DIY temporary tonneau / bed cover?

[Jack Smoke]

Here my attempt with vinyl privacy fence

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[Jack Smoke]

After the third or fourth plank I got a rhythm and technique figured out. First I cut the planks to 54 3/4” (hacksaw or jigsaw). Next I used a multi tool to cut a V notch out of the sides and plunge cut the thin internals and flip down inside the plank

 

[Jack Smoke]

Next I taped the edges closed. I also put a strip across the end

 

[Jack Smoke]

Surprisingly, 9 planks fit perfectly, I put the tongue edge toward the cab. When I close the tailgate, it presses the tongue into the groove. Took about 1 1/2 hours.

 

[jbowen52]

Been raining quite a bit here in sunny SoCal. Happy with the weatherproofing thus far from this tonneau. Water drops in bed resulted from the gate being opened for the photo and was not there prior.

Just what I was hoping to see, thanks.

 

[Collyay]

Here my attempt with vinyl privacy fence

Looks good - might be a bit cleaner than mine. How are they sliding in and out?

 

[Jack Smoke]

They went in pretty easy, haven’t had a cause to take them out yet. I cut the V notch in the edges about 2” deep. It collapsed pretty easy. There are some open areas along the tongue and groove edges that could allow moisture into the inside of the planks. But, it’s a temporary cover. Once the manual covers are released, I’ll make a decision on wether to go with Rivians solution or custom build a wooden cover or seaboard.

 

[Jack Smoke]

Nothing like a 90k car with a $100 accessory.
I like your style.

Customization is part of car culture. I just need to figure out where to put my chrome exhaust tips

in seriousness I’ve got a plan in my head for a permanent DIY, in case Rivians fix is poorly made or ridiculously expensive

 

[foxerson]

For those of you that have installed a DIY tonneau cover, I am curious if you have seen a range/efficiency improvement. In theory it should make a difference. What is the reality?

 

[Bf3]

My crack at a tonneau. Pretty happy with how it’s turning out. I’d still rather have a powered cover, but I think this should work. Powder coated aluminum fence panels with hdpe slides.

 

[Prime]

My crack at a tonneau. Pretty happy with how it’s turning out. I’d still rather have a powered cover, but I think this should work. Powder coated aluminum fence panels with hdpe slides.

Wow that looks stock! Great work

 

[Alan]

I was just about to go pick up the vinyl fencing, but I'm impressed with the look of yours. I'm confused as to the hdpe slides, can you explain? I looked it up, but I don't think a "Climb and Slide" is it. Also, I removed the manual tonneau from my order just before delivery and my guide said that I am no longer able to get the early price, so the mystery manual tonneau is $1800. This could be permanent.

 

[dga965]

Very interested in this as well. @Bf3, please post details as to source materials, modifications, installation etc. Looks great. More a permanent solution than a temporary fix.

 

[dga965]

@Bf3, by chance are you using these?:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Veranda...Aluminum-Metal-Fence-Panel-EF-00308/205625711

They look to be too thick (5/8"?) for the existing rails, but it would be great if they work.

 

[mabowden]

My crack at a tonneau. Pretty happy with how it’s turning out. I’d still rather have a powered cover, but I think this should work. Powder coated aluminum fence panels with hdpe slides.

You can't post this without a bit more details This is the best looking solution we've seen!

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