Introduction
The Agri-Cover Lomax Tri-Fold Tonneau is a specialized product designed for the 5th generation Ram trucks equipped with Rambox. This tonneau cover is notable for its compatibility with the Rambox system, a unique feature of certain Ram models. The installation process and design choices are detailed in user experiences shared online, offering insights into the practical aspects of fitting this product on a vehicle.
This article provides an in-depth look at the installation process, color choices, and design considerations based on the experiences of users who have installed the Agri-Cover Lomax Tri-Fold Tonneau. The information is drawn from first-hand accounts that reflect the real-world application of the product. The discussion includes the materials involved, the steps required for installation, and the observed benefits and potential design improvements. The focus remains on factual details provided by users and does not include speculative or promotional content.
Installation Overview
The installation of the Agri-Cover Lomax Tri-Fold Tonneau involves several key steps. First, the user must remove the Ram cargo rails. Upon removal, it is common to find dirt and debris, necessitating a cleaning process. A combination of Armor-All Tire Foam and a washcloth was used effectively to clean the bed, as traditional car wash liquids proved less effective.
A critical step in the installation is the preparation of the 2"-wide foam seal. The manufacturer’s instructions do not explicitly mention the need to degrease the inside of the cargo rails before applying the foam seal. However, one user chose to do so using alcohol to ensure a clean surface for the adhesive. The foam seal is clamped between the cargo rail and the bed, reducing the risk of it coming loose.
To facilitate the installation, the foam seal must be modified to accommodate the 2 plastic pins that loosely attach the rails to the bed and the 5 bolts that secure the assembly. The user recommends using scissors to make holes for the plastic pins and a gasket hole punch with a block of wood for the larger holes required for the bolts. This method allows for a neat and precise fit.
During the assembly of the cover rails to the cargo rails, the use of a 7/16 and a 1/2 combination wrench is necessary. However, the user found that deep sockets and an extension also proved helpful. The long 10mm head Ram bolts that secure the cargo rails were more efficiently removed using a drill. Reassembly of the cargo rail with the attached tonneau rail required careful handling due to the added thickness from the foam gasket. The plastic pins, which are designed to hold the rail in place during assembly, may not provide sufficient support due to the added thickness, and a tool was used to gently press them into place.
Color Choices and Design Considerations
The Agri-Cover Lomax Tri-Fold Tonneau is available in several color options, including a Professional model with a bright diamond plate finish. While black is a popular choice, particularly for the current year, some users opted for the Professional model due to its additional bracing. This bracing provides extra stiffness to the panels, which is beneficial in environments where the truck is parked under trees that may drop heavy branches. The added stiffness also proves useful when folding the cover from one side.
However, the additional bracing increases the weight of the cover by 10 pounds, raising it from 50 to 60 pounds. This added weight can make the removal and reinstallation of the cover more challenging, especially for users who may not have the physical strength to handle such a load. Despite this, the mechanical process of removing the cover, as demonstrated in the manufacturer’s videos, remains straightforward. Positioning the cover for reinstallation is slightly more complex but becomes easier with practice.
The design of the Agri-Cover Lomax Tri-Fold Tonneau is praised for its clever engineering and expected longevity. One potential design flaw identified is the sharpness of the rear of the two tonneau rails. A suggestion for improvement is to shorten the rails and fit a plug to prevent any sharp edges. A plug on the front end could also prevent water from entering the system, although this issue is not immediately apparent unless the user physically interacts with the rails.
Performance and Practical Use
Users who have installed the Agri-Cover Lomax Tri-Fold Tonneau have reported satisfactory experiences with the product. The cover’s ability to reduce heat buildup in the truck bed has been a notable benefit. For example, one user measured the ambient temperature at 70°F and found that the white areas of the truck were between 77°F and 85°F, while the black areas adjacent to the cover ranged from 93°F to 113°F. In contrast, the cover itself maintained a temperature between 73°F and 78°F, indicating its effectiveness in insulating the cargo area.
The user also noted the importance of proper installation to ensure the cover functions as intended. This includes cleaning the cargo rails and bed thoroughly before proceeding with the installation. The use of appropriate tools and techniques, such as a gasket hole punch and deep sockets, is recommended to achieve a secure and precise fit. The user emphasized that following the manufacturer’s instructions carefully can help avoid potential issues and ensure the cover performs optimally.
User Experiences and Recommendations
User experiences with the Agri-Cover Lomax Tri-Fold Tonneau highlight the importance of thorough preparation and attention to detail during installation. One user shared that the process of removing the cargo rails revealed dirt and debris, which necessitated a cleaning step. The user also found that using Armor-All Tire Foam and a washcloth was more effective than traditional car wash liquids for cleaning the bed. This step is crucial for ensuring that the foam seal adheres properly to the surface.
Another user mentioned that the manufacturer’s instructions did not explicitly mention the need to degrease the inside of the cargo rails before applying the foam seal. However, the user chose to do so using alcohol to ensure a clean surface for the adhesive. This step is important for ensuring that the foam seal remains securely in place and does not come loose over time.
The user also noted that the installation process required the use of specific tools, such as a gasket hole punch and deep sockets. These tools are recommended to achieve a precise fit and ensure that the cover functions as intended. The user emphasized that following the manufacturer’s instructions carefully can help avoid potential issues and ensure the cover performs optimally.
Conclusion
The Agri-Cover Lomax Tri-Fold Tonneau is a well-engineered product designed for the 5th generation Ram trucks equipped with Rambox. The installation process involves several key steps, including the removal and cleaning of the cargo rails, the application of a foam seal, and the precise fitting of the cover. The user experiences shared online provide valuable insights into the practical aspects of installing this product, including the importance of thorough preparation and the use of appropriate tools.
The design of the Agri-Cover Lomax Tri-Fold Tonneau is praised for its clever engineering and expected longevity. However, potential design improvements have been suggested, such as shortening the sharp rear of the tonneau rails and fitting a plug to prevent water from entering the system. The addition of bracing in the Professional model provides extra stiffness, which is beneficial in certain environments, although it does increase the weight of the cover.
Overall, the Agri-Cover Lomax Tri-Fold Tonneau is a reliable and functional product that offers several benefits, including heat insulation and added stiffness. The installation process, while requiring some effort, can be completed successfully with the right tools and techniques. Users who have installed the cover have reported satisfactory experiences, highlighting the importance of following the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to ensure optimal performance.