Yes, a tonneau cover can be shortened. There are several ways to do this, including shortening the aluminum side rails that hold the cover in place and having a local automotive/marine upholstery shop shorten and re-stitch the soft cover. The process can also be done in five easy steps, which involves measuring the extra size and placing the cover comfortably. Customizing bed covers is only possible with shortening the tonneau cover. Some people have cut the rails at the front and drilled new holes in them for the adjusters to shorten the cover. Another option is to remove about 12 inches from the cab ends of the mounting rails.

How Much Does It Typically Cost To Have A Tonneau Cover Shortened?

The cost of shortening a tonneau cover may vary depending on the type of cover and the extent of the customization required. Customizing a soft tonneau cover to fit a short-bed pickup with a crossbed toolbox requires shortening the aluminum side rails that hold the cover in place and having a local automotive/marine upholstery shop shorten and re-stitch the soft cover. The cost of this service is not mentioned in the article. suggests that modifying a bed cover for toolbox fitting is possible with soft covers, and the cost of this service is not mentioned. provides a five-step process for shortening a tonneau cover, but the cost of the process is not mentioned.

Will Shortening A Tonneau Cover Affect Its Durability Or Functionality?

Shortening a tonneau cover should not affect its durability or functionality. Most soft covers carry resistance features to rain, snow, or other weather conditions, and the shortening process will not impact how the cover has been before. Customizing a soft tonneau cover to fit a short-bed pickup with a crossbed toolbox requires shortening the aluminum side rails that hold the cover in place and having a local automotive/marine upholstery shop shorten and re-stitch the soft cover. The result is a shorty tonneau cover that looks and functions perfectly fine on a shortbed pickup outfitted with a crossbed toolbox. However, retractable tonneau covers are generally made of soft fabric, making them more susceptible to rips and tears, as well as water damage.

Also Read:

Can I Shorten A Tonneau Cover Myself Or Should I Hire A Professional?

Shortening a tonneau cover can be done manually, but it is recommended to have a professional do it to ensure that the cover is shortened correctly and without damaging the material. Customizing bed covers is only possible with soft covers, and the reason is that hard covers are mostly designed to fit the bed perfectly. Most modified tonneau covers feature the roll-up design, and retractable covers can also be made toolbox-friendly. However, in, following proper guidelines will help you not damage the material while cutting it, and you can always take expert hands for the job. The shortening process can be done in five smooth steps, as explained in, but it is essential to be careful while doing it to avoid damaging the cover.

How Long Does It Take To Shorten A Tonneau Cover?

The time it takes to shorten a tonneau cover may vary depending on the extent of the customization required. There is no specific time frame. However, customizing a soft tonneau cover to fit a short-bed pickup with a crossbed toolbox requires shortening the aluminum side rails that hold the cover in place and having a local automotive/marine upholstery shop shorten and re-stitch the soft cover. The result is a shorty tonneau cover that looks and functions perfectly fine on a shortbed pickup outfitted with a crossbed toolbox. The shortening process can be done manually in five smooth steps, as explained in, but it is essential to be careful while doing it to avoid damaging the cover.

Will Shortening A Tonneau Cover Void Its Warranty?

There is no clear answer to whether shortening a tonneau cover will void its warranty, as it may depend on the manufacturer’s warranty policy. Some manufacturers have specific conditions that will void their warranty, but they do not mention shortening the cover as one of them. However, it is essential to check the warranty policy of the manufacturer before making any modifications to the cover. In, it is mentioned that shortening a tonneau cover will not cause any climate resistance issues, and most soft covers carry resistance features to rain, snow, or humidity. In, the tonneau cover textile is protected under warranty for two years from the date of purchase. The durability and life of a tonneau cover depend mainly on how it is handled.

Also Read:

Is It Possible To Lengthen A Tonneau Cover If It’s Too Short For My Truck Bed?

It is not possible to lengthen a tonneau cover if it is too short for your truck bed. Tonneau covers are designed to be an exact fit with the bed, and it is not possible to stretch or modify them to fit a larger bed. However, it is possible to modify a soft tonneau cover to fit short-bed pickups with toolboxes by shortening the aluminum side rails that hold the cover in place and having a local automotive/marine upholstery shop shorten and re-stitch the soft cover. The shortening process can be done manually in five smooth steps, as explained in, but it is essential to be careful while doing it to avoid damaging the cover.