Tonneau Installation Tips

The procedures in this technical sheet involve fitting and installing a tonneau cover and may require punching holes and installing fasteners into the vehicle. If you are unsure of any procedure, lack the proper tools, or are uncomfortable performing the work, do not proceed.

Proper installation requires careful alignment, consistent tension, and appropriate handling of the cover material. Improper installation or excessive tension may result in poor fit, wrinkles, damaged fasteners, or damage to the tonneau or vehicle. Excessive or improper heating may permanently damage the material and may void applicable warranties.

When warming the cover in direct sunlight, use caution in hot weather, stay hydrated, and take breaks as needed. The use of heat guns or other concentrated heat sources is not recommended unless performed by an experienced professional.

Verify the correct fastener type and vehicle-specific installation requirements before drilling, punching, or modifying any part of the vehicle. When in doubt, seek assistance from a qualified technician or experienced upholstery/top installer.

The person performing the work assumes all responsibility for the use of the information contained in this document.

Identify the Correct Fasteners Type for Your Vehicle First (The portion of the snaps that require installation on the tonneau are usually supplied with the cover. All car installed portions of the attachment snaps would have to be purchased separately).

• Tenax fasteners (push on, pull off).
• Lift-the-Dot
• Button (female side) snap

Tools and Items Needed 

• Snap fasteners (often included)
• Snap installation tool (punch + die set)
• Masking tape or chalk
• Measuring tape

Lay Out and Warm the Cover

1. Unfold the tonneau and place it in direct sunlight for 30 minutes on a table or car so that you can keep it clean.

•  This process will allow the material to become flexible and expand slightly and should be repeated as needed throughout the installation process to keep the material pliable.

Position the Tonneau Precisely

• Lay the cover over the cockpit with the zipper centered on the transmission tunnel.
• If your tonneau has a zipper, make sure the zipper sits straight. If it is off-center now, the remainder of the installation will also be misaligned.

Anchor the Center First: starting at the front of the dash

1. It is important that you keep consistent tension on the tonneau throughout the installation process to avoid ripples or uneven fitment

• Identify the centerline of your tonneau. If your tonneau has a zipper, use it as a guide for alignment.

• Begin by identifying the front and rear center points of the tonneau. Proper center alignment is critical before installing any remaining fasteners.

• At the front of the dash, carefully locate and mark the center fastener position, or the two Tenax fastener locations that align with or straddle the centerline of the tonneau. Punch the hole(s) and attach the Tenax fastener(s).

• Remove the tonneau or move the vehicle back into direct sunlight as needed to keep the material warm and pliable during the installation process.

• With the front fasteners attached to the dash, pull the tonneau rearward snugly, but not excessively tight. Carefully mark the corresponding rear fastener location(s), then punch the hole(s) and install the rear fastener(s). This process helps ensure the tonneau remains properly aligned and does not end up crooked.

• Continue working outward from the center toward each side, alternating left and right as you proceed. This helps maintain even tension and proper alignment across the tonneau.

• As each fastener location is marked and installed, pull the material snug, but do not overtighten. Rewarm the tonneau in direct sunlight as needed throughout the process to maintain flexibility and ease of installation.

•  Upon completion of this process, we suggest you keep the tonneau in its installed position for 24 to 48 hours to allow the material to go through several heat cycles, helping the tonneau take its installed shape.