The AUTOSAVER88 FRP Hard Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover is a precision-engineered solution for truck owners seeking a balance of utility, security, and aesthetics. Designed for 2007–2025 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra models with a 5.8-foot truck bed, this cover offers a durable, no-drill installation and a flexible tri-fold design that allows full access to the truck bed when needed. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step breakdown of the installation process, operation instructions, and key maintenance considerations based on the official installation manual and supplementary documentation.
Installation Overview
The installation of the AUTOSAVER88 FRP Hard Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover is designed to be user-friendly and does not require drilling into the truck bed. This ensures that the installation is reversible and does not compromise the integrity of the vehicle’s structure. The process involves securing the cover using a series of clamps, including front and rear clamps, and ensuring all safety features such as nylon buckles and bullet-proof clamps are properly engaged.
Before beginning installation, it is essential to verify that the truck bed measures 5.8 feet (or 69.9 inches) in length. This cover is specifically designed for this bed length and will not fit multi-flex tailgate or CarbonPro bed models. A clean and debris-free truck bed is also necessary to ensure proper alignment and secure clamping of the cover.
Pre-Installation Preparation
Prior to installing the tonneau cover, users should perform a pre-installation check. The truck bed must be cleaned thoroughly to remove any dirt, grease, or debris that could interfere with the clamping process or the sealing of the cover. This step is crucial for ensuring a secure and long-lasting installation.
The bed length should also be confirmed using the provided reference in the manual, which specifies that the bed must be exactly 5.8 feet (5'9" or 69.9") for proper fitment. If the bed does not meet this exact dimension, the cover may not function correctly and could compromise both performance and safety.
Once the bed is prepared, the tonneau cover can be carefully positioned onto the front bulkhead of the truck bed. It is important to center and align the cover properly to ensure it sits correctly and allows for even distribution of clamping pressure.
Step-by-Step Installation Instructions
The installation process involves securing the front and rear clamps in a specific sequence to ensure the cover remains stable and secure during use. Below is a detailed breakdown of the installation steps:
Position the Cover: Carefully place the folded tonneau cover onto the front bulkhead of the truck bed. Ensure the cover is centered and aligned with the bed rails. This alignment is critical for the proper functioning of the clamps and the overall stability of the cover.
Secure the Front Clamps: Unfold the first section of the cover and locate the front clamps. These clamps are designed to attach to the bed rails and provide initial stability to the cover. Slide the clamps into their optimal positions along the bed rail and tighten the triangular screws (also referred to as wing nuts) to firmly secure the cover. Proper tightening ensures that the clamps remain in place and do not shift during operation.
Secure the Rear Clamps: After securing the front clamps, extend the remaining sections of the cover toward the tailgate. Locate the rear clamps and connect them to the T-bar on the cover. Push the rear clamps vertically into the bed rails on both sides. It is important to ensure that all clamps are in full contact with the lip of the metal bed rail to maximize the secure fit.
Insert Safety Plugs: For enhanced driving safety, the bullet-proof clamps must have their durable plugs inserted after securing. These plugs are designed to prevent accidental disengagement and ensure the cover remains firmly in place, even under dynamic driving conditions.
Verify Secure Fit: Once all clamps are in place, double-check the tightness of each clamp and ensure that the cover is fully aligned with the truck bed. A secure fit is essential for both performance and safety.
Operating the Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover
The tri-fold design of the AUTOSAVER88 FRP Hard Tonneau Cover allows for flexible cargo management and quick access to the truck bed. The cover can be fully opened to provide maximum bed space, partially opened for quick access, or fully closed for complete protection. Below are the detailed operating instructions for each function:
To Open (Fold): Begin by releasing the rear clamps. These clamps are the first to be engaged and must be disengaged to allow the cover to fold. Once the rear clamps are released, fold the cover toward the cab in sections. As the cover is folded, use the integrated nylon buckles to secure the folded sections against the cab. This ensures that the cover remains in place during driving and does not shift or become loose.
