Do you have a tear around a mounting hole in your truck bed cover? This can happen over time from normal wear and tear. The good news is there are a few ways to fix it yourself! In this article, we will go over the step-by-step process to repair small and large tears.
What causes tears around mounting holes?
Holes in tonneau covers are used to mount the cover to your truck bed. Over time, the material around the holes can weaken and tear from:
- Taking the cover on and off
- Vibration while driving
- Sun damage and weathering
Tears usually start small but can get bigger if not fixed. The sooner you repair tears, the easier the fix will be!
What you need to fix tonneau cover tears
The materials needed depend on the size of the tear:
For small tears:
- Silicone sealant
- Masking tape
- Clean rags
- Mild soap and water
For large tears:
- Vinyl and leather repair kit
- Clean rags
- Mild soap and water
- Filler material (optional)
How to fix small tears around mounting holes
Follow these steps for small, dime-sized tonneau cover tears:
Step 1: Clean the area
Use a mild soap and water to clean the area around the tear. This removes any dirt or debris that could affect the repair. Let the area dry completely.
Step 2: Tape off underside
Place masking tape on the underside of the cover over the tear. This holds the silicone in place as it dries.
Step 3: Fill hole with silicone
On the top side of the cover, squeeze silicone into the tear until full. Smooth with a finger or tool. Let the silicone fully cure for 24 hours.
Step 4: Remove tape
Once fully dried, carefully remove the masking tape from the underside. The silicone should now be secured inside the tear.
Step 5: Check seal
Make sure no holes or gaps are left in the repair. Add more silicone if needed and let dry again.
How to fix large tears around mounting holes
For tears larger than a dime, follow these steps:
Step 1: Clean the area
Use mild soap and water to clean the area, and let dry completely.
Step 2: Apply adhesive
Use a vinyl/leather repair kit adhesive on the underside of the cover over the tear. Follow kit instructions.
Step 3: Press edges together
Push the torn edges together so they bond with the adhesive. Apply pressure for 60 seconds.
Step 4: Let dry
Hold the edges together by hand or with tape. Let the adhesive fully cure as directed on the product label.
Step 5: Check bond
Once dried, check that the tear is firmly bonded. Repeat steps if needed for full coverage.
Step 6: Apply filler (optional)
For extra hold, apply a filler material in thin layers to the top side of the cover over the tear. Let dry fully between coats.
Step 7: Sand smooth
Once the filler has dried, use 220 grit sandpaper to smooth the area level with the cover surface.
Tips for a long-lasting tonneau cover tear repair
- Use 100% silicone for flexibility and water resistance
- Let all adhesives, fillers fully cure before reinstalling cover
- Keep repaired area clean to prevent re-tearing
- Apply UV protection to help prevent sun damage
- Check repaired holes each time you remove the cover
What if the tears are too big to repair?
If the tears around your tonneau cover holes are very large, a full replacement cover may be needed. An auto upholstery shop can also patch or replace just the damaged section.
Prevent tonneau cover hole tears
To help avoid tearing around the mounting holes:
- Inspect cover holes each time you remove the cover
- Use support bows to reduce cover flapping
- Install bumpers on cover brackets to cushion contact
- Keep cover clean and protected from sun and weather
Let’s review what we learned
- Small tonneau cover tears can be fixed with silicone sealant
- Larger tears need a vinyl/leather repair kit and adhesive
- Filler material can be used for extra patch support
- Prevent tears by supporting the cover and protecting from sun damage
Repairing small holes in your truck bed cover is an easy do-it-yourself project. With the right materials and techniques, you can fix tonneau cover tears and extend the life of your cover.
