The Mopar tri-fold tonneau cover installation process involves positioning the cover on the truck bed, releasing clamps from a stowed position, securing clamps under the truck bed flange (or Ram Box rail flange, if equipped), and engaging the clamps. Proper installation is crucial to prevent detachment and potential damage to the vehicle or cover. The documentation emphasizes the importance of fully extending the cover forward and ensuring complete clamp engagement. Cleaning recommendations involve the use of MOPAR Whitewall & Vinyl Top Cleaner and MOPAR Leather & Vinyl Conditioner/Protectant.
Initial Positioning and Clamp Release
The initial step in installing the Mopar tri-fold tonneau cover involves placing the folded cover onto the truck bed. The documentation specifies that the cover should be pushed forward against the front of the truck bed, as it is designed to self-center when placed on the vehicle. Following this positioning, the first set of clamp handles must be pulled down to release the clamps from the stowed position. This prepares the clamps for engagement with the truck bed flange.
Clamp Engagement Procedure
After releasing the clamps, the next step involves securing them under the flange of the truck bed, or the flange of the Ram Box rail if the vehicle is so equipped. This is achieved by pushing the clamp wires up and under the flange to a “semi-clamped” position. Subsequently, the clamp handles are pushed upward to the fully clamped position, ensuring proper engagement. It is critical to verify that the clamps are not partially clamped to the truck bed flange, as this can compromise the security of the cover.
Unfolding and Intermediate Positioning
The installation process continues with the disengagement of stowage straps. Following this, the tonneau cover is unfolded to an intermediate position. The documentation includes a specific caution: the vehicle should not be driven while the tonneau cover is in the intermediate position. This is due to the cover not being fully secured and potentially interfering with vehicle operation.
Complete Unfolding and Final Clamping
The final unfolding stage involves completely unfolding the tonneau cover to its fully extended position. A second set of clamp handles is then pulled down to release them from the stowed position. The clamp wires are again pushed up and under the flange of the truck bed (or Ram Box rail), and the clamp handles are pushed upward to the clamped position. Once clamped, a final check is necessary to ensure the clamps are fully and correctly attached to the truck bed flange.
Locking Mechanism
The Mopar tri-fold tonneau cover features a locking mechanism for added security. Once the clamps are in the clamped position, a lock can be placed through the locking hole to secure the cover. This prevents unauthorized access to the truck bed contents.
Important Cautions and Considerations
The documentation emphasizes the driver’s responsibility to ensure the tonneau cover is properly installed. Failure to adhere to the installation procedure can result in the detachment of the cover from the vehicle and/or damage to the vehicle or the cover itself. This highlights the importance of carefully following each step of the installation process.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Proper cleaning and maintenance are recommended to preserve the appearance and longevity of the tonneau cover. The documentation specifically recommends using MOPAR Whitewall & Vinyl Top Cleaner and MOPAR Leather & Vinyl Conditioner/Protectant for cleaning purposes. These products are designed to effectively clean and protect the cover material without causing damage.
Improper Clamp Positioning
The documentation highlights the potential for improper clamp positioning. An image illustrating an improper clamp position is included, visually demonstrating the issue. Ensuring correct clamp engagement is vital for the secure operation of the tonneau cover.
Folding Procedures
When folding the center and rear panels, the documentation states that the sections must be held together to avoid damage to the cover material. This is a critical step to prevent tearing or other damage during folding and unfolding.
Electronic Tailgate Release Interference
The documentation notes that failure to push the tonneau cover all the way forward on the truck bed might interfere with the electronic tailgate release function, if the vehicle is equipped with one. This emphasizes the importance of proper positioning during installation.
Conclusion
The Mopar tri-fold tonneau cover installation process requires careful attention to detail to ensure proper functionality and security. Key steps include correct clamp engagement, complete unfolding, and adherence to safety cautions. Regular cleaning with recommended MOPAR products will help maintain the cover’s condition. Proper installation and maintenance are essential to prevent detachment, damage, and interference with other vehicle systems.