Tonneau Cleaning/Protecting

I'm looking for ideas for keeping my soft tonneau protected. I read it somewhere that I should avoid armor-all since it's not designed for exterior components. Any experience with this?

The manual for the cover said I should use vinyl protectant every 6 months. I went to target and was not able to find any products for exterior vinyl. Any suggestions?

I normally use the touchless auto carwash. Should I take the tonneau off before going through the wash?

 

I use some stuff by 3M... Its really not too much different from Armor All.

 

I use Speed Wax by Lucas

 

Are Tri-Fold Soft Tonneaus safe to go through touchless auto-washes?

 

303 Aerospace Is The Best...

 

Exactly. I've used it on my tonneau since new and it still looks like new. I used to buy it at Boaters World but they've closed down. I believe Ace Hardware carries it, though.

I've kept it on through touchless car washes on a few occasions. Not a problem.

 

x3. I use it after every wash. My 3 year old tonneau looks brand new . Armor-all has alchohol in it and can ruin the stitching.

 

You all convinced me! Just got 303 Aerospace from a local boat store. Couldn't find it so I was checking out other vinyl/rubber cleaners and the sales guy said "try this 303 stuff, it's a lot better." He had no idea that I went into the store hoping to find it.

On another note, has any body else ever taken a soft tri-fold to a touchless carwash. The one I normally use has blow drying at the end of the cycle. Would that be a problem?

Also, should I avoid the "wax" option with the tonneau on?

 

I've used Armorall in the past with previous tonneau covers I've owned (like 2 others before this truck). I don't really use anything specific, whatever is in the garage at the time. Haven't had problems. The covers always seem to last longer than the time that I keep the vehicle.

In terms of car washes... I did go through one at a Cloister this past winter and it was fine. They had me sign a liability waiver (or whatever you want to call it) prior to going in - so it wouldn't be their responsibility if damage did occur.

Sooo, with that being said.... There's probably a good reason why they make you sign a paper - because at some point in the past, damages have occured.

If you're at all worried, take the tonneau cover off before going to the carwash.

 

Thanks Janster... I was thinking I would leave it on so that it can be washed along with the truck. After using 303 and saw how clean it got, I'm now thinking it won't be necessary.

Not to beat on a dead horse but did you get the blow dry or wax option with that carwash? I probably won't do it, but I like to know I can if for whatever reason I chose to go through a carwash with the tonneau on.

I saw that you have Trifacta which is pretty similar to what I have. So you just use 303 after going through a touchless wash? Same question as Janster: ever tried wax or blow dry options with the cover on?

 

I leave my Access roll up tonneau on all the time when I go thru the car wash with the blow dryer. Doesn't hurt a thing.The wax option won't hurt anything either.

 

This is what I use. Recommended by the mfg of my cover, Pace Edward. Here's a link http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330311702550

 

I have an Extang Trifecta. I take it though the auto wash. I kinda pull though the blowers quickly but a little wind hasnt hurt it in 3 years.

 

soap and water dude. It works just fine on my Access.

 

Good to know ... I guess the spray on wax won't really hurt it since it will be washed away with water before exiting the carwash anyhow.

If I ever actually take it in the carwash with me, I'll probably finish it off with a 303 as soon as it's out like you have done as well just in case wax residue sticks.

3 years of going through carwashes is a good track record for tri-folds. I feel much better about trying it now.

 

The real answer is never use an auto wash... they're horrible for your paint (unless you wheel and don't care anyway)...

 

If you use a touchless its no different than using a pressure washer in your driveway. Also my 07's clear coat has very minimal swirling due to limited hand washing. I run it though the wash then Turtlewax Ice detailer/303 on the tonneau/Mothers Back to Black on the Black Trim/ Black Magic Titanium Ice gel on the tires. Same thing every time. A couple Times a year Turtle Wax Ice Synthetic Polish. I love it cause you can use it on the back trim too.

 

Well, I don't use pressure washers either

That said, I have enough az pinstripes that it's irrelevant on my truck now anyway lol.

 

Ha ha that's why I use auto carwashes actually. We get very strong winds up here in montana and no carwash could damage the paint more than a sand blasting I usually get from parking outside while I'm at work.

Besides, I figure washing my car once a month is better than only doing it during warm weathers since mud build up can do a number on your paint as well.

 

No wax for me. Air dry....

Honestly? I hate those type of car washes. I only wanted the underbody blast which you can't get without washing the entire vehicle. It was the middle of the winter and the salt/road spray underneath was aweful. Normally in the winter, I'll take it to one of those coin fed power wash deals, but getting underneath is difficult. That was the first time I took the truck through one of those and probably the last as long as our winters aren't like the this past one.