If you’re looking to keep the contents of your truck bed secure from prying eyes and bad weather conditions, then a Lund Tonneau Cover is an excellent investment. Not only does it improve the aesthetics of your vehicle, but it also provides added protection for all your valuables.
While some tonneau covers can be quite complicated to install, a Lund Tonneau Cover is designed with ease of installation in mind. With just a few basic tools and some patience, you can have your new tonneau cover installed on your pickup truck in no time. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of how to install a Lund Tonneau Cover step-by-step so that by the end of it, you’ll be ready to take on this project like a pro!
Step 1: Prepare the Bed of the Truck
Before installing your Lund tonneau cover on your truck, it’s important to prepare the bed of the truck properly. This means removing any bed liners and cleaning the surface of the truck bed thoroughly.
First, remove any existing bed liners or covers from the truck bed. This will ensure that your tonneau cover will fit correctly and prevent any unwanted interference with other accessories you may have installed.
Next, clean the surface of the truck bed using a mild detergent and water solution. Make sure to remove all dirt and debris from both the interior and exterior surfaces of the bed. It’s also important to dry off any moisture with a clean towel before proceeding.
Once you have prepared your truck bed properly, you can move on to step 2: placing your Lund tonneau cover onto the bed of your truck.
Note: Make sure to follow all manufacturer instructions when installing your tonneau cover.
Remove any bed liner
Before placing the tonneau cover on your truck bed, it’s important to remove any existing bed liner. This will ensure that the cover fits securely and doesn’t shift or move around while driving. Follow these instructions for removing a bed liner:
- Remove any screws or bolts holding the liner in place using a wrench or screwdriver.
- Lift up and remove the liner from the truck bed.
- Use a scraper or wire brush to remove any remaining adhesive or debris from the surface of the truck bed.
Once you have removed the bed liner and cleaned off any residue, you can proceed with installing your tonneau cover.
Next, we’ll go over how to properly place and secure your tonneau cover onto your truck bed using rails and clamps.
Clean the surface of the truck bed
Before placing the Lund tonneau cover on the truck bed, it is important to clean the surface properly. This ensures that there is no dirt or debris that may interfere with the installation process or cause damage to your cover over time.
To start, remove any loose debris from the bed of your truck using a broom or vacuum cleaner. Next, use a gentle soap and water solution to clean the surface thoroughly. Be sure to rinse away any excess soap and dry off the surface completely before proceeding with installation.
Once you have cleaned and dried your truck bed, you can move onto attaching the rails of your tonneau cover. Follow the instructions provided carefully for best results. Most covers will come with clamps that hold them in place securely without damaging your vehicle’s paint job.
After securing the rails in place, you can position your Lund tonneau cover over them. Make sure that everything is aligned correctly before applying pressure to secure it in place with clamps. With everything done right, you will be able to enjoy maximum protection for whatever cargo you are carrying while making an impact on fuel economy by reducing aerodynamic drag.
In addition to cleaning and installing your new tonneau cover correctly, consider adding optional accessories like a tailgate seal or bed light for added convenience and functionality while on-the-go!
Step 2: Place Tonneau Cover
Once you have prepared the bed of your truck, it’s time to place the tonneau cover. Before laying down the cover, make sure you have read the instructions thoroughly to avoid any mistakes during installation.
Place the tonneau cover on top of the truck bed, making sure that it is centered and straight. After positioning it correctly, attach the rails to both sides of your truck bed using clamps and screws provided with your tonneau cover.
It’s important to ensure that everything is properly aligned before tightening any screws or clamps as this can affect how well your cover fits on the truck bed. Start with loosely attaching each clamp at first and then tighten them gradually while checking for proper alignment until they are secure enough.
Once you have finished installing all clamps and rails in their places as per instructions, double-check tightness and alignment before proceeding further with securing a tonneau over.
Place the Tonneau Cover on the truck bed
Once you have prepared the bed of your truck, it’s time to place the tonneau cover. First, make sure you have read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and understand how to properly install the cover.
