Imagine you just purchased a beautiful couch and it is sitting pretty at the back of your GMC Sierra 1500 and you cannot wait to get home to put it to use. All of a sudden, it starts to rain heavily and you are caught up in the rain in the middle of nowhere with absolutely no shade or protection insight for your couch? Now that’s my definition of a disaster.
Well thankfully, this is where a tonneau cover comes in handy. It not only helps safeguard your property from getting stolen and from the elements i.e water, direct sunlight e.t.c but it also protects your truck bed from damaging factors.
This is to say, one cannot overemphasize the importance of tonneau covers in our day-to-day activities from deliveries and shopping to travelling or relocating.
In this article, we would be discussing tonneau covers, their various types, how to properly install and remove a Leer tonneau cover, the merits, and demerits of having a Leer tonneau cover everything should know when handling a tonneau cover using the Leer tonneau cover as an example.
The Leer tonneau cover is an example of a hardstyle tonneau cover. It comes in three models: the 550 Leer tonneau cover, the 700 Leer tonneau cover, and the newly added Leer HF650M Hard Folding Tonneau cover.
How To Properly Remove A Leer Tonneau Cover
Having understood what a tonneau cover is, it is also important to have a comprehensive knowledge of the mechanism in operating one of these.
Here, we would be discussing, step by step, how to properly take off a leer tonneau cover as failure to do this properly has its disadvantages which could eventually result in damages to the tonneau cover.
Also, when removing or installing a tonneau cover, one needs to take into consideration the model and make of the trucks as some of them do come with special clamping systems such as the rack systems, utility tracks e.t.c.
Step 1
First and foremost, when removing a tonneau cover, one needs to ensure the appropriate tools are available. It is popularly said that a soldier cannot go into a gunfight with just knives. Some of the tools used include:
- A small flat-head screwdriver.
- An 8-inch Allen wrench and
- A 4-millimeter Allen wrench.
Step 2
The next step is to crawl into the truck bed and identify the lid clamps that hold the lid to the truck bed. If you have a short truck bed, you are expected to have four lid clamps- one at each corner. However, if you have a long truck bed, you’d have three lid clamps on each side of the truck bed spanning its length.
Step 3
Next is to use your screwdriver to remove the clamp cover covering the clamp. On doing that, use the 4-millimeter wrench to loosen the bolt holding the clamp body in place. Once this is achieved, the clamp is loosened from the truck’s body. Repeat on all clamps.
Step 4
Before taking off the tonneau cover, make sure to tie a rope or tie strap to your lift assist. This prevents the rails from coming unlatched and scratching the sides of your truck.
Step 5
Once the tonneau cover is successfully unclamped, proceed to remove the tonneau cover from the truck bed. It is important to note that no less than two individuals should lift the tonneau cover to prevent the tonneau cover from slipping and causing accidents during the process of removal.
Step 6
On successfully uninstalling the tonneau cover, ensure to place it on a stand or have it a couple of inches off the ground as it is not advisable to place the edges of the tonneau cover on the floor.
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How To Re-install A Leer Tonneau Cover
Step 1
The first step in re-installing the leer tonneau cover is to ensure the mounting tape is in good condition. In scenarios where this is not the case such as in the case where it comes loose or is ripped off, please ensure to replace it. You can purchase one from your favourite stores or neighbourhood departmental store.
Step 2
Once this is confirmed, lift your tonneau cover from the stand unto the truck. As previously said, no less than two persons should be involved. Also, ensure the lid is properly aligned- not too far to the sides or tight against the tailgate.
Step 3
Crawl into the truck bed and cut loose the ropes or tie strap holding in place the lift assists to enable lifting of the tonneau cover. Ensure that the rails are properly aligned with the insides of the truck bed.
Step 4
Close the tailgate and gently bring down the tonneau cover.
Step 5
The next step is to crawl and secure the clamps in place. A compression clamp is required to apply a downward pressure on the side rail to allow the easy securing of the blot and clamp body. You do not want to apply too much pressure to avoid denting the truck bed.
Step 6
Tighten the bolt to the clamp body using your hands initially and then a 4-millimetre wrench to properly secure the blot.
