Are you a Ram 1500 owner seeking better protection and improved fuel economy? Then look no further than a Tonneau cover.
This complete guide will provide you with the benefits of a Tonneau cover, as well as how to choose the best one for your needs. You’ll be driving in style and comfort in no time!
Tonneau covers are one of the most popular aftermarket upgrades for Ram 1500 trucks. These versatile covers provide excellent protection from the weather and provide a streamlined, secure look that enhances the style of any truck.
In this guide, we’ll give an overview of a tonneau cover and explain why it’s an invaluable addition to any Ram 1500 truck. We’ll also look at some tips for proper installation, as well as how to care for and maintain your tonneau cover.
With this information, you can make an informed decision about whether a tonneau cover is right for you and your truck.
Benefits of Installing a Tonneau Cover on Ram 1500
The Ram 1500 is renowned for its spacious interior and generous cargo capacity, but it is not well protected from the elements. Installing a tonneau cover is one way to boost your vehicle’s security and storage capabilities while providing some additional benefits. Tonneau covers can protect cargo from the elements, help reduce drag, and provide better fuel efficiency. They also make a great visual statement that turns heads. Here are the top five benefits of installing a tonneau cover on your Ram 1500 truck:
- Increased Security: Tonneau covers help keep valuable cargo safe and secure by keeping it out of sight when locked in place. This helps reduce the risk of theft and other threats while making your truck look sleek and stylish.
- Better Protection from the Elements: Tonneau covers can also help protect your vehicle’s contents from water, dirt, snow, ice and wind damage. Custom-fitted tonneaus are designed to provide maximum protection for both short-term weather conditions or extended periods of exposure to harsh climates.
- Improved Fuel Efficiency: Installing a tonneau cover can actually improve the performance of your truck by decreasing air drag on highway drives or off-road excursions. This helps promote greater fuel efficiency by reducing fuel consumption with every mile traveled on either terrain type!
- Stylish Design: Make sure whatever model you select complements both your current driving environment as well as personal style preferences! Not only will they enhance the appearance of your Ram 1500, they also add an extra layer of protection against weather conditions that would otherwise cause rusting or corrosion over time or damage to expensive tools or equipment inside the bed space!
- Multi-Purpose Use: The versatility in tonneau covers means that they have numerous applications beyond just cargo security – depending on what model you choose, they can also be used as an outdoor workspace like a picnic table or an accessory rack for sporting equipment!
Protection from the elements and theft
A tonneau cover protects the Ram 1500’s truck bed and its cargo from the elements and the potential of theft. These covers come in several styles, while some offer a combination of rolling and folding designs. Hard tonneau covers are a big plus when it comes to protection, as they are generally constructed from heavy-duty aluminum or reinforced plastic. Additionally, many hard tonneau covers come mounted with marine-grade locks that add an additional layer of security to your pickup truck’s bed.
Many soft tonneau covers also come with a locking mechanism for added security, though this is for more for weatherization than prevention of theft. The soft style offers good protection from rain and wind but can suffer from UV damage over time if left out in direct sunlight too often.
Investing in a tonneau cover makes it easy to protect your Ram 1500 and its contents whether you’re leaving it parked for short durations or for long periods of time outdoors.
Improved aerodynamics and fuel efficiency
A tonneau cover for the Ram 1500 can improve aerodynamics, providing a smoother flow of air when you drive. This reduces drag and makes it easier for your vehicle to move through the air. With improved aerodynamics, you can save on fuel costs over time. Many tonneau covers are designed to reduce fuel consumption by up to 10% or more. This can add up to substantial savings at the pump, resulting in lower overall operating costs.
Additionally, a low profile tonneau cover will also help you save on gas by having a lower frontal area which means less wind resistance and better fuel economy as well.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Tonneau Cover for Ram 1500
When choosing a tonneau cover for your Ram 1500, there are several factors that you should consider. The most important factor is the type of material your tonneau cover is made from. Tonneau covers can be made from various materials such as vinyl, aluminum, fiberglass and plastic. Each material has its own unique benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do some research to find out what material would work best for your needs and lifestyle.
