DIY temporary tonneau / bed cover?

[Foobar]

Today is the day!

The package was received today - thanks again! The UPS guys did a number on the packaging, one end of it was already open with the tape having been torn through, but the contents remained intact unless there were more than two easter eggs included

The Tonneau Cover itself is perfect. It's absolutely solid in structure, fits like a glove, and makes no rattles at speed. It's not the cheapest option out there, but other than the stock powered tonneau cover from Rivian, nothing else matches the build quality and security of this cover.

I've been researching some neodymium magnet options that I might attach to the side pieces somehow so that they all lock in together without using the velcro strap, but I'm not sure there's enough space there to put powerful magnets that can handle the weight and movement. I'll see what I can come up with though and report back here if there's something easily done.

For anyone else still on the fence on a permanent solution, this is it. If you're looking for something temporary while you wait for Rivian's solution, well, maybe go with something cheaper, this thing will honestly outlast the truck.

Sponsored

 

[Bf3]

The package was received today - thanks again! The UPS guys did a number on the packaging, one end of it was already open with the tape having been torn through, but the contents remained intact unless there were more than two easter eggs included

The Tonneau Cover itself is perfect. It's absolutely solid in structure, fits like a glove, and makes no rattles at speed. It's not the cheapest option out there, but other than the stock powered tonneau cover from Rivian, nothing else matches the build quality and security of this cover.

I've been researching some neodymium magnet options that I might attach to the side pieces somehow so that they all lock in together without using the velcro strap, but I'm not sure there's enough space there to put powerful magnets that can handle the weight and movement. I'll see what I can come up with though and report back here if there's something easily done.

For anyone else still on the fence on a permanent solution, this is it. If you're looking for something temporary while you wait for Rivian's solution, well, maybe go with something cheaper, this thing will honestly outlast the truck.

Thank you! I’m so glad your cover made it ok. Magnets are a great idea, but I haven’t tried using them myself. If you were so inclined, you could probably pop the plastic slides out of the ends, then glue the magnets into the hollows of the aluminum extrusion. The slides are attached to the aluminum with VHB tape, and could be easily reattached.

 

[Foobar]

Thank you! I’m so glad your cover made it ok. Magnets are a great idea, but I haven’t tried using them myself. If you were so inclined, you could probably pop the plastic slides out of the ends, then glue the magnets into the hollows of the aluminum extrusion. The slides are attached to the aluminum with VHB tape, and could be easily reattached.

Good idea, I’ll see if that offers some options.

By the way, the included quick guide sheet suggested inserting one side of the small slat then sliding the opposite corner into the other side rail. I just started at the tail of the bed and slid it all the way forward evenly just like the larger slats. Seems to have worked fine - did I do that wrong?

 

[obfuscurity]

Aww man, I was finally ready to pull the trigger on this tonneau after seeing @Bf3's truck in person this weekend. Now I see they're sold out.

 

[Phatman113]

Aww man, I was finally ready to pull the trigger on this tonneau after seeing @Bf3's truck in person this weekend. Now I see they're sold out.

If you're reasonably handy, they're not too difficult to make... (though, I'm sure Bill makes them WAAAAAY better than I did...)

 

[Bf3]

Aww man, I was finally ready to pull the trigger on this tonneau after seeing @Bf3's truck in person this weekend. Now I see they're sold out.

Thanks man, glad you liked it. Sorry, website is fixed. They’re not sold out I just forgot to update Shopify.

 

[limestoneR1T]

Thanks man, glad you liked it. Sorry, website is fixed. They’re not sold out I just forgot to update Shopify.

Just placed an order. Can’t wait to get a tonneau cover and this just seems to be best option for me.

 

[Alan]

If not powered, why not use the wood shop and power tools. Thanks for the inspiration.

 

[foxerson]

Just placed an order. Can’t wait to get a tonneau cover and this just seems to be best option for me.

@Bf3 Are you still offering the UHMW slides for sale? They are currently showing as sold out on the website. I would like to build a cover following your formula but the slides look like a hassle. Yours look a lot more refined than what I think I could accomplish.

 

[Bf3]

@Bf3 Are you still offering the UHMW slides for sale? They are currently showing as sold out on the website. I would like to build a cover following your formula but the slides look like a hassle. Yours look a lot more refined than what I think I could accomplish.

I will, but just don’t have any at the moment. Working hard to get out the covers that I have on order. Should be caught up s00n.

 

[R1EV]

What about PVC siding that is used on homes? I think that has a tongue and groove to help with interlocking the panels...

It would be too flimsy no? ABS plastic seems to be the way to go IMO.

 

[foxerson]

Caved today and invested $90 and a couple of hours in a cheap and easy plywood cover. Decided not to paint it because it really is just a temporary fix while I gather the materials to build nice one out of aluminum fence panels ala @Bf3.

 

[Perry24r]

I stopped by the SC on the way back from getting my ceramic done Saturday for them to reinstall my front plate. My tonneau from @Bf3 was noticed and liked quite a bit. "He can quit his day job".

 

[eRacer]

I will, but just don’t have any at the moment. Working hard to get out the covers that I have on order. Should be caught up s00n.

I’m also in for a set if/when they become available please.

 

[limestoneR1T]

Finally got a tonneau cover and I’m completely amazed by this DIY build. Arrived yesterday and packaged well. As others have stated that it’s not the cheapest route but I absolutely believe it’s worth it. Had a hard tonneau cover on my 04’ Tundra so I definitely had to have one for my R1T. Yes, automatic would of been sweet but I’m satisfied.

Thank you, Bill! You did an amazing job and can’t thank you enough.

Sponsored