Next, position the tonneau cover on top of the truck bed and align it straight with the rails. Make sure that it sits flush against the cab of your truck.
Now attach both rails to either side of your truck bed. Adjust them as needed until they are aligned with each other and secure them in place using clamps provided by your manufacturer. Start by loosely attaching one clamp at a time, making adjustments as necessary before tightening down all clamps firmly. Avoid overtightening or loosening each clamp- over-tightening could damage or break plastic components while under-tightening can cause leaks.
It is essential to double-check that everything is lined up correctly before tightening any bolts or screws completely.
By following these simple steps, you should be able to easily install a Lund Tonneau Cover onto your truck bed without any significant issues! So what are you waiting for? Install one today and enjoy improved security for items stored in your vehicle!
Attach the rails to the bed
Once you have placed the tonneau cover on the truck bed, it is time to attach the rails to the bed. Follow these instructions carefully:
- First, locate the rail brackets that came with your tonneau cover kit. The rail brackets should align with pre-drilled holes in your truck bed.
- Place one rail bracket at a time and slide it into its corresponding hole in your truck bed.
- Once each bracket is in place, secure it using clamps provided with your tonneau cover kit.
- Make sure that each bracket is properly aligned before tightening down the clamps.
- Repeat this process for each rail bracket until both rails are securely attached to the bed of your truck.
Attaching the rails may seem like a simple step, but it is crucial for ensuring that your tonneau cover stays securely in place while driving or during inclement weather conditions. Following these instructions will ensure that you install your Lund Tonneau Cover correctly and without any issues related to misplaced or misaligned attachments.
Next up: we’ll discuss how to position and secure your new tonneau cover onto your newly attached rails!
Step 3: Secure the Tonneau Cover
Once you have positioned your tonneau cover in the desired location, it’s time to secure it using clamps. Before installing the clamps, ensure that all rails are properly attached to the truck bed as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Start by placing a clamp on one end of the rail and tightening it until it is snug against the tonneau cover. Repeat this process for all remaining clamps, making sure that they are evenly spaced along both sides of the rail.
It is essential to tighten each clamp gradually rather than over-tightening any single clamp right away. This will help distribute pressure evenly across all attachment points and prevent any potential damage or warping.
Finally, give your tonneau cover a thorough check-up before taking your truck out onto the road. Ensure that there are no gaps between the rails and covers where water could seep through while driving in wet conditions.
Now that you’ve secured your tonneau cover with proper clamping techniques let’s move ahead to step 4 and explore some optional accessories you can add to enhance its functionality even further.
Position the tonneau cover in the desired location
Once you have attached the rails to the bed of your truck, it’s time to position the tonneau cover in the desired location. This step is crucial because a misaligned cover can cause leaks or damage to your truck.
First, carefully place the tonneau cover on top of the rails and make sure it is aligned with the sides of your truck bed. Follow any specific instructions provided by Lund for properly aligning their covers.
Next, use clamps to secure each side of the tonneau cover to the rails. Make sure that each clamp is snug but not too tight as this can damage both your cover and bed.
It’s important to take some time during this step to ensure everything is properly aligned before proceeding with securing all clamps. Take a few steps back and double-check that everything looks good from multiple angles.
With your Lund tonneau cover now securely mounted onto your truck, you’re one step closer to enjoying its many benefits – including improved gas mileage and protection against theft or weather elements!
In our next section, we’ll discuss installing optional accessories like a tailgate seal or bed light which can further enhance protection for your cargo.
Use clamps to secure the cover
Once you have positioned the tonneau cover in its desired location and made sure that it is properly aligned with the rails, it’s time to secure it using clamps. Lund tonneau covers are designed to come with their own set of clamps and instructions for installation. Before attaching the clamps, make sure that they are clean and free from dirt or debris.
Start by placing the clamp over the rail and positioning it on top of the cover. Tighten the clamp finger-tight to hold it in place temporarily, making sure that it doesn’t shift during final adjustment. Once everything is in place, tighten each clamp down fully using a wrench or pliers as per instructions provided.
