cover?

Each tonneau cover we sell at TonneauCovers4Less is designed to be installed at home with very little effort. Most of our tonneau covers use heavy-duty clamps for a simple, no-drill installation in as little as 10 minutes.

That said, if you go with something more intricate, your installation time may increase, or you may need a few screw drivers. Some hard tonneau covers and retractable tonneau covers may require drilling.

3. How do I clean my hard-top tonneau cover?

Wash your hard-top tonneau cover as you would wash your truck, but be sure to refer to the manufacturer's guide for any special instructions.

4. How long will my soft-top tonneau tarp last?

The life of your tonneau cover tarp will depend on how well you care for it . Follow the manufacturer instructions for tarp care to get long life and great looks out of your new tonneau cover.

5. How do I clean my tonneau cover tarp?

Please see our Tonneau Cover Cleaning and Care Guide..

6. Will a tonneau cover scratch my paint?

The best way to avoid scratching or otherwise damaging your paint when installing or using your tonneau cover is to carefully follow the manufacturer's installation, use and care instructions. With normal installation and use, your new tonneau will not scratch or otherwise damage your paint.

7. Will my tonneau cover work with my bed liner?

For most applications,a tonneau cover will accommodate your bed liner. Some over the rail bed liners may require slight modification or notching for a perfect fit with your new tonneau cover. Under the rail liners may need small shims for a flush fit.

8. Will my new tonneau cover keep me from opening and closing my tailgate normally?

All of the soft tonneau covers we carry allow full use of your tailgate without having to open the cover. A hard tonneau cover will overlap the top of your tailgate (this adds to the security and weather protection of the bed cover). Usually with these types of models, you have to unlock the cover and lift up slightly to open the tailgate. Most retractable tonneau covers lock to the side rails and will allow you to open the tailgate without having to unlatch the cover.

9. How secure will my valuables be in my truck bed after installing a tonneau cover?

Simple, non-locking soft tonneau covers provide the basic security of concealing your bed contents. It might not sound like much, but it's enough to keep people honest in most cases. That said, there's something that you can do to increase the basic security of a soft tonneau cover--you can add a tailgate locking system to your vehicle! Once the tailgate is locked, no one can get to the contents of your truck bed.

10. How well will a tonneau cover keep my truck bed dry?

Most soft tonneau covers are designed to channel water away from your truck bed, keeping your gear dry. And, some soft tonneau covers even come with a sealing strip by your tailgate for keeping moisture out.

Hard tonneau covers are usually equipped with weather-sealing layers underneath for a tight fit that stands-up to any amount of water. If ultimate weather protection is important to you, it's worth the extra cost for a weather-sealed hard tonneau cover.

11. Can I add accessories (i.e. spoiler, bike rack, rail bars, etc.) to my cover?

Modifing your tonneau cover will most likely void out your warranty. We do not recommend this, and is done at your own risk.

12. What if I need to use my entire truck bed for a large load?

Because most soft tonneau covers are manufacturered with a clamp-on rail system, they are easily removed if need be. The hard tonneau covers will be harder to remove, so take this into consideration when purchasing.

13. What if my new tonneau cover doesn't fit my truck?

Each of the tonneau covers we offer is custom made to fit your truck.The first thing you do when you run into a fitment problem is to double check the installation instructions to make sure your tonneau cover is on correctly. More often than not, this will solve the problem.

Next, make sure you ordered and received the correct tonneau cover for your specific year, make, model. If you're having trouble identifying your truck, refer to your owner's manual.

For other issues, or if you're having further problems with the above issues, please call our customer service team at 888-326-0054. We're standing by to help!

14. What if I get my tonneau cover, but decide I don't want it?

Our tonneau covers are returnable, as long as you do so within 30 days and the product is in original condition. You can call our customer service team at 888-326-0054 for further questions, or see our Return Form.

15. I've read all the information on tonneau covers, but still can't decide which one to buy. What should I do?

Call us! All of our customer service representatives are knowledgable and more than willing to help. Call 888-326-0054.