If you are looking for how to fix a leaking tonneau cover, you have come to the right place with this article. When tonneau covers are not leaking, they are a great way to protect the bed of your truck, as well as cargo when you are dealing with rain, snow, or sleet. However, tonneau covers need to be checked for leaks quite often. As one of the most common problems, tonneau covers are notorious for leaks.
So, if you run into a problem of leakage, you need to find where the leak is coming from. From that point, you have to realize if you will be able to do the task or not. But, if you are a do-it-yourself (DIY) kind of person, you will be well on your way to finishing the task at hand. However, if you do not feel comfortable with the process, it may be time for a professional. Regardless of your decision, let us look at the step-by-step ways to fix a tonneau cover that is leaking.
How to Fix a Leaking Tonneau Cover: Step by Step Guide
#1 – Closing The Cover
To start, close your cover, but leave your tailgate open. This will give you a perspective as to where the leak is coming from. Then, you will need to get some help.
#2 – Partner Up
Now, go get your wife, child, friend, neighbor, etc. and have them help you with the very next step. Get your garden hose out. This will help you pretend it is raining. Also, a car wash can do the same thing as well. Make sure that the water is sprayed upwards to simulate rain. As the water falls naturally over your tonneau cover, you will start to notice a few things with your piece of truck equipment.
#3 – Checking The Problem
There are two ways that you can handle the next step. Firstly, you can use a phone flashlight or a traditional one to look inside your truck bed. This will help you get to the bottom of your problem.
Another way you can check for the problem is to use newspapers or cardboard to line the bed of your truck. As absorbent material, you will get to see where the water is coming from, to help you fix the leaking problem.
#4 – Marking The Leaking Spots
Now that you know where the leakage is coming from, mark the area with tape or with a pen. Then, you will be able to pinpoint the area where you need to fix the leak. This will save you time in the long run, as you spend the time early to reap the benefits later on.
#5 – Staying Away From Mistakes
So you do not run into mistakes while fixing your tonneau cover, get out a measuring tape to help you with the process. This will help make sure you are exactly in the area of your tonneau cover that needs fixing. At this point, this may be the most imperative step to fixing your tonneau cover. Since the leaking is between the panel of your truck and the tonneau cover, you will need to remove the cover altogether to work effectively and efficiently.
#6 – Leakage Around The Perimeter
If you leak around the perimeter of your cover, it is time to get some silicone or seals strips to add to the action. These can be a perfect fit for the process. By extending them around the cover length, you can assure that you will not leak anytime soon.
You may have multiple leaks. By lining the entire cover, you will not have to deal with more unwanted work sooner rather than later. Also, if you work on a small leak causing a bigger problem, you certainly will not be pumped for future fixes. You may even want to buy a whole new tonneau cover all together, wasting your time and money. Do not be that person.
But, what if you find a leak at the body of the cover? Then, you will certainly need silicone to fix the problem. Even duct tape could be your very best friend here.
#7 – Finishing The Fix
Now that you have fixed the problem or at least hope you did, it is time to do some testing. Get your water out again and see if your leak is sealed or not. If the leak is not sealed, then you will need to brainstorm the problem again, coming up with a solution involving silicone, seals, and/or duct tape.
Have you tried to fix the problem multiple times? The chances are you are dealing with fiberglass paneling that is complicated at best. This might be the time to get a professional on board. A kit to fix your tonneau cover will need things like polyester resin, a hardening solution, and a cloth to be the structural foundation to patch up your tonneau cover right.
But, if you have no more leaks, then you no longer have to complete the process. Hooray! Now, you can take your truck all around the joint and handle the elements like a champ.
Conclusion
Well, now that you have the leakage under wraps, you can start to focus on other important things. Fixing a tonneau cover is not the easiest thing on the planet. But, if you have the time to get the fixing done, go for it! You will be very pleased with your craftsmanship.
This way, your materials will stay dry, and so with your truck bed. Lastly, if you have come to this point, you have probably bought a bad tonneau cover. However, see if there is a warranty that may replace your cover. Then, you will not have to deal with any of the fixing issues. Best of luck as you fix your tonneau cover to perfection, keeping the rain away for good.