How to Clean Your Tonneau Cover
Tonneau covers are a practical addition to any pickup, providing your truck’s central cargo space–the bed–with exceptional protection against everything from thieves to extreme weather conditions!
Since tonneau covers play a vital role in protecting your valuables, properly caring for your bed cover is essential. With adequate maintenance, you can help to promote a long and reliable service life. In this article, we’re tackling bed cover cleaning and maintenance methods to keep your tonneau looking and operating like new!
Soft Roll-Up & Soft Folding ( Marine Grade Vinyl )
Both vinyl and canvas are textured, making deep cleaning to remove all dirt, dust, and debris challenging. As a result, we’ve found it best to use a soft-medium bristle brush to agitate dirt, pollen, and other micro-debris trapped within the stitches and textures of the fabric. However, it’s critical to use a brush that isn’t overly abrasive, as firmer brushes may abrade the tonneau cover’s surface, resulting in diminished shine, surface scratches, and a tarnished appearance.
It’s also important to be mindful when selecting your cleaners; before applying a product to your tonneau cover, always verify that the ingredients are compatible with vinyl and canvas to prevent damage. We typically recommend keeping distance from harsh cleaners, degreasers, waxes, and silicone-based dressings, as these chemicals are known to deteriorate vinyl and rubber surfaces. Instead, opt for a mixture of mild soap and water. If you forgo these recommendations, you may experience stiffening and cracking of your tonneau cover and void the manufacturer’s warranty.
Hard Folding Tonneau Cover ( FRP Panel )
Hard tonneau covers have fewer rules and stipulations for cleaning. Hard tonneau covers typically feature FRP panels with pp honeycomb structure, offering exceptional durability against impacts, abrasions, and UV damage. As a result, cleaning is generally a simple process. Utilizing either a soft-bristle brush or wash mitt, scrub the cover thoroughly to remove dirt and debris, rinse, and dry!
Hard tonneau covers also tend to be more resistant to chemicals; however, it’s always best to test an unknown cleaner in a small, inconspicuous area before use. While most carwash soaps are acceptable for tonneau covers, we’ll always recommend a mild soap without additional waxes or silicone dressings to prolong the life of seals.
Maintaining Your Tonneau Cover
Maintain Tracks, Hinges, and Latches
Like most mechanical components, tracks, hinges, and latches require routine maintenance to remain in proper working order. Inspect these components monthly, annually, or after a wheeling trip for excess dirt, debris, and dried grease that may impede functionality. If discovered, clean the areas with a mild cleaning solution and a detailed brush or toothbrush to remove all dirt and grime, rinse, and dry. Reapply a compatible lubricant if the components were previously lubricated, preventing wear and improving operation.
Don’t Overload Your Tonneau Cover
Nearly all tonneau covers have strict weight limits to prevent fatigue and other structural damage. Failure to abide by this limit whenever loading cargo onto the tonneau cover may void the manufacturer's warranty.
Check Your Tonneau Cover’s Mounting Hardware
Whether a tonneau cover mounts to your truck’s bed using C-clamps, hinged brackets, or quick-release knobs, it’s essential to verify your mounting hardware’s torque now and again. It’s not uncommon for hardware to loosen over time after thousands of miles of driving, bumpy roads, and engine vibrations. Failing to do so can lead to loose fasteners, shifting components, misalignment, and even unexpected removal from the bed!
