If you’ve just bought a TruXedo TruXport tonneau cover, you’re one step closer to better fuel efficiency, improved cargo security, and a sleeker truck bed. The good news? Installing this clamp-on, roll-up cover takes just 30–60 minutes and requires no drilling. Designed for full-size and midsize pickups, the TruXport uses a tool-free rail system that clamps securely over your bed rails, making it perfect for DIYers. This guide walks you through every phase, from surface prep and rail alignment to final tension tuning.
Prepare the Bulkhead Seal
The bulkhead seal is critical for blocking water and wind at the front of the bed. How you install it depends on your truck’s bed liner type.
Install Seal Based on Bed Liner Type
The bulkhead seal comes pre-cut to 59 inches with adhesive tape on one side. Before applying, cut a 7/8-inch wedge from each end at an angle to prevent bulging at the corners. Only cut the tape layer, not the rubber backing.
For painted or bare metal bulkheads, apply the seal directly to the vertical surface behind the cab. Press it as far back as possible before the bed slopes downward.
If you have a plastic drop-in liner flush with the bed cap, skip the bulkhead seal entirely and mount the cover directly to the bed cap instead.
For drop-in liners below the bed cap, install the seal on the bulkhead to bridge the gap and maintain a continuous seal.
With spray-in bed liners, adhesion is unreliable due to texture. Instead, attach the bulkhead seal to the underside of the cover’s front header. When closed, it creates a double-layer seal against the cab.
Pro Tip: Clean the surface with isopropyl alcohol and let it dry before applying any seal. This boosts adhesion and longevity.
Attach End-Cap and Corner Seals
Before mounting the cover, install the four end-cap seals on the open ends of the side rails to prevent water, dust, and debris from entering the rail channels.
Seal Rail Ends First
Match each seal to the rail’s profile since shapes are specific. Peel off the adhesive backing and press firmly into place. Wipe rail ends with alcohol first for stronger bonding. Save spare seals since you may need them later during fine-tuning.
Install Front and Rear Corner Seals
Front corner seals go on the front ends of the rails and seal the gap near the cab. Install them before final clamp tightening while the cover is rolled forward.
Rear corner seals attach to the tail rail ends after the cover is rolled back and the tailgate is lowered. These are left/right specific, so check the shape before pressing into place.
Warning: Skipping corner seals is the number one cause of water leakage. Ensure all seals are fully seated.
Mount Rails to the Cover
Locate the C-channel slots on the side edges of the TruXport cover fabric. Slide the driver and passenger side rails into these channels.
Slide and Click into Place
Push each rail fully until you hear a distinct click, which confirms the rail is locked into the C-channel. Check that both rails are even and secure. A loose rail causes misalignment and latching issues.
Critical: The C-channel on the front header must face rearward. If it faces forward, the cover won’t roll correctly.
Position the Cover on the Truck Bed
Carefully lift and place the assembled cover across the bed.
Align for Centered Fit
Let the straps and Velcro side seals hang down inside the bed. Do not tuck them over the bulkhead. The composite block on each rail should slide into the open extrusion at the cover’s edge. Ensure the slight curve or hollow in the fabric faces downward, which matches the corner cap profile.
Center the cover side-to-side. The rear end of each rail should meet the elbow of the bed cap at the back corners. Check that the front gap between the cover and bulkhead is equal on both sides.
Expert Note: Have a second person help. It’s easier to center and adjust with two sets of hands.
Install Clamps Loosely First
Use three clamps per side: front, center, and rear. These clamp under the bed cap and secure the rails without drilling.
Place Three Clamps Per Side
For trucks with internal deck rails, remove tie-down cleats and end plugs. Insert the grooved half of the clamp into the deck rail with grooves facing up, then reinstall the plug after positioning all clamps.
For standard beds, loosen each clamp bolt completely so it rotates freely. Slide the clamp under the bed cap from the outside. Position it over the tonneau rail, aligning the clamp teeth with the rail’s toothed edge.
Do not overtighten yet: keep clamps hand-tight only to allow adjustments.
Clamp Position Guide
| Clamp | Position |
|---|---|
| Rear clamp | Innermost notch; align with tailgate shelf |
| Center clamp | Middle groove; adjust if obstructed |
| Front clamp | Top front groove (farthest forward) |
Repeat on both sides. Ensure clamps are clear of wiring, bed liner ridges, or obstructions.
Align and Center the Cover
With clamps loosely attached, roll the cover back to the tailgate.
Check for Even Gaps and Rail Fit
The support and load bars should drop naturally into the side rails. If the cover hits a clamp, reposition the clamp forward or backward slightly.
Verify a 1/16-inch gap between the rail and the inner side of the rail at the tailgate. The rear rail must meet the bed cap elbow on both sides. There should be no binding or dragging during rolling. Tap the cover lightly. It should sound drum-like, a sign of proper tension.
Common Mistake: Uneven front gaps mean the cover is off-center. Loosen clamps and reposition.
Set 1/8-Inch Tailgate Clearance
To prevent tailgate interference, insert a 1/8-inch shim between the tailgate header and the side rail.
