How to Install a Tonneau Cover: A Guide to Truck Bed Cover Installations

Whether you want to protect your payload or improve your ride’s aerodynamic design, a tonneau cover is a nice addition to your truck. But, if you have to pay a fortune to have the local auto shop complete the tonneau cover installation, the price adds up quickly. Here’s the lowdown on everything you need to know how to install a tonneau cover yourself.

Steps 1 - 4

Step 1. The first thing you’ll want to do is select the tonneau cover that’s the best fit for your needs and for your truck. See below for more info about which tonneau is best for you.

Step 2. Your tonneau cover should come complete with four rail bars, two of which fit on the long sides of your truck, and two that fit the short sides. There will also be internal rail bars that fit side to side in the back of the truck. Connect the short bars to the long bars to form a rectangle.

Step 3. Place the rectangular rail on the back of the truck and connect the latches to the screw holes in your sidewalls. The latch should pull down on the square rail bar and hold it in place. Then, tighten the screws.

Step 4. Depending on the style you choose, your tonneau cover can either snap into place on all of the rail bars, or lock into place on the back rail bar.

Finishing Your Truck Bed Cover Installation

Now that you know how easy it is to install your tonneau cover yourself, the decision shouldn’t be to buy or not to buy, but rather which tonneau to choose. Truck bed covers come in several different styles, in order to best meet your exact needs. From fiberglass hard covers to soft roll-up covers, there’s a tonneau cover made to fit your needs and your budget.

What's the Right Tonneau Cover for Your Truck?

Here at AutoAnything, we have a huge selection of tonneau covers to choose from, all crafted from the top names in the game, like Extang and Truxedo. If you’re looking for a folding cover, be sure to check out the Extang Trifecta or the BakFlip F1. If you want the looks and benefits of a hard top, but without the weight, check out the selection of Undercover tonneau covers.

If you’re still uncertain which tonneau is best for you, check out the tonneau cover reviews available on our website. You can see exactly what people are saying about the tonneau covers made for your exact truck, and you can read up on different styles, like the Extang Solid Fold Tonneau Cover or the Roll n Lock Tonneau Cover.