DiamondBack Covers | Modifications

I ran power from the engine bay along the frame rails to the bed for this.

 

Works great. I had bed rails with my Diamondback cover originally then and then @KB Voodoo full rack on my cover that goes on and off if I’m off roading.

 

That’s the best solution. I opted for my LED’s under the bed rail stuck to the truck bed so if I take my cover off I still have lights. I put a simple pin switch in so when I open the tailgate the lights go on automatically and turn off when I shut the tail gate

 

That's a sweet setup. The switches you linked to are momentary switches. Therefore, I'm curious - does that mean you have the timer relay setup so that you simply press the momentary switch, and the lights turn on for a designated amount of time? If so, does that also mean you can't manually turn the lights off, and must wait for the timer to time-out instead?

 

awesome Thanks!

 

The momentary switches act as the trigger for the timer relay. When you press the button it turns the lights on. When you press it again it turns the lights off. If you do not press it again they will time out after a prescribed time (which is programmable).

That timer relay is pretty slick. It can be programmed to do quite a few different functions.

 

Another light option: https://mattgeckoleds.com/shop/ols/products/2016-2018-tacoma-led-bed-light-kit-short-bed

 

Yup, @mattgecko has a good setup for under the bed rails. I even got some for the covers as well. Check out his thread and the pictures that are there.

 

That is really freaking awesome, thanks for sharing the details! I think I'm about to order one of those timer relays

 

I just received and installed my diamondback. Love the cover. I am curious on how everyone tighten their clamps and how it currently sits.

I reached out to diamondback to request a torque spec for the four clamps. They said 15 ft-lb so I did that. Just went to check the clamps after 100 miles and noticed the clamps cause the bolt to skew. I took one clamp out to inspect out of concern and the skewed bolt was compressing the bottom piece of the clamp and widen the hole. I put the clamp back on and no matter what, it skews so Im just rolling with it. I am just wondering if this is normal with everyone. Just don't want the bolt to shear off down the road.

 

I don't think mine skews. As you're tightening down, have you double checked the top half remains fully seated to the back of the panel?

 

Yes, I tried keeping it straight while tightening down. Once it clamps, you can't really reposition it. I think 15ft lb may be a bit too tight. I now torqued to about 12ft lb but the hole in the bottom part of the clamp that the skewed bolt beared on is crushed and widen so It always go on skewed.

 

Mine are a little too, I wouldn’t worry about it just make sure you reach in and check every once in awhile. Mine got better after the gasket compressed in the middle section, I’ve had mine on for almost 3 years now.

 

Thanks for the feedback. I guess if anything does go wrong, theyre easy to replace.

 

I had the same issue during installation... so far so good after 3 months.

 

Anyone install extra tie-downs on their DB? I got the SE but am considering extra anchors.

 

I added a lot more tie downs to my SE. With the L-track I can place tie down rings wherever I need along the length of the tracks, without any tools. See my post here: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/diamondback-covers-modifications.553966/page-25#post-22104741

 

I want to add similar tracks but I would like them to be as tall as the latches so that sheet stock can lay flat on top. I guess I could add a length of square tubing underneath to get the height. Any thoughts?

 

My DB should arrive in mid-February. In preparation I read through the instructions and noticed they recommend two people to install. Did any of you install the DB alone? If so, how long did it take? I can ask a friend to help, but I'd like to do it alone if it's not terrible.

 

I did it alone and it took about 30 minutes. No problem unless you've got some physical limitation.