Use a Shim for Perfect Fit
Slide the rail forward until the shim fits snugly. Repeat on the opposite side to keep alignment symmetrical. This ensures 1/8 inch of clearance when the tailgate closes, enough to avoid binding but not so much that wind lifts the cover.
Final Check: Close the tailgate. There should be consistent spacing on both sides.
Tighten Clamps to 7 ft-lbs
Now that alignment is confirmed, tighten all clamps to 7 ft-lbs of torque using a ½-inch socket wrench or torque wrench for precision. Overtightening can damage the rail or clamp.
Torque in Correct Sequence
Tighten in this order: roll cover to tailgate and tighten rear clamps, then roll to center and tighten center clamps, then roll to bulkhead and tighten front clamps. Ensure clamp teeth are fully engaged with the rail.
Pro Tip: Re-tighten center clamps after front clamps are secured to maintain even pressure.
Roll and Secure the Cover
Roll the cover back toward the tailgate.
Test Rolling and Latching
Let the support bows drop into the rails naturally. The tail rail should lower smoothly into position. Maintain approximately 1/8 inch clearance between the tail rail and side rails.
When fully rolled back, the tailgate bar must drop into both latches simultaneously. Rotate the bar down and press firmly to lock. Secure the Velcro side straps by pulling the tabs to the sides.
Warning: If one side latches and the other doesn’t, the cover is misaligned. Recheck clamp positions.
Adjust Tension and Final Fit
A properly tensioned cover should feel taut and sound drum-like when tapped.
Eliminate Wrinkles and Slack
If the fabric is loose or wrinkled, release the driver-side latch. Undo the passenger-side latch. Push the release lever and rotate the small thumb nut to increase or decrease tension. Retest rolling and latching after adjustment.
Maintenance Tip: Recheck tension every few months, especially after extreme weather.
Secure for Driving
To prevent wind lift at highway speeds, attach the included clips to the hook on the cab on each side.
Use Included Clips
Hook the clips onto the side of the cover fabric. These clips keep the front edge sealed and reduce flapping.
Driving Tip: Always secure clips before long trips or high-speed driving.
Troubleshoot Common Issues
Why Won’t the Cover Latch?
Misaligned rails or uneven clamps cause latching problems. Roll cover forward, loosen clamps and re-center, ensure support bars are seated in rails, then re-tighten in sequence.
Cover Won’t Seal at Bulkhead?
Incorrect seal installation or spray-in liner interference prevents sealing. Reapply bulkhead seal using the double-layer method (underside of header). Clean surface with alcohol before reattaching.
Clamps Loosen Over Time?
Vibration or improper torque causes loosening. Re-torque to 7 ft-lbs and avoid over-tightening, which can strip threads.
Gaps at Corners?
Missing or misaligned corner seals create gaps. Install side-specific corner seals and press firmly, checking for full adhesion.
Maintain for Longevity
Clean and Inspect Regularly
For cleaning, use mild soap and water with a soft cloth. Avoid pressure washers and harsh chemicals.
Inspect seals quarterly for peeling or wear. Reattach with 3M automotive adhesive if needed and replace worn seals promptly.
Inspect clamps every 3 months. Lubricate support bows and latch mechanism annually with silicone spray.
Avoid over-rolling: this stresses the fabric and support bars.
Register Warranty and Get Support
The TruXport comes with a 5-year limited warranty covering fabric degradation, hardware failure, and seal adhesion under normal use.
Activate Your 5-Year Coverage
Warranty registration is required. Visit TruXedo Warranty Registration and keep your proof of purchase. Replacement parts (seals, clamps, bows) are available through TruXedo customer service.
Note: Some sources mention limited lifetime warranty, which may reflect older models or regional differences.
Frequently Asked Questions About Installing a TruXport Tonneau Cover
How long does it take to install a TruXport tonneau cover?
Most installers complete the job in 30 to 60 minutes. Having a second person helps speed up the process, especially when centering the cover on the bed.
Do I need to drill holes to install the TruXport?
No. The TruXport uses a clamp-on rail system that attaches to your bed caps without drilling or permanent modifications. This makes it completely reversible.
Can I install a TruXport on a truck with a spray-in bed liner?
Yes, but you need to use the double-layer seal method. Attach the bulkhead seal to the underside of the cover’s front header instead of the bulkhead, since spray-in liners have texture that prevents reliable adhesion.
What torque specification should I use for the clamps?
Tighten all clamps to 7 ft-lbs of torque using a ½-inch socket wrench. Overtightening can damage the rail or clamp threads.
Why is my TruXport leaking water at the corners?
Missing or improperly installed corner seals cause most leaks. Make sure front and rear corner seals are installed (they are left/right specific) and press firmly for full adhesion.
Key Takeaways for Installing Your TruXport Tonneau Cover
A properly installed TruXport cover enhances your truck’s look, security, and efficiency. The most critical steps are correct seal placement based on your bed liner type, precise alignment with equal front gaps, and tightening clamps to exactly 7 ft-lbs in the proper sequence. Always use a 1/8-inch shim to set tailgate clearance and test that the cover sounds drum-like when tapped. Remember to secure the driving clips before highway speeds and recheck tension periodically. Now roll it back, load up, and drive with confidence.
