Undercover truck bed covers are a popular accessory for pickup truck owners. These covers come in various styles, such as folding, rolling, or retractable designs, and are designed to keep valuable items safe and shielded from the elements.
But there are some undercover truck bed cover problems that you may experience, and they are something that you must be aware of to keep the bed cover in optimal condition.
Some of the common problems of undercover tonneau cover are seal issue, faulty installation, broken hinge etc. But don’t worry! By some simple steps, you can fix them easily at your home.
So, keep reading this article and know about the common problems of undercover truck bed cover and their solutions as well.
Common Undercover Truck Bed Cover Problems with Solutions
Undercover truck bed covers are popular among truck owners for their ability to protect cargo, improve fuel efficiency, and enhance the overall look of the vehicle.
However, like any automotive accessory, they can encounter problems over time. Please check out some of the undercover tonneau cover problems with their solutions.
Noise Issue
Problem: Truck bed covers can generate noise during highway speeds or windy conditions. It can be both annoying and distracting for the driver and passengers.
Causes
Inadequate Sealing: Poor sealing around the edges of the cover allows air to pass through, creating turbulence and noise.
Loose Hardware: Clamps, bolts, or latches that are not securely tightened can vibrate and produce noise.
Lack of Wind Deflector: Some covers may not come with wind deflectors, which can help direct airflow more smoothly over the cover.
Solutions
Check the Seal: Ensure the rubber seals around the cover are in good condition and replace them if damaged or worn.
Tighten Clamps and Bolts: Regularly inspect and tighten all clamps and bolts to secure the cover firmly.
Install a Wind Deflector: If your cover doesn’t have one, consider adding a wind deflector to reduce wind noise.
Broken Hinge
Hinges are vital components that allow the cover to pivot and open, but they can break over time.
Causes
Frequent Use: Frequent opening and closing of the cover can put stress on the hinges.
Lack of Lubrication: Insufficient lubrication can lead to increased friction and hinge wear.
Solutions
Replace the Hinge: If a hinge is broken, obtain a replacement from the manufacturer or authorized dealer.
Lubricate Hinges: Apply a silicone-based lubricant to the hinges regularly to reduce friction and prevent future breakage.
Avoid Overloading: Be mindful of the weight and distribution of cargo on the cover to prevent excessive stress on the hinges.
Rivets Sheared
Rivets secure various components of the truck bed cover, and when they shear or loosen, it can lead to issues with the cover’s structural integrity.
Causes
Vibration and Movement: Vibrations from driving and movement of the cover can weaken or shear rivets.
Inadequate Fastening: Insufficient torque or the absence of lock washers during installation can lead to rivet loosening.
Solutions
Replace Damaged Rivets: If you notice sheared or loose rivets, replace them with new ones of the same size and material.
Regular Inspection: Periodically inspect rivets for any signs of damage or loosening and address them promptly.
Use Lock Washers: When replacing rivets, consider using lock washers to provide additional security against loosening.
Seal Issue
A proper seal is crucial for preventing water, dust, and debris from entering the truck bed, and seal issues can compromise cargo protection and security.
Causes
Seal Wear and Tear: Rubber seals can degrade over time due to exposure to weather and UV rays.
Misalignment: Improper alignment of the cover can cause gaps that compromise the seal.
Solutions
Clean and Maintain Seals: Regularly clean the rubber seals and apply a silicone-based seal conditioner to keep them pliable and effective.
Replace Damaged Seals: If seals are cracked, torn, or degraded, replace them with new ones from the manufacturer.
Check for Alignment: Ensure that the cover is properly aligned and latches securely to maintain a tight seal.
Problem with Installation
Incorrect or incomplete installation can lead to various issues with the undercover truck bed cover.
Causes
Failure to Follow Instructions: Not adhering to the manufacturer’s installation guidelines can result in misalignment and other problems.
Lack of Expertise: Inexperienced DIY installation may lead to errors in securing the cover properly.
Solutions
Refer to the Installation Manual: Carefully read and follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions to ensure a correct fit.
Professional Installation: If uncertain about the installation process, consider having the cover professionally installed by a reputable automotive shop.
Regular Inspection: Periodically check for any signs of misalignment or loosening caused by installation errors and correct them as needed.
What Ruins Truck Bed Covers
Truck bed covers serve as valuable accessories to protect cargo, enhance security, and improve fuel efficiency. Several factors can damage or degrade your truck bed cover over time. Check out some reasons why the truck bed covers get damaged.