Step 7
Unclamp your compression clamp and slide in your clamp cover. Repeat this on all the clamps.
How To Properly Install A Leer Hf650m Hard Folding Tonneau Cover
The HF650M is the latest model by the Leer Company. It is quite different from its predecessors as it is of the folding variety. Its method of installation and removal also differs and would be discussed as we move on. The HF650 comes with the following:
- 2 pairs of 2-piece part rails.
- 10 clamps.
- 2 prop rods.
- 8 Blots and
- Foam blocks.
To properly install an HF650M, the following steps should be carried out with utmost care:
Step 1
Identify the 2-piece part rails and ensure to attach both pieces securely using a 2 and a half millimeter wrench to tighten the screws.
Step 2
Add a foam block to the front of the rail and install it on the insides of the truck bed. Repeat this step on the other side.
Step 3
Clip your clamps in, slightly tightening the bottom blot and fully tightening the blot. Remove the lower bolts after securing the clamps to the rail. Repeat the same step on the other side.
Step 4
After installing your rails, pick up the HF650M and set it towards the bulkhead of the truck bed.
Step 5
A secondary clamp is also installed on the underside of the tonneau cover and engaged securely to the rails. Ensure the clamp is aligned vertically for proper closure of your tonneau cover. Repeat on the other side of the tonneau cover.
Step 6
After installing your clamps properly, unclip the latch holding the tonneau folds, release your pinch latch, pick up your prop rod and attach to the slots designated on the tonneau cover, with the release end attached to the rails.
Step 7
After installing your prop rods, close your tonneau cover to make sure the sink latches engage.
Step 8
Finally, close your tailgate and the last fold of the tonneau cover. This wraps up the installation process of the HF650M Tonneau cover.
How To Remove The Leer Hf650m Tonneau Cover
Removing an HF650M is another aspect that differentiates it from its predecessors because it is foldable and the entire tonneau cover is not dismantled.
It is an easier, smoother, and faster process when compared to removing a 550 or 700 Leer Tonneau cover. No special tools or techniques are required and the entire process takes no more than 3-5 minutes, provided all is intact.
When removing the HF650M Tonneau cover:
- Open the tailgate of the truck to access the pinch latches.
- Disengage the pinch latch to lift the first fold. One must not necessarily disengage both of the pinch latches on both ends, disengaging just one latch on one end is fine when lifting the first fold.
- Once that is achieved, fold the next section of the tonneau cover on itself.
- At the centre, the fold is another pinch latch on either of its ends, just like the previously encountered latch. Disengage to release the tonneau cover. This step is also repeated on the next and final fold of the tonneau cover.
- After releasing the last section of the tonneau cover, lift the tonneau cover vertically to access the prop rods.
- Release the prop rods and attach them to the designated metal slot on the rails to hold the tonneau cover upright. Repeat on the other side for maximum support.
Advantages Of The Leer Tonneau Cover
As we earlier said, the Leer tonneau cover is an example of the hardstyle tonneau cover and this comes with a lot of benefits such as:
- The tonneau cover is durable and can withstand the harsh effects of the elements when compared to the soft style tonneau cover. For example, when it rains, water does not form puddles on the tonneau cover which would weigh it down over time.
- It goes a step further in protecting your cargo from theft as it can not be torn with sharp objects due to the hardness of the material used in its manufacturing.
- Overall, it protects your truck bed from the long-term effects of the elements that would ultimately result in wear and tear.
Disadvantages Of The Leer Tonneau Cover
Its disadvantages are also based on the fact that it is a hard style tonneau cover. They are:
- More expensive than the soft type tonneau covers.
- More difficult to install when compared to the soft style tonneau covers.
- More difficult to store when not in use, especially the 550 and 700 Leer tonneau covers as they come off completely.
- Generally heavier than the soft type tonneau covers.
Conclusion
With all being said, it is very necessary to have a tonneau cover when driving an open-end truck as it not only safeguards your cargo from the elements and theft but it also goes a step further to protect the truck bed thus, improving the overall form of the truck.