Diamondback Tonneau Cover Group Buy - Round 3

Noticed that when twisting the handles to unlock and lock the panels down, it would squeak quite a bit and would have some resistance even though I adjusted the lock rods correctly. Not really an issue but it bugged me a bit. So I added silicone lubricant(Hanes Lubri-Film is what I had on hand) all over the O rings where the lock/ rods pivot, and it made all the difference. No squeak and the panel lock handles twist smoothly .

Just thought I would share in case this bugs anyone else.

 

Just got delivered.
My excitement was dulled by the condition on the box/pallet.
Everybody else's pics are pristine compared to mine. Holes, tears, deformed box, and partially broken pallet and the shipper stood it on end in the truck.
Opened it (yes before signing) and there is no apparent damage. Lack of packaging inside box gave it no protection on end.
Installing later tonight. Hope I find nothing wrong and all is well in the world. Just wish I could have been happier when delivered.

 

Just finished. When it was delivered the box had slight damage (I believe something was stacked on it at some point) but upon opening everything looked good. Freight company was Peninsula, staff when talking to them seemed competent and professional, and the driver was patient and helpful. My sympathies to those dealing with lesser freight companies.

When I started the install it was raining and 34 degrees (welcome to Seattle in March!!!). It was sunny and 38 when I finished.

For the rear panel I found a good solution if you don't have a spare child and tablet, or a friend, to weigh it down.



But I realized afterwards that there wasn't enough leverage on the cab panel to compress the seal sufficient. I will readjust when my small children get home from school.

My only request would be laminated instructions due my weather condition. Otherwise, any issues were of my own creation.

 

Put it to good use today... girlfriend said “how are you gonna move the couch with that cover on the bed? Can you remove it?

Me: psshhhhh

I wasn’t done strapping it down when the picture was taken

 

Installed yesterday. Shipping company finally delivered on Thursday. After missing their first appt completely they were early the 2nd time and no one was home...I told truck driver it was ok to leave since I had zero confidence they could hit a window before the weekend. Luckily, despite some superficial damage to the boxes, everything was ok.

Install went pretty smooth except I didn’t realize how delicate the bulkhead gasket was and I tore it right at the end while pulling on the adhesive backer. Oh well...spliced (smushed) it back together and will cross my fingers

 

PLEASE tell me you told her to hold your beer.

 

Lol I would have but my girl is a beer drinker. She would have finished it. But that’s why I love her

 

Security question: If the cover were locked and someone were to remove the T30 screws from the top middle brackets, could they gain access?

 

From the diamondback website FAQ:
Are the hinges vulnerable to tampering due to them being on top of the cover w/ the bolts exposed?
Not as vulnerable as you may think. We utilize flat-head machine screws and nylon lock-nuts to fasten our hinges to the cover. The nylon lock-nuts make it very difficult to loosen the screw from the topside of the cover only.

 

Great to know! I would love to see a security test video. I work in a shady neighborhood working 12 hour shifts. Even if my alarm goes off, I cant run out to check it. I really need a secure cover. My solid Tonneau trifold was crowbarred in seconds. Im at the point of welding a safe to the truckbed itself.

 

I did the group buy also. I also worried about security. It's down to if the thief wants it bad enough. Look at the locking mechanism that seems to be the week link to me, just sayin, these lids are as good as any other. Most 2bit crackhead isn't going to spend time disassembling the hinge. To me carreer thief will try the lock, if they can't enter they move on.

 

Just keep this guy in the bed.

 

Not a bad idea.

 

Hmmm, I wonder if that would just break off on top where the wrench is, or break it loose underneath?

 

I would like to see the next version of this have an electronic unlock/lock mechanism. And a flush mounted key lock - similar to the 25 cent gumball vending machines of older times but the size of gas fireplace key for use in electric lock failure. Presumably it would be harder to remove the lock, as well as add convenience to the user.

 

I like that idea 100%, flush is the way to go

 

Looking at the lock base not the handle that turns thier is a rectangular cut out that I think a metal piece drops into when we engage the lock, preventing the handle from rotating. A quick pull with a tool like the large crescent wrench (14") leverage to boot I'm thinking will destroy the lock. It looks to be only aluminum.
The previous post has a good idea flush, and I can see that in future versions. but still if they want in they will, just is it worth it to them.

 

Our HD got here a week or so ago. I called Fed Ex to set up the pickup and it was flawless!

Installed it this weekend.

Decided to NOT go with the Tacoma sealing/prep as our temps have been way below the 50^ temps....will do that this spring.

What I can say....GET another person to help with the adjustment on the lock arms.

Amazing cover!

 

It’s an awesome cover and already getting compliments on it. To those that have had it on a few days, has anyone noticed the clamps holding down the middle section loosening? I noticed it was loose a couple days into it so I didn’t know if the cover settled a bit? I did tighten it down but was curious if I should use locktite or wait for more settling or maybe I just didn’t tighten it as much as I should have the first time?