It’s important to ensure that all corners and edges of your truck bed cover are secured tightly so water cannot leak through any gaps between your truck bed rails/clamp assembly/cover fabric which could cause damage. Be careful not to over-tighten as this can deform your truck’s bed rails.
With these steps completed successfully, your Lund tonneau cover should now be installed securely on your truck bed ready for use!
Step 4: Add Optional Accessories
Now that you have successfully installed your Lund tonneau cover, it’s time to consider adding some optional accessories to enhance its functionality. Here are a few ideas:
- Tailgate seal: A tailgate seal can help keep moisture and dust out of your truck bed, ensuring that your cargo stays dry and clean.
- Bed light: Adding a bed light can make it easier to see in your truck bed at night or in low-light conditions.
When installing any additional accessories, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. It’s important to ensure that they are compatible with your tonneau cover and won’t affect its performance.
If you need additional clamps or rails for your cover, be sure to purchase ones specifically designed for Lund tonneau covers. Using the wrong size or type of clamp could compromise the integrity of the cover and put your cargo at risk.
Overall, adding optional accessories is a great way to customize your Lund tonneau cover and make it work even better for you. Just remember to always follow proper installation procedures and consult the instruction manual if needed before making any modifications.
Next up in our guide, we’ll discuss how to properly maintain and care for your new Lund tonneau cover so that it lasts as long as possible!
Install a tailgate seal
Installing a tailgate seal can help prevent dust, dirt, and moisture from entering your truck bed. It’s a simple and effective way to protect your cargo while also improving the overall look of your truck. Here are some instructions on how to install a tailgate seal:
- First, make sure that the area where you will be applying the seal is clean and dry. Use a cloth or rag to wipe away any dirt or debris.
- Next, remove the adhesive backing from one side of the seal and carefully apply it to the top edge of the tailgate.
- Continue applying the seal along both sides of the tailgate until you reach the bottom edge.
- Once you have applied the entire length of the seal, use a pair of scissors to trim any excess material.
- Finally, close your tailgate and double-check that there are no gaps between it and your tonneau cover.
By following these steps, you should be able to easily install a tailgate seal for added protection and improved aesthetics for your truck bed cover setup!
Next up in our installation guide: adding a bed light for increased visibility when accessing items at night time!
Install a bed light
Installing a bed light on your Lund tonneau cover can be a great addition to your truck setup. Not only does it provide extra illumination when working in the bed of your truck, but it can also improve safety and visibility at night.
To install a bed light, you’ll need to follow these steps:
- First, decide on the location where you want to mount the light. This will depend on personal preference and where you think the light will be most useful.
- Once you’ve decided on a location, use the instructions provided with your specific bed light kit to attach it securely to the tonneau cover rails or clamps.
- Make sure any wires or cables are properly connected and secured so that they won’t interfere with opening or closing the tonneau cover.
It’s important to note that not all Lund tonneau covers are designed for use with aftermarket accessories such as bed lights. Before purchasing a bed light kit, double-check that it is compatible with your specific Lund tonneau cover model.
By following these simple steps, you can easily install a bed light onto your Lund tonneau cover and enjoy improved visibility whenever you’re working in your truck’s cargo area.
Next up: we’ll explore some additional optional accessories that can enhance the functionality of your Lund tonneau cover even further.
Conclusion
Installing a Lund tonneau cover is not a difficult process as long as you follow the instructions carefully and take your time. The first step is to prepare the bed of your truck by removing any bed liner and cleaning the surface thoroughly. Then, you can place the tonneau cover on the truck bed and attach the rails securely. Once in position, use clamps to secure the cover tightly.
If desired, you can also add optional accessories such as a tailgate seal or bed light for extra convenience and functionality. With these steps completed, your Lund tonneau cover should be fully installed and ready for use.
Remember that it’s important to read through all instructions carefully before beginning installation to avoid any mistakes or mishaps. Following these steps closely will ensure that your tonneau cover works properly and provides maximum protection for your truck bed.
In summary, installing a Lund tonneau cover requires some careful preparation and attention to detail but is overall a straightforward process with clear benefits for protecting your truck from damage or theft.