Can You Use A Tonneau Cover With A Toolbox?

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Written By Waylon Joe

Hey, It’s Waylon “Joe” Kite here. I am a West Virginia native and a die-hard pickup truck fan. My story with trucks started with my dad’s 1989 Ford F-150, and it's still going on. I'll share all my trucking experiences (both great and gross ones) with you. I have a garage full of tools to fix and renovate trucks and a freezer full of ales. Do you want to join me?

A toolbox and Tonneau cover are two essential elements of your truck. Unfortunately, both are installed in the truck bed. As a result, most truck owners settle for one—either a toolbox or a Tonneau cover. 

But can both be used together? Can you install a truck cover and a toolbox on the same truck bed? 

Yes. You can easily install and use both Tonneau cover and a toolbox on your truck. The trick is in choosing your Tonneau cover depending on your truck model, size, and shape. The cover should be flexible enough to accomodate a toolbox on the truck. 

Alternatively, you can buy a toolbox and cover combo. There are many options that you would easily find on Amazon and each will serve you better. Click here to check some of the possible toolbox and cover combination for your truck.

Can You Use A Tonneau Cover With A Toolbox

How to Adjust Tonneau Cover To Fit Toolbox On Truck Bed

Adjusting any type of tonneau cover to fit with the toolbox is easy. All you need is some tools and a few steps to get the job done. Here’s a quick guide to adjusting your truck cover and installing the truck cover. 

Tools require:

  • Drill and bits of sizes 11/64
  • Sharpie
  • Two Bungee cords
  • Tape measure
  • Hacksaw
  • Straight edge
  • Razorblade
  • Tape measure
  • Sewing machine

Once you hace the tools ready, then follow the steps below to get it done. It will take a maximum of about three hours to get the job done. 

Step 1: Cut Exact Size of Your Tonneau Cover

Firstly measure the tonneau cover depending on the the toolbox size. Mark ½ foot on the front of the 2nd bar and measure the center bar facing the cap. Before measuring, make the tonneau rolled up, and after measuring cut the size using a Hacksaw.

Read More: What Size Toolbox For Toyota Tacoma?

2. Attach Then Together

Now attach two halves to get the required length which depends on the size of the toolbox. However, some halves allow enlarging up to foot behind the first bar.

3. Cut the Overlap Area

After that, cut the overlap area and the rest of the size is your new tonneaus size. Before proceeding, check the tonneau if it is fitted with the toolbox or not. Now unroll the cover and mark a spot one foot away from the cut edge on both driver and passenger sides. 

4. Join the Edges 

Now connect the two marks using a straight edge and cut out the sections. The extra inches will offer you some room for errors while connecting them. Then lastly connect different sides. 

Read More: What Size Toolbox For Dodge Rams 2500?

5. Drill Through the Tonneau

Once done, set the two halves of the tonneau cover top in line so you can open it like a book. Now drill through the tonneau’s frame to hook the Bungie through the tonneau.

But make sure you don’t drill through the cover. You can connect the other end of the cover via the bracket so it can be held at highway speed.

Different Types Of Tonneau Cover To Use With A Toolbox

Tonneau cover comes in a specific size. To install it with a toolbox the vehicle owner has to customize them.

Even by modifying any size tonneau cover the car owner can fit them in style and based on personal preferences. But if you aren’t interested in modifying, you can go for a certain type of tonneau that is specially designed to fit a truck toolbox.

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Roll-Up Covers

The roll-up tonneau cover allows opening up at the truck rear which offers access to the toolbox.

Designed with, a tongue-and-groove, snap, or Velcro locking system, this tonneau cover holds the bed lock. It offers good safety of your cargo even at a high speed. 

Painted Metal covers

This tonneau cover stays in virtually any truck toolbox and increases its style. These come in multi colors and improves your truck aesthetic. 

Soft Folding Covers

Constructed with an aluminum structure, soft folding tonneaus come with flexible vinyl elongated and soft layering. Its section is hinged together and can be folded while its vinyl layer cover can be enlarged out into a tough and steady sheet. These covers are extremely flexible, lightweight, and easy to install.

How To Modify Tonneau Cover For Tool Box? (Solved)

Hard Folding Covers

You may have to adjust the hard folding tonneau to fit properly with the toolbox. It has a hardened top that is constructed of aluminum.

Besides, it is durable enough to virtually hold any type of equipment. The hard folding tonneau is extremely resistant to bumps and scratches. However, this type of tonneau is a bit more costly than others.

Heavy Duty Covers

These are durable covers that won’t dent, break, and rip even when you cary heavy cargo.

Moreover, if you need to use the toolbox cover to keep extra loads, this type of tonneau is the right option. It may be cheaper than a hard folding tonneau.

Best Full Size Truck Toolbox | Complete Guide

Retractable Covers

These tonneau covers are the most flexible and versatile tonneau compared to other types. It comes with small housing that can be rolled in once open. It ensures a clear view of the back window once folded.

This tonneau can withstand wild wind and is a better alternative to hardcovers. To deal with the toolbox you should choose between two brands of retractable cover, one is UWS and the other one is Weatherguard.

Final words

If you already have a Tonneau cover for your truck and want to install a toolbox, all you need to do is modify it. But if you don’t have a cover already, find covers that allow you to install a toolbox on your truck cover. It’s the best and most reliable method as compared to adjusting the box.

Read also: Bakflip Mx4 Problems

 

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