Diamondback SE fit and alignment

Howdy. This post is going to reflect my really annoying (at times) eye for things not being straight/level/plumb. I installed my new SE yesterday which went pretty smoothly. However, I noticed a couple of fit and/or alignment “issues” that I was hoping for feedback on - and recognizing the seals will settle.

1. for the life of me I can’t get the cab/driver side to compress fully - so it appears to be elevated compared to the rest of the drivers side. And I weighted it down. Will this go away as the seal relaxes?

2. I noticed that the alignment between the two covers and the centre panel are a little off on the passenger side. Anyone else have this or do I need to adjust things a little?

 

@kiwiyyc Hey there! Thanks for dropping us a line. We appreciate your eye for the details, with a little fine-tuning we can help get you squared away.

To your first point, that perimeter gasket will certainly break-in. This break-in period is very important when it comes to the seal your cover makes with your bed rail caps. Over time, as that gasket compresses it will form to the groves on your bed rails closing any potential entry points from the elements. After the seal settles you may want to revisit the fitment of the panel and snug that lock rod down further. However, this panel may also be bowing upward due to the center panel clamps being overtightened. In any case, we'd recommend touching bases with a member of our support team. A quick call or email and we can narrow this down and have you on your way. Call (800) 935-4002 (option 2), or email support@diamondbackcovers.com

Secondly, we take pride in delivering a quality hand-built product. Our production process is rigid, however, there are certain aspects to the design of a DiamondBack that fall outside of our control, such as the orientation of the tread pattern stamped on the sheets of aluminum. Although, if this is not the alignment issue you are referring to please mention this to our support team in your call/email and we'll see what we can do.

We hope this helps!

 

Thanks @DiamondBack Covers, I’ve reached out to the support team and we’re getting things sorted.

 

@DiamondBack Covers just confirming that the difference in gap on the centre panel (highlighted) gutter is normal or if not, is this "twist" a function of having the c-clamps too tight?

 

@kiwiyyc Glad to hear you were able to touch bases with our support team and get things squared away.

Correct, that variance in the gutter of your center panel is within compliance. You should expect your DiamondBack to function to it's fullest abilities!

 

So I'm having the same issue where the cab/driver side does not compress fully (copied below). Wondering what DB's solution was?

Thanks

1. for the life of me I can’t get the cab/driver side to compress fully - so it appears to be elevated compared to the rest of the drivers side. And I weighted it down. Will this go away as the seal relaxes?

 

Based on my experience, the gasket will seal better with a bit of time. I also had my wife sit on each corner as I tightened the rods up against the bed rails underneath so that it was tight. A few weeks in warm weather to get the gasket to settle properly and it’s all good. You may have to weight and adjust the rods again. I think I did this three times over 6 mths but haven’t had to adjust anything since and it doesn’t leak.

 

Thank you so much for your response. I'll try tightening the rods with weight applied, I just want everything nice and flush. Diamondback, is this a common issue? It's made me consider going with a different cover.

 

Hey @cullenk456,

It's nothing major/unsolvable. When dealing with sealing up an entire truck bed, there are minor adjustments that need to be made in the early stages of the cover to get it dialed in. Just off first glance, these issues usually come back to over-torqued center panel clamps or seals getting broken in, like mentioned above. Our support team can help troubleshoot this and get your cover set up that last bit, we'd recommend that route so they can see pictures of your cover installed and give you a more precise answer. Go ahead and email support@diamondbackcovers.com a line or give us a call at (800) 935-4002 (Option 2)