DIY tonneau cover

Posted this in the other thread, but figured it might be worth starting a thread for just this.

Decided to try something different today, and make my own tonneau cover...

Took some measurements and then decided to hit up Lowes and pick up what I needed.

Got home and started cutting and test fitting. Wanted to make sure I had a hinged section to make it easy to get into the bed and to be able to carry larger items.

First section, 3 feet from the cab back.


Then the second section...
Little over 2 feet to the tailgate.


Made sure to add bracing and clear the bed rail mounts, also added "I hooks" for mounting in in the bed.


Finished test fitting and added paint and weather stripping..



Mounted it to the bed...



And the finished product! All mounted and solid as a rock. Easily holds my 240lb self without flexing.


Not bad for about $90 and a few DIY hours.

 

You can buy a real one for $200-300. No offense but that looks like something that should be on a 30 year old chevy not a brand new $40k truck.

 

Do you have a total weight on this?

 

Looks like the chive got all his money

 

Haters gonna hate.

Looks good OP.

 

kudos matt!

 

Pretty cool man.

 

Not too bad. Could probably wrap it with indoor/outdoor carpet or vinyl.

 

Or have it Line-exed but that would defeat the purpose of cheap.

 

Thanks for the feedback guys! I figured it was going to get some mixed reviews, but at the end of the day it's my truck and I'm pretty happy with the final product.

After looking at covers for a while and looking at some of the threads posted about them and the reviews, this seemed like the best route for me. I wanted something strong enough to be able to load things on top of and not have to worry about all the "fitment issues" I've read about with the aftermarket covers.

 

Good on you for diy, OP

 

I love DIY stuff, if it comes out looking professional. It's a good concept, and you're about halfway there in my book.

#1) I'd cover it with vinyl, or really something to hide the fact its just plywood. A good glue and some time will result in a smooth finish that looks high quality. Make sure to cover up the sides since that's the wood is rough. I'd probably leave the bottom as is since its hidden underneath.

#2) Make a better system to hold it down. Maybe some friction locks the clamp it down, instead of tie downs. I'd use the moveable bed rail tie downs. Put two up in front by the cab to prevent sliding, and probably 6 on each side. Put two close to the tailgate, and rig a clamp you can open from the top of the cover. That way you won't have to open the tailgate to lift the cover.

Great work so far, its a good product, it just needs some good finishing!

 

Sorry, but that looks like garbage. You spent that much money on a new truck and can't shell out for a decent cover? That's an insult to the rest of the truck!

 

Nice

 

I like it. The best part is, if some one fucks it up you're not out $200 - $300 for a new one and it's easy to repair.

 

Yeah, it's definitely not 100% complete. I have an idea on how I'm going to make the finish look a bit better. Especially with covering the top and sides. Hopefully I'll be able to bang it out over the weekend or early next week before I go camping.

And I knew posting pics on here would get a blend of mixed reviews, but that's going to happen with anything in life.

If I had unlimited income and wanted to spend $300-800 for a cover (depending on which route you go) then I would. But personally I like being able to say I made this and show how sturdy it is and know I don't have to worry about fitment issues.

 

Absolutely agree. As I said, I like DIY stuff. The hardest part of anything DIY is...making it look like its not! Lol, the clamps are really just an idea of you aren't happy with the tie downs. Can't wait to see the truly finished product!

 

Bill Murray doesn't look impressed by it.