Many enthusiasts have been experimenting with some parts of different vehicles, provided they are similar and they meet some conditions. For instance, the wheel of a Ford could be mounted on a Chevy. Due to size also, many truck owners are wondering whether it is possible to install the tonneau cover of Ford on Chevy.
Will a Ford tonneau cover fit a Chevy? The answer to this question is NO. You might be wondering what could be the reason why the tonneau cover could not be substituted. The reason is very simple.
Even though both Ford and Chevy have “6-6” beds, the width and the dimension of the bed are not the same. Therefore, installing a Ford tonneau cover on Chevy will not be a perfect fit. Are you surprised? Check out this article for more information.
What are the conditions that will make the tonneau cover of different trucks compatible?
You can say precisely if the tonneau cover of a truck will fit on the other by merely looking at it. Some conditions will make it fit.
If these conditions are not fulfilled, there is a high chance that you will have issues with the cover. Below are some of the conditions you should consider before you substitute the tonneau cover of a truck for another.
Size
You should know that tonneau covers are produced in different sizes since the size of the truck beds is not the same. The size is not limited to length alone, it also involves the width and the dimension. Before you go ahead to mount the tonneau cover of Ford on Chevy, you should consider the size.
Design of the truck bed
If the size of the two trucks is the same, you should also consider the design of the bed. For instance, the size could be the same and the design of the tailgate will be different. In such an instance, it is unlikely that the tonneau cover will fit.
Year of production
Truck manufacturers produced different models every year. Though those models might be similar, the latest model could be an upgrade or modification to the previous one.
One of the parts of the truck that could be modified is the truck bed. Therefore, if you have a tonneau cover for a 2014 truck, it might not fit on the 2021 truck bed, even though they are from the same manufacturer.
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Common problems with the tonneau cover
Once the tonneau cover has been successfully installed, the cover will likely be exposed to different conditions. Some of these conditions are not good for the tonneau cover, hence, it will have issues.
Not only that, but some tonneau covers also have issues due to an error or defect in the manufacturing process. The following are some of the likely problems of the tonneau cover.
Water leakage
Many truck owners buy the tonneau cover, not for aesthetics alone. To some, it is to protect the cargo against water and theft. It will then be saddening if you open the tonneau cover one day and discover water in the truck bed.
Water leakage on the tonneau cover is usually caused by poor installation, misalignment of the cover, lack of car, age, and other conditions.
To resolve the issue, the first thing you should do is to know the source of the leakage. It is recommended that you inspect the cover.
You could discover a hole on the tonneau cover while inspecting it. All you need to do is to get a weather seal and block the holes.
If there are no holes on the cover, you should seek help from a professional. A proper installation of the cover would be done. In a situation where you still have a valid warranty for the cover, you can contact the producer for proper guidance.
Noise
Defect to the wheel, an engine that is not in good condition could cause noise when the truck is in motion. These are, however, not the only factors that could cause disturbing noise. Did you know that the tonneau cover could also cause loud noise?
When there is an opening for air to penetrate the cover, there will be loud noise. Also, defects to any part, missing parts, misalignment of the cover, failure to shut the tailgate properly, and poor installation could cause noise. The higher you accelerate, the louder the noise would become. Failure to resolve the issue soon could also ruin the cover.
One of the short-term solutions to tonneau cover noise, when you are on the road, is to reduce the speed of the truck. The noise would become less disturbing in such a situation. You can then inspect the cover when you get to your destination for possible loose ends, misalignment, and holes.
If you notice any hole on the cover, you should block it with a weather seal. In a situation where some of the screws or bolts of the cover are loose, you should retighten them. You can also go to an expert for a professional solution or you contact the manufacturer of the cover.
Discoloration
When properly installed, the tonneau cover enhances the look of the truck. After a while, depending on the manufacturer of the cover and how you cared for it, you could notice a change in the color of the cover. The warranty of most tonneau covers does not include discoloration.
In most cases, the cover could be annoying to the owner of the truck, especially those that have bought the cover for aesthetic purposes.
The next thing for such an owner is to start thinking about replacement. Replacing the cover is not the long-term solution. You could also experience the same thing with a new cover.
The discoloration issue of the tonneau cover is caused by the manufacturer. Some tonneau cover brands are known for quick discoloration due to the material used by the manufacturer. Not only that, exposure to UV rays and the type of cleaning material you use for the cover could also cause the issue.
The discoloration issue of the tonneau cover is better avoided than fixed. To avoid the issue, you have to protect the cover against UV. One of the ways you can do this is to construct a garage for the truck, if possible. You can also park the truck in shady areas.
However, parking under the tree is not recommended because bird droppings from the tree could also affect the cover and the paint of the vehicle. Moreover, you should avoid the use of acid-based soap or any other cleaning material that is not recommended by the manufacturer.
Proper installation problem
Many issues arise from the poor installation of the tonneau cover. The truth is you can install the tonneau cover yourself. All you need to do is to follow the instructions in the manual or watch some YouTube tutorials. It could take a longer duration, especially when you are not skilled or you are installing it for the first time.
However, you could run into a problem when you are installing the tonneau cover. The weather is one of the things you should consider. Poor job during the installation could ruin the cover or lead to future problems. To avoid having issues when installing the tonneau cover, you can seek the service of an expert. The cover will be installed in the shortest duration for a few bucks.
Durability issue
Well, most tonneau covers come with a limited warranty for a specified number of years. The manufacturer will inform you that you will not have any issue with the cover, provided it is properly installed and maintained.
However, many users have stated that tonneau covers do not last beyond the years stated in the warranty. To some, they start thinking about replacing the cover a few months after the end of the warranty. This then makes many users wonder if indeed tonneau covers are durable.
Many experts believe that the durability issue with the tonneau cover depends on ownership and installation. To avoid replacing the cover after the end of the warranty, you have to maintain the cover rightly. Some of the things you can do for proper maintenance of the cover will be highlighted later in this article.
Maintenance tips for tonneau cover
If you own a tonneau cover, you have to care for it properly if you want it to last longer. The following are some of the things you can do.
Wash regularly
Regular washing of the tonneau cover will make it maintain its original look, preserve its color, get rid of contaminants that could block the drainage channel, and also increase its lifespan. You should read the manual for the recommendations on the type of cleaning material that you can use.
Fix issues
Due to exposure to different conditions, you can have issues with the tonneau cover. The cover will get ruined quickly if you do not resolve the issue. If it is something you can resolve, you should not hesitate. Go to professionals for help also.
Conclusion
The tonneau cover of Ford is not a perfect fit for Chevy. To avoid issues, you should buy the one that will fit perfectly on your Chevy.