To Close (Unfold): To close the cover, first release the nylon buckles that secure the folded sections. Carefully unfold the cover sections toward the tailgate. As the cover is extended, ensure that each section aligns properly with the truck bed and that the cover is fully extended. Once the cover is fully unfolded, secure the rear clamps firmly to the bed rails. This step is crucial for ensuring the cover remains stable and secure during use.
Security Considerations: When the cover is in the closed position, it is important to ensure that the tailgate is also closed and locked. The tonneau cover locks with the tailgate, and securing the tailgate helps prevent the contents of the truck bed from being accessed or compromised.
The tonneau cover supports multiple configurations, including fully locked, partially folded for quick access, and fully folded-up for maximum bed space. These configurations are illustrated in the provided documentation and demonstrate the versatility of the cover in different usage scenarios.
Key Design and Functional Features
The AUTOSAVER88 FRP Hard Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover is designed with several key features that enhance both performance and user experience. These features include:
Precise Fit: The cover is custom-designed for 2007–2025 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra models with a 5.8-foot bed. This ensures a tight, secure fit that enhances the truck’s appearance and functionality.
Nylon Buckles: Integrated nylon buckles are used to secure the folded sections of the cover against the cab. These buckles are durable and provide additional stability during operation.
Bullet-Proof Clamps: The clamps are designed with durable plugs to prevent accidental disengagement and ensure the cover remains secure during driving.
Weather Strip and Extra LED Light: The cover includes a weather strip for added protection against the elements and an extra LED light for improved visibility in low-light conditions.
Scratch Protection and Snow Resistance: The cover is designed to provide scratch protection and resistance to snow and water, making it suitable for a wide range of weather conditions.
Improved Fuel Efficiency: By reducing aerodynamic drag, the tonneau cover can contribute to improved fuel efficiency, especially during highway driving.
These features collectively enhance the usability, durability, and performance of the cover, making it a valuable addition to any truck owner's vehicle.
Maintenance and Care
Proper maintenance is essential for ensuring the continued performance and longevity of the AUTOSAVER88 FRP Hard Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover. While the cover is designed to be durable and weather-resistant, regular inspection and cleaning can help prevent wear and tear and maintain optimal functionality.
Cleaning: Regularly clean the cover using a mild detergent and water. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could damage the surface. Wiping down the cover after exposure to dirt, mud, or salt can help prevent buildup and maintain its appearance.
Inspection: Periodically inspect the clamps, buckles, and seals for signs of wear, corrosion, or damage. Replace any damaged components immediately to ensure the cover remains secure and functional.
Lubrication: Apply a small amount of silicone-based lubricant to the clamps and moving parts to prevent stiffness and ensure smooth operation. Avoid over-lubrication, which can attract dirt and debris.
Storage: If the cover is not in use for an extended period, store it in a dry, cool location to prevent warping or degradation. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures for prolonged periods.
By following these maintenance guidelines, users can ensure that the cover continues to perform reliably and remains in excellent condition over time.
Conclusion
The AUTOSAVER88 FRP Hard Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover offers a reliable and versatile solution for truck owners seeking to enhance the utility, security, and aesthetics of their vehicle. With its no-drill installation, tri-fold design, and durable construction, this cover provides a balance of functionality and convenience. The step-by-step installation process is straightforward and designed to ensure a secure fit without compromising the integrity of the truck bed.
Users should follow the detailed operating instructions to maximize the benefits of the cover, including full bed access when needed and enhanced protection when closed. The cover’s key features, such as nylon buckles, bullet-proof clamps, and weather resistance, further enhance its performance and durability.
Regular maintenance and care are essential for ensuring the continued performance of the cover. By cleaning, inspecting, and lubricating the components as needed, users can extend the lifespan of the cover and maintain its effectiveness.
For U.S. consumers, tech enthusiasts, and DIY users, the AUTOSAVER88 FRP Hard Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover represents a practical and reliable option for improving truck bed functionality and aesthetics.