Secure OEM Tonneau with 1 panel open

Hey all, searched through all the tonneau threads and don't think I found this question..

Was wondering if anyone has come up with a good way to secure the cover with just the first panel open as pictured, as opposed to having the 2 panels folded atop the panel closet to the cab.
Would be nice to be able to properly secure that panel when I have something that doesn't need to use up half the space of the bed, like a generator or something.
Any ideas are appreciated, thanks.

 

You can use a ratchet strap

 

I suppose so.
Feed strap from bed hook, between head rail and and 1st cover panel, to cleat on side rail?
I was hoping for a cleaner idea I hadn't thought of, but I guess that's the most practical way to get er done

 

Maybe find another set of the plastic clips that hold it open when it’s folded all the way. Then figure out how to attach them to the middle folding piece, and clip them in as you would if you were folding it all the way.
Does that make sense?

 

I actually have an extra set of those strap/clips because I destroyed my original cover and just bought a new one, however the latch part is molded into the the cover panel, it's not a separate piece.
I'm currently trying to figure out a way to extend the strap and attach it the the first panel.

 

Here's an idea: Use velcro. Put one side of the velcro strip on the second panel, and another set on the first. Apply it to both sides. When you open it up, it will be secure and stay in place.

 

Just get a longer piece of webbing, have the buckle sewn into it, then attach it to the panel like the factory did.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/oem-tacoma-tonneau-cover-custom-mid-straps.705879/

 

I love the Mall Rated sticker! Where'd you get it?

Yeah, the tri folds with the shallow bed can be a PITA, I battled that before I finally found a used (correct color) shell/topper.

 

There was a sticker guy on here a long time ago, but I've reached out a few times in the past year or so and he's never responded so I guess he's no longer making/selling stickers.

 

A kayak shop should have some longer cam buckle straps that you can secure the panel with. That’s what I use and I picked them up at the same place I bought both my yaks from.

 

What advantage does the 2/3 closed method give you?

Stuff can still get wet, wind blown or stolen.

Curious, as I've never thought of using that method with mine........... maybe I'm missing something.

 

There have been a few times I was moving things, and had some boxes or other slightly unsecure items that I'd prefer to keep under the cover for various reasons, but also had items that couldn't fit under the cover.
Would just like to have the option to go 2/3 if I wanted/needed.
I'm a fan of options.

 

My latest idea is the cut the buckles and female latch ends out of my old/damaged tonneau, and somehow attach longer straps to clip into the buckles and latch on the new tonneau.

Would been a lot easier if toyota used regular buckles like @72rtchallenger posted above, but I guess that'd be too easy and maybe not as secure as the fancy buckles toyota put on the tonneau cover