Other factors to consider when choosing a tonneau cover for your Ram 1500 include the design of the cover, any warranties provided by the manufacturer, installation requirements and compatibility with other accessories or components on your vehicle.
The design of your tonneau cover will determine not just its appearance but also how secure it is to prevent unwanted access to whatever cargo or bed space you are protecting. Some covers have locks while others utilize latching systems that make them more difficult to open than traditional clamps or retainer pins. Additionally, some covers can be opened from both sides of the truck bed while others can only be opened from one side.
Many manufacturers offer a warranty for their products so it is important to ask about any warranties provided before making a purchase decision in order ensure that you get quality coverage in the event something goes wrong with your product after installation.
Finally, make sure that whatever tonneau cover you purchase is compatible with any caps or other accessories installed on your truck bed as well as any additional installation equipment needed (such as drill bits). You may also want to check if additional parts or pieces need to be purchased in order complete the installation process successfully.
Compatibility with your vehicle
A tonneau cover is an ideal choice for Ram 1500 owners looking for an easy way to protect the contents of their truck bed. The low profile design of the tonneau cover not only enhances the pickup’s aerodynamics, it also gives it a sleek, modern appeal. However, it is important to make sure that whichever tonneau cover you choose is compatible with your vehicle.
Ram truck owners have several different options when it comes to choosing a compatible tonneau cover. Soft covers and hard covers are both available in specific sizes, based on your Ram 1500’s model year and bed length, as well as its configuration (i.e., Regular Cab Short Bed (SB), Crew Cab Standard Bed (SB) or Crew Cab Long Bed (LB). Additionally, some models offer compatibility with factory headlights and taillights. You should always double-check your vehicle’s compatibility prior to purchasing a tonneau cover for optimum performance and convenience.
Material and construction
Tonneau covers for Ram 1500 trucks are constructed from a variety of materials, each with their own advantages, including aluminum, vinyl (sometimes referred to as “soft” tonneau covers) and fiberglass.
Aluminum and vinyl/soft tonneau covers offer more versatility as they can be removed quickly and easily and stored when not in use. Fiberglass tonneau covers, on the other hand, are more expensive but are sturdier and provide added protection from the elements.
Aluminum and fiberglass tonneau covers usually involve some assembly while vinyl/soft tonneau covers come ready to install. Installation is relatively easy, with most taking only a matter of minutes. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid damaging your truck’s finish or any part of the cover itself. Some styles may require additional parts for proper installation such as clamps or brackets; in these cases it is best to purchase these from a reputable source rather than trying to make your own DIY solution.
How to Install a Tonneau Cover on Ram 1500
It is essential to read through the manufacturer’s instructions prior to attempting a DIY installation, as it varies across brands. Generally speaking however, here are the steps you should take to properly install a tonneau cover on your Ram 1500:
- Begin by parking your vehicle in an open area, in flat and levelled surface, with plenty of room to move around and access all four corners of the vehicle. If necessary, you may need to raise up the Ram 1500 using a jack stand before proceeding with the next steps.
- Remove both bed bolt covers, ensuring that you keep track of them for later use. Then unscrew the bolts that secure your truck’s tailgate and tailgate panels, setting them aside until needed again. Carefully remove the tailgate from behind your truck – use care when handling as it is heavy and difficult to manoeuvre without assistance – and set it aside in a safe area where it won’t get damaged or scratched.
- Sort through all of the components included in your tonneau cover kit for proper identification as there could be various types of mounting brackets and fittings depending on your specific model of Tonneau Cover.
- Line up one side of each bracket onto your bed rail grooves; connect at each corner so they lay out flat against the top rails too if possible while attaching securely into place with screws provided within kit – if applicable otherwise follow step 5 below (bed clamp mounting).
5 Bed rail clamp mounting: If no brackets are included OR if indicated by manufacturer’s instructions – slide plastic caps off clamps located at each corner of your tonneau cover kit followed by bolting clamp snugly against inner lip rail (against side best seen when tailgate was removed earlier). Then squeeze clamps tight against lip rail using provided tools- be sure not to over tighten as you may damage product instead try attaching loosely then give one more small pull after both sides connected securely – referring always back at manufacturer direction for positioning/tightness requirements before moving onto step 6 below!
