Print Article for : Extang Tonneau Cover For

Your Online Guide » Trailers » Tonneau Covers for Trucks

[E397]Extang Tonneau Cover For

by Michael Colucci, Mic

A tonneau cover is an important tool for people who drive their trucks on a daily basis. It will protect your cargo, and will also help you conserve fuel. A locking tailgate is a device which helps keep the cover closed. In this article I will show you the first steps for installing a cover. In this example we will be using a Ford F-350, but the same basic rule applies to most trucks. Your cover is likely to come with a manual, and you will want to refer to it also.

The first thing you want to do is remove the cover and the accessories from the package. You want to make sure you follow the instructions of the manufacturer when doing this. You may also want to use a soft cloth in order to keep the rolled top from moving back and forth while inside the container. Connect the lock arm onto the bottom of tonneau handle. Once you have installed it the lock should be able to reach over the edge in order to lock the top. You can test the lock by using a key to make sure it works.

Now you want to take the cannister and place it on the rail of the truck. Place it in the area where you want it to be, but make sure you don't connect it right now. Take off the side channels and other things from the packaging to insure it is the correct length and will fit on the side rails. When you unroll the cover, it will move back inside channels that are attached to the side rails of the truck. This stops the cover from becoming loose due to wind. Take a measurement of your truck bed to make sure the channels will fit.

If the channels are too long, you may need to cut off the parts you don't need. Once you've attached them you want to make sure the tailgate has enough space to close. You will need to mark the spots on the rails where you will be placing the screws. You can add a clamp to the track while you are taking your measurements to make sure they are accurate. A grease pencil can be used to mark the locations. After this you will want to take off the clamps and get ready to drill the holes. Make sure you drill them in the correct location.

After this you will want to attach the track onto the truck bed rail. You will need to use screws for this. These are the basic steps for installing a tonneau cover, and should give you a good idea of what you will need to do.

Sometimes you need to own a truck. I work at a motorcycle repair shop, so I am often transport large parts or bikes on the back of my truck. I haven't had any complaints with my Dodge Ram?except at the gas station. This truck eats up fuel faster than Kobayashi eats hot dogs. I mean, it seems like every time I glance down at the fuel gage, the needle is pointing down. I probably got a measly fifteen miles per gallon, which just did not cut it. So I did what most people do when they don't know an answer, and turned to Google.
I found a lot of informational articles and read up on improving my truck's gas mileage. I discovered that aerodynamics play a huge role in how many miles per gallon your vehicle gets. And you many not know this, but pick up trucks aren't exactly built for speed. When driving your pick up, air flows up the hood, over the cab, shoots down into the bed, and then hits the tailgate, creating drag, which is the problem. The more drag, the harder it is for your truck to cut through the air, and hence, requiring more fuel. Don't worry, I didn't know any of this either. But I did read a few articles about how companies tested truck aerodynamics. What they found was that tonneau covers can greatly reduce drag, which ultimately translates into fuel efficiency. I don't know about you, but that sold me. Sure, a tonneau cover can be a few bucks, but in the long run, I am saving money every week at the pump, protecting my truck bed, and creating a secure storage area on my truck. I found that I get over 17 MPG now! That's three more miles per gallon. Apparently, adding a tonneau cover is the best way to increase fuel efficiency, but you can also make sure your tires are fully inflated and consider purchasing a new air filter.

Article Source : Pg. 2

About Author

Both Michael Colucci & Tim Saunier are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Michael Colucci has sinced written about articles on various topics from Credit Cards, Mortgage and Pets. Michael Colucci is a technical writer for - A free site on showing the tips and advantages of tonneau covers.. Michael Colucci's top article generates over 74000 views. to your Favourites.

Tim Saunier has sinced written about articles on various topics from Trucks, Brakes and Debts Loans. I decided to get the Cover, but found a huge selection of. Tim Saunier's top article generates over 9900 views. to your Favourites.