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Can You Install a Tonneau Cover With a Bed Liner?

The tonneau cover is great protective equipment for your truck. However, sometimes your truck does not come with its own cover. As a result, you need to install one by yourself.

But, can you install a tonneau cover with a bed liner? It is possible to install a tonneau cover with a bed liner most of the time.

However, multiple factors can sometimes change the answer, such as the size and type of your cover and bed liner, the installation procedure, and the size and make of your truck. 

Even so, you can almost always install a tonneau cover on your bed liner.

So, to make everything easier for you, I am here today to eliminate all your confusion about installing a tonneau cover with a bed liner.


Can You Use a Tonneau Cover With a Bed Liner?

Tonneau covers are an excellent investment for your truck as they prevent theft, improve mileage, expand storage, and protect your merchandise from lousy weather or falling. 

Sometimes a truck does not have a tonneau cover of its own. This might make you think about whether or not you can install a tonneau cover with a bed liner.

Before buying a tonneau cover for your truck, you must take all the necessary measurements, learn about the fittings, and get acquainted with the installation procedure.

Otherwise, you will end up with the wrong tonneau cover size for your bed liner. 

It is possible to install a tonneau cover bought separately on a truck with Bedliner. You can use different types of them. Some of them are listed below.

  • Folding Tonneau Covers
  • Fiberglass Tonneau Covers
  • Soft Vinyl Tonneau Covers
  • Aluminum Tonneau Covers
  • Hard Plastic Tonneau Covers

To help you out below is a step-by-step guide on installing a tonneau cover with a bed liner.

Step 1: Gather Everything You Need

First, you need to gather all the equipment for your installation process. They are:

  • Scissors
  • Wrench
  • Drill Machine
  • Rubber Seal
  • Screws
  • Cleaning Spray
  • Cover Installation Kits

Step 2: Take Measurements

Measure your Bedliner and write them down. Buy the tonneau cover that will be an exact fit according to the measure of the liner.

Step 3: Clean the Bed

Using the cleaning spray, remove the dirt, dust, and lint from the truck bed.

Step 4: Read Up 

You will find a manual book with your tonneau cover. Read all the instructions carefully.

If something is incomprehensible to you, get the help of a professional. You can take help from installation videos too.

Step 5: Fasten the Edges

Fasten the edges of the tonneau cover with the rim of the truck bed. Adjust all the corners so that they are fitted perfectly.

Step 6: Drill

Drill into your truck to screw the tonneau covers with your vehicle.

Step 7: Screw into Place

Now place the screws into the holes and use the wrench to tighten them. Make sure the tonneau cover is positioned perfectly.

Step 8: Check and Adjust

Check the alignment and the elevation of the tonneau cover. If any change is needed, go through steps 5 to 7 again.

Step 9: Close the Gaps

Use the rubber seal to close any gaps.


Do All Tonneau Covers Work With Bed Liners?

Almost every tonneau cover can work with bed liners. Different tonneau covers need different installation processes.

But if you can handle the procedure and buy the correct size tonneau cover, you can install a tonneau cover with bed liners.

However, not all tonneau covers can work with any bed liner, as neither is universal.

You need to correctly measure your bed liner before you can go ahead with buying a tonneau cover. One unique case is the retractable tonneau cover.

Retractable ones have a bulky head. You will need to cut or trim the head before you can go through with your installation.

Lastly, if your bed liner is a spray-in bed liner, you can install any tonneau cover. But if the liner has been sprayed recently, you must wait for some time before installing the cover.


Do All Bed Liners Work With Tonneau Covers?

Almost all, especially under-the-rail and spray-on bed liner works with tonneau covers as they are made to be compatible with each other.

So, if you have a tonneau cover, you can get a bed liner to work with it. 

However, you need to be careful about the size of your truck and tonneau cover before getting the bed liner.


Do You Need a Bed Liner If You Have a Tonneau Cover?

Both bed liner and tonneau cover protect your products on the truck bed. Sure, either can protect your goods, but if you want extra protection, you should get both the bed liner and a tonneau cover.

Installing them can cost you a bit, but it is better than losing your merchandise to thieves, lousy weather, or rocky roads.

A bed liner and a tonneau cover will give you extra storage space. So, if you need to haul large cargo, you can easily transport it from one place to another.

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Kevin Shaw

Pickup Truck Expert

Kevin Shaw is an automotive enthusiast and expert specializing in Ford F150 pickup trucks. With over ten years of experience in the automotive industry, he has the knowledge and expertise to help you maintain and troubleshoot your F150.

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