6 Last but not least take remaining parts/pieces included with package & affix them respectively according their labels i.e., end caps onto outer edges near cab & tailgate respectively- or adjuster bars where applicable- given dimensions may differ based off brand manufacturer’s specifications so follow closely per instructions closely before proceeding forward with final step #7!
7 Close up / finish: Reassemble pick-up truck back how’d left it taking extra care reconnecting everything properly -allowing you full functionality over newly installed tonneau cover across entire bed length once installed correctly! Enjoy!
Required tools
Installing your Tonneau cover on your Ram 1500 is a relatively easy task that anyone can accomplish with the right tools. Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary tools to get the job done without any mishaps. Depending on the type of Tonneau cover you have, you will likely need at least the following: A drill and a Phillips-head screwdriver. Additional supplies may include adjustable wrenches and socket sets, carpenter’s level, flat-blade screwdriver, silicone spray or cloths to clean the bed rails or bows, mallet tool and measuring tape.
Once you have all of your tools gathered together for installation, take time to carefully inspect your Tonneau cover. If there is any damage or missing parts it’s best to either contact customer support from the manufacturer or order additional components as needed before beginning installation. Finally, review instructions from manufacturer’s manual to become familiar with all steps of installing a Tonneau cover on a Ram 1500 truck.
Step-by-step installation process
Installing a tonneau cover on your Ram 1500 pick-up truck is simple but there are certain steps you’ll need to follow for a successful installation. To start, you’ll need to arrange the surface so that it’s clean and there are no obstacles in the way. Place the cover on the truck bed making sure it’s centered from end to end before marking out where the rails and mounting brackets go. To ensure accuracy, assess any interference and trim accordingly.
Next fix your mounting rails according to the instructions provided with your cover before adding some sealant to ensure water tightness. Once in place tighten your installation with backing screws and then connect clips at corresponding locations if required by your model of tonneau cover.
Once secured check that everything fits properly and make sure all screws or bolts fit snugly beside your bed rails using a wrench or spanner if necessary. If switching locks be sure to replace/install them according to manufacturer instructions as failure can void warranties. Lastly inspect everything once more for accuracy before driving off happily with your new tonneau cover!
Maintenance and Care for Tonneau Covers
Taking proper care of your tonneau cover is essential not only for its durability, but also for the longevity of your Ram 1500 payload. While there are many different types of tonneau covers, some tips and recommendations apply to all.
Keep it Clean: Cleaning your tonneau cover regularly can help preserve its longevity. Follow the cleaning instructions that came with your tonneau cover in order to prevent any damage or discoloration. To avoid dirt and grime buildup, periodically hose off your cover and use a quality automotive cleaner to remove stubborn debris. If using a pressure washer, make sure to keep the pressure low; this will help prevent any abrasion damage.
Protect from UV Rays: The sun’s UV rays can harm and fade tonneau covers over time; this is especially true for vinyl covers or soft tops made with synthetic materials. The best way to protect it from the sun’s harmful rays is by applying a quality UV protective product made specifically for automotive exterior surfaces. This type of specialized protection forms a barrier between your tonneau cover and the Sun’s ultraviolet radiation; it also restores color and shine while helping improve resiliency and flexibility in vinyl covers or soft tops fabrics, extending their lifespan significantly with regular use.
Check Seams: Seams may loosen due to shifting temperatures during extreme weather conditions like rain, snow or ice storms This could cause them peel off or gap creating possible water seepage into the cargo area below them, so it’s always important to inspect them regularly – once at least a month throughout the year – looking carefully for any signs loose seams as well as joint leakage issues caused by oxidation of metals components around them such as brackets, rivets etc… Taking notice on these matters on time could save you from potential damages that may cause you unneccesary trouble in the future .