- Weather Exposure: Constant exposure to sunlight, rain, snow, and extreme temperatures can deteriorate truck bed covers over time. UV rays can cause fading and cracking, while moisture may lead to rust or corrosion.
- Improper Installation: Incorrect installation can result in gaps, loose fittings, or misalignment, allowing dust, water, or debris to infiltrate the truck bed.
- Neglecting Maintenance: Regular maintenance is essential to prevent wear and tear. Failure to clean and lubricate moving parts can lead to friction and damage.
- Overloading: Exceeding the weight capacity recommended by the manufacturer can strain the truck bed cover’s hinges, seals, and latches, causing premature failure.
- Impact Damage: Accidental collisions with objects, low-hanging branches, or even hailstorms can dent or puncture the cover, compromising its integrity.
- Incompatible Cargo: Transporting sharp or abrasive cargo without proper protection can scratch or tear the cover’s surface.
- Inadequate Cleaning: Using harsh chemicals or abrasive tools during cleaning can scratch or fade the cover’s finish.
- Aging Materials: Over time, materials like vinyl or fiberglass may degrade due to natural wear, reducing their ability to withstand harsh conditions.
Following basic maintenance tips, using high-quality, durable materials suited for your climate, and avoiding overloading or misuse of your cover will help ensure it lasts for years to come.
Pro Maintenance Tips to Undercover Tonneau Covers
It’s an important task to keep your undercover truck bed cover in good working shape. This is why you should maintain your truck bed covers properly. Follow some tips to do it:
Lubricate the Hinges and Seals
Every few months, lubricate the hinges and seals on your cover with a silicone spray lubricant or wax. This will prevent squeaking, keep the cover opening and closing smoothly, and help the seals last longer.
Tighten Loose Parts
If you notice any loose rivets, screws or other fasteners on your cover, tighten them up right away. Loose parts can lead to leaks, and in severe cases can cause parts of the cover to detach or break off completely. It’s an easy fix, so check for looseness whenever you’re loading or unloading items from the bed.
Clean and Re-treat the Tarp
For covers with a vinyl or canvas tarp, clean the tarp at least once a year and re-treat it with a UV-protectant spray-on treatment. This removes built-up dirt and grime, prevents fading from sun exposure, and helps the tarp stay water-resistant. Follow the directions on the product to properly clean and re-treat your specific tarp material.
Check and Re-seal Seams
Inspect the seams and edges of your cover, especially around corners and hinges, for any signs of wear or damage. Re-seal them with a waterproof sealant tape or caulk to prevent leaks. This step, combined with lubricating the seals, will help maximize the lifespan of your cover.
Cost of Repairs
Minor repairs and maintenance you can easily do yourself, but for bigger issues, expect to pay between $75 to $250 to have a professional service your undercover truck bed cover, depending on the specific problem and your location. It’s worth the investment to keep your cover in good working order and prevent more costly damage down the road.
Average Service Cost of Repair Undercover Truck Bed
The cost to fix common Undercover tonneau cover problems can vary depending on the specific issue and severity. Here are some average service rates you can expect:
Seal replacement: $75-$200
If your tonneau cover is leaking at the seams or corners, the seal or weather-stripping likely needs to be replaced. This typically takes 1-2 hours of labor and materials cost around $25-$75.
Hinge repair: $100-$350
Broken or malfunctioning hinges that attach the tonneau cover to your truck bed rails will need to be repaired or replaced. Parts may be $50-$200 each, and 2-4 hours of labor around $100-$150 per hour. Total cost will depend on how many hinges need fixing.
Rivet replacement: $200-$500
If the rivets holding your tonneau cover together have sheared or popped off, they’ll need to be drilled out and replaced. This can take 3-6 hours to do properly and uses $3-$5 in rivets per rivet replaced. The exact number of rivets needed depends on your specific tonneau cover model.
Noise reduction pads: $50-$200
Squeaking, rattling or flapping noises coming from your tonneau cover can often be fixed by installing noise reduction pads, bumpers or insulation strips. Self-adhesive pads that you apply yourself will be on the lower end of the cost range. Having a pro install custom pads will be $150-$200.
Final Thought
Though undercover tonneau covers are built tough, frequent use and exposure to the elements means problems can crop up over time. But overtime it can get damaged with rough use or poor maintenance.
In this article, we tried to share some of the common undercover truck bed cover problems with their solutions that you can experience. with some basic maintenance and by catching issues early, you can keep your cover in working order for years to come.
Take care of your cover and it will take care of you, protecting your truck bed and everything in it. Stay on top of any problems and your Undercover cover will continue to serve you well for miles and miles down the road.
