Looking to stretch your Tonneau cover but not sure where to start? You’ve come to the right place! In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of stretching your Tonneau cover step-by-step, based on our own personal experience.
Stretching a Tonneau cover is an essential task that helps to ensure a tight and secure fit, providing maximum protection for your cargo. However, it can be a daunting task if you’re not sure how to do it properly. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you get the job done right.
How to Stretch a Tonneau Cover Like a Pro
There are two methods I applied to stretch my Tonneau cover. First, By the freehand method, and Second, Use a stretching machine.
By FreeHand Method
In this method, I used my hands to stretch my Tonneau cover. This method is a little bit of a patience-demanding method. The reason is that the freehand method can be prolonged, and manual work takes time. The Freehand method was processed as I started to stretch my Tonneau cover from one side and took it all the way to complete it thoroughly. After covering and fixing all the sides, pull the Tonneau cover to check its stretching and then add the following key points:
- Clean my Tonneau cover with a brush; sometimes, I use hot water to remove rigid stains.
- Spray the Tonneau cleaner/vinyl shiner/cleaning lubricant/cleaning solution. Then I washed the Tonneau cover with partial hot water.
- I left it to dry in the sunlight before using it.
- When it dried, I cleaned it with a clean piece of clothing and again started using it.
By Machine Method
The machine method requires you to set up the Tonneau cover so that its face faces upwards while its middle part rests on the ground.
- Then I placed the machine on it and aligned its two front corners with the cover’s two front corners.
- Turn on the machine and let it be warmed up for 2 minutes.
- Until that, recheck the stretches of the Tonneau cover’s corners before using the machine.
- I used the machine and got the desired length.
- Please turn off the machine and remove it gently.
- Counter-check the stretches of the Tonneau cover.
What Weather Condition is Suitable for Stretching?
I will recommend daylight, particularly a temperature of 30 to 40 centigrades. The logic behind this recommendation is that the fabric of the cover needs an efficient amount of heat to expand correctly.
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Stretching: A Time-Taking Process?
I must say it is neither a hectic nor a time-taking process. You don’t have to do this process daily. Stretching is that kind of process that takes, at maximum, about 3 hours. On minimum calculations, it takes 1 hour.
Why is Stretching Needed?
Stretching a tonneau cover can be a tricky process, but it is important to ensure a tight fit that will keep the contents of your truck bed safe and secure. The first step is to lay the cover flat in the sun to warm up the material and make it more pliable. Then, start at one corner and gradually pull the cover towards the opposite corner, using a soft touch and making sure not to apply too much force. As you work your way across the cover, be sure to adjust the tension as needed to prevent wrinkles or sagging. With patience and a bit of practice, you can achieve a properly stretched tonneau cover that will provide reliable protection for your cargo.
I didn’t know the reason behind Stretching a Tonneau cover on the first attempt. But with time, I learned that stretching my Tonneau cover is as necessary as cleaning. Being loosened or sagged are the clear indications that tell you when to stretch your Tonneau cover. Moreover, stretching helps to cover your bed more widely and is a way to determine the efficiency of your Tonneau cover.
Can Stretching Cause Damage to Tonneau Cover?
The absolute answer is NO. Stretching the Tonneau cover cannot cause any damage to it. Every Tonneau cover, which is soft, and made up of vinyl or cloth, can be stretched very easily. While on the other hand, hardcovers made of fiberglass and aluminum are much harder to stretch.
Tip: Be gentle with your Tonneau cover; if it is not made up of soft or vinyl material, then don’t try to stretch it to avoid tearing.
Conclusion
To shrink the silky thread short, I possibly covered all the alpha and omega related to the query. It is all about how to stretch a Tonneau cover that you want to learn about. It is indispensable to stretch your Tonneau cover, and I tried to explain all the possible factors linked with the topic thoroughly. Apply these methods and live at ease with your Truck’s cover.
Joshea Mark is a trucker with a wealth of experience and a keen eye for quality. He has spent countless hours on the road and knows firsthand the importance of having a reliable tonneau cover to protect his cargo. That’s why Joshea is so passionate about sharing his knowledge and expertise with others.
At Best in Tonneau Covers, he reviews the latest and greatest covers on the market, compares different brands, and writes buyer guides to help truckers like himself make informed decisions. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to the world of trucking, Joshea’s insights and advice are sure to be valuable. His writing is authentic and personal, reflecting his years of experience and his genuine desire to help others.