Cleaning instructions
Cleaning your tonneau cover requires regular maintenance and is a crucial part of ensuring your Ram 1500’s bed protection. If left neglected, dirt and debris can accumulate on the surface and cause additional wear. To help avoid this, use the following instructions to clean your tonneau cover:
– Thoroughly rinse the area around the tonneau with water
– Apply a non-abrasive cleaner to the surface
– Remove cleaner with a damp sponge and warm water
– Avoid cleaners that contain aggressive or abrasive chemicals or those that are alcohol based
– Wipe down with a damp cloth after cleaning
– Use a soft brush if needed, especially for hard to reach areas
Following these instructions will help ensure your tonneau cover stays looking as good as new. The extra attention to cleaning maintenance can extend the life of your Ram’s bed covering and ensure it will continue to protect from outside elements for years to come.
Maintenance tips
Once you’ve acquired and installed a tonneau cover on your Ram 1500, it’s important to ensure that it’s well-maintained to keep it in top condition. It’s a good practice to clean off the cover whenever dirt and debris start to accumulate. To do this, you can use appropriate cleansers or wet cloth with some dish soap. Be sure not to scrub too hard on the cover or allow abrasives or chemicals onto the cover as they may cause permanent damage.
You may also want to apply a protective sealant for extra protection against harmful UV rays and other environmental elements. Depending on your lifestyle and frequency of use, you may need to inspect and re-apply the sealant between 2-6 months intervals. We recommend using an all-inclusive care kit specifically designed for use on tonneau covers as this would handle most of your cleaning, sealing and waterproofing needs in one go!
Common issues and how to fix them
Tonneau covers are generally considered a breeze to install and use, but you may occasionally encounter some common issues. Knowing how to fix them can save you time and frustration. Here is an overview of a few of the most common problems that Ram 1500 owners may experience with their tonneau covers, and some tips on how to fix them.
Water Pooling: Many tonneau covers are constructed with channels or drains to help prevent water pooling, but it can still happen if the cover is not sealed correctly. Use a silicone sealant along the underside of your cover to ensure it remains tight and leak-free. Be sure that drainage ports are free from debris at all times in order for water to flow away properly.
Wind Noise: If you hear excessive wind noise coming from your tonneau cover while driving, it’s likely because the fasteners connecting it to your truck aren’t tight enough or they’ve become loose over time due to vibration or wear and tear. Check each fastener periodically and make sure they keep their tension. If this doesn’t solve the problem, check for any tears or rips in the fabric itself and patch them accordingly before re-installing the cover on your truck bed.
Sagging Cover: If your lid begins sagging as spring turns into summer, this could be due to hot weather causing expansion of metal components which aren’t designed to compensate for large temperature fluctuations which may occur during different seasons. You can use latch tensioners designed for this purpose so that you don’t need continual readjusting as temperatures change throughout the year – ultimately leading towards better performance from both security aspect & quality condition perspective too!
Conclusion
In conclusion, owning a Tonneau cover provides a multitude of benefits to Ram 1500 owners. Not only do they keep your payload secure and dry, but they do so in a manner that still allows you to show off the aesthetic look of your pickup. It also adds value to your vehicle and makes it more fuel efficient. All these features combine to make Tonneau covers an essential investment for Ram 1500 owners who want the maximized functionality and looks of their pickup truck.
FAQ’S
Is it better to have a tonneau cover?
It depends on personal preference and needs.
Do trucks get better mileage with a tonneau cover?
Yes, they can improve fuel efficiency by reducing wind drag.
What are the disadvantages of tonneau covers?
They can be expensive and may limit the height of cargo that can be transported.
Do I really need a hard tonneau cover?
No, a soft tonneau cover can also provide protection and security.
Does a tonneau make a truck faster?
No, it does not increase speed or performance.
Should I leave my tonneau cover on all the time?
It is recommended to remove it periodically to clean and inspect the truck bed.
Which style of tonneau cover is best?
It depends on personal preference and needs, but popular styles include roll-up, tri-fold, and retractable.
Which brand tonneau cover is best?
There are many reputable brands, including Truxedo, Bak Industries, and Extang.
What is better soft or hard tonneau cover?
It depends on personal preference and needs, but hard covers offer more security and durability.
Can you sleep in a truck bed with a tonneau cover?
It is not recommended for safety reasons, as there may not be enough ventilation or space.
See Also :
- Best tuner for ram 1500
- Best upgrades for ram 1500
- Best wheel spacers for ram 1500
- Best wheels for ram 1500
- Best fender flares for ram 1500
