Installing a Truck Bed Cover

A truck bed cover has many advantages for the truck owner. You can get truck bed covers to increase gas mileage, protect equipment, conceal items to increase security, keep items dry, or just for looks. Many people purchase truck bed covers and have them installed at the dealer, while others prefer to do the work themselves. If you are considering adding a truck bed cover to your vehicle, here are a few things to keep in mind regarding the installation.

Experience Required

You do not need to be a pro to install a truck bed cover. You may, however, need the help of at least one of your friends to lift the cover and to ensure that you are evenly attaching it to the truck bed. With many truck cover models you will only need a few tools. A screw driver and a wrench should be enough for most covers. You may find that for some covers you will need a drill and special drill bit for making additional holes in the truck bed. This is usually the case for the more secure covers available. The instructions listed with the bed cover kit will cover all the tools you may need. Most of the tools can be purchased at any auto parts store or home improvement warehouse.

Modifications

To install your new truck cover you may find that some alterations need to me made to the liner or the bed itself. Some covers will require you to drill additional holes into the bed. Other covers may require you to notch out parts of your bed liner. The alterations will not take away from the look of your truck if you do them correctly. Before you start drilling holes in to the bed, be sure it isn't going to void any warranties you may have on the body of the truck. Many insurance companies also need to be notified of any modifications you make.

The Time Involved

It can take anywhere from 10 minutes to over 2 hours to install your truck bed cover. It depends on the type of truck bed and how it's meant to be installed. Rolling bed covers will take the longest since you have to install rails along the side of the bed. A basic, flat bed cover will take the shortest amount of time since you only need to place it and bolt it in to place. The more help you have, the faster it will go as well.

The Professional Installation Option

If you don't have help, the option to have a truck bed cover installed professionally is always there. Any auto body shop can do this relatively quickly. If you have a cover such as a rolling cover, this may be the best option. Be prepared to pay quite a bit extra for this type of installation. In most cases a professional will not be required, but it's nice to know it can be done if you don't have the time or patience to do the install yourself.