Do you have a vinyl roll-up tonneau cover on your truck that needs new bows? Finding the right replacement parts can be tricky if you don’t know where to look. Thankfully, there are several places online and in-store to buy replacement vinyl tonneau cover bows.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore:
- What are tonneau cover bows and why do they need replacing?
- Where can you buy replacement vinyl tonneau cover bows online?
- Where can you buy replacements locally?
- How to ensure you get the right replacement parts.
- Tips for installing new vinyl tonneau cover bows.
Let’s start by understanding exactly what tonneau cover bows are and why they may need replacing.
What Are Tonneau Cover Bows?
Tonneau cover bows are the curved plastic or metal rods that provide structure and support to soft vinyl roll-up tonneau covers.
They are located horizontally across the cover, joining the sides together. The flexible bows allow the vinyl material to roll up or fold when opening the cover.
Over time, these bows can become damaged, snap or bend out of shape. This causes the cover to sag in sections or not open and close properly.
Replacing worn or broken bows is necessary to restore proper function and appearance to your tonneau cover.
Why Might Your Tonneau Cover Bows Need Replacement?
There are several common reasons why tonneau cover bows deteriorate and require replacing:
- Normal wear and tear – Constant opening and closing causes metal fatigue. The frequent rolling action slowly damages the bows over time.
- Accidental damage – Bows can get bent or snapped if items are dropped on the cover or during loading/unloading.
- UV damage – Prolonged sun exposure can cause plastic bow components to become brittle and crack.
- Corrosion – Bows are exposed to the elements. Rust from water or road salts eats away at metal components.
- Loose fasteners – Self-tapping screws can back out after repeated opening/closing cycles. This places stress on the bows.
No matter the cause, once bows become too weak or deformed, you will need to replace them for optimal tonneau cover function.
Where To Buy Replacement Vinyl Tonneau Cover Bows Online
Searching online opens up many options for finding replacement tonneau cover bows. Here are some top online retailers that stock bows:
1. Amazon
As one of the largest online marketplaces, Amazon is a good first stop for replacement vinyl tonneau cover parts.
You can find bows for most major brands sold individually or in sets. Brands like Tyger Auto, Roll-N-Lock, and Extang are commonly available.
Amazon’s massive inventory and fast shipping makes it easy to quickly get the parts you need. Pay close attention to product descriptions to ensure compatibility.
2. RealTruck
RealTruck is an online truck accessories superstore dedicated to truck owners. They stock a wide range of tonneau replacement parts from brands like BakFlip, UnderCover, Roll-N-Lock, and more.
You can refined searches by your truck make & model to guarantee fitment. Their DIY garage has instructional installation videos for handy guidance.
3. AutoPartsWarehouse
This online auto parts retailer has a full selection of replacement tonneau cover parts. Helpful schematics and exploded parts diagrams make it easy to find specific bows or hardware.
They carry parts for Extang, Lund, Truxedo, and other leading brands. Live chat assistance is available to help match parts to your cover.
4. TonneauCovered
As their name implies, TonneauCovered specializes in tonneau products. Their website has OEM and aftermarket replacement parts for popular soft cover manufacturers.
Use the product finder by brand, or search by part type, truck make and model. Their U.S.-based customer service can verify part compatibility.
5. TonnoPro
TonnoPro sells their own brand of tonneau covers and compatible replacement parts online. Individual bows and complete bow kits are available to conveniently repair TonnoPro soft covers.
Their website has helpful exploded diagrams showing precise bow placement. Quick shipping and toll-free support make the parts buying process smooth.
6. Manufacturers’ Websites
Going straight to the manufacturer’s website is often the best way to get OEM bows made for your specific tonneau cover model.
Brands like BakFlip, Extang, Access, and UnderCover have online stores with parts catalogs for their covers. This ensures you get an exact replacement part.
Where To Buy Replacement Bows Locally
Besides shopping online, you can also find replacement vinyl tonneau cover bows at local auto parts stores and truck accessories shops.
Auto Parts Stores
Major national chains like AutoZone, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Napa Auto Parts, and Advance Auto Parts often stock replacement bows on their shelves. You may need to special order less common parts.
Matching local inventory to your cover can be hit or miss. Bring your VIN or cover model details to check for the right parts in-store.
Truck Accessories Shops
Local specialty retailers that sell truck gear and accessories are great spots to source hard-to-find tonneau parts. Shops that do truck cap and cover installations will likely have replacement bow sets in stock.
Bring your original bow or cover model information when visiting to make sure you get an exact fit replacement part.
Mobile Installers
Many mobile installers carry replacement parts when they visit to repair covers. They can assess damage and supply a new OEM bow on the spot.
Search for “Tonneau cover installation near me” to find mobile services with repair capabilities to handle your bow replacement needs.
Auto Repair Shops
Some local mechanics and auto repair garages keep replacement tonneau parts on hand for install jobs. They can also order parts and provide any assistance replacing bows yourself.
Call around to shops near you and ask if they stock tonneau cover bows and related components. An experienced shop should be able to secure what you need.
Dealerships
The parts department at the dealership where you purchased your truck should be able to get OEM-equivalent replacement bows. Have your VIN handy to lookup compatible tonneau parts.
Dealership pricing is often higher, but you are guaranteed direct fit parts made specifically for your truck. Shop discounted online or locally if cost is a concern.
How To Ensure You Get the Right Replacement Bows
With many sources to buy replacement vinyl tonneau cover bows, it’s essential to take steps to ensure compatibility. Here are some tips:
- Match your bow measurements – Have your original bow or record the length. Order the same size for proper coverage.
- Note your bow style – Flat, curved, aluminum, plastic? Get the same to avoid function issues.
- Bring sample to test fit – Take your original to test potential replacements for length and shape.
- Confirm truck/cover model match – Specify truck make, model, year and bed size. Provide cover brand and model if possible.
- Buy bow sets – For consistent opening/closing, replace all bows at once with a pre-packaged kit.
- Consult experts – Talk to customer service agents to verify chosen parts work for your application.
- Review return policy – Shop retailers with simple exchange policies just in case parts need to go back.
Taking the time upfront to carefully match replacement bows to your existing cover avoids mistakes that lead to wasted money and frustration.
How To Install New Vinyl Tonneau Cover Bows
Once you have the correct replacement bows, properly installing them is important for optimal functioning cover. Here are some tips:
- Remove the old bows and clean the cover underside surface.
- Check that new bows match the length of the old ones.
- Insert new bows into the cover sleeve or clips. Ensure they slide in fully.
- Evenly space bows across the cover and align with edge corner grommets.
- Tighten any loose screws that may have backed out. Do not overtighten.
- Lubricate bow pivot points with silicone spray for smooth operation.
- Open and close the cover multiple times to test that the bow movement is smooth and aligned.
- Adjust individual bow positions if needed to remove any sagging spots in the closed cover.
- Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for any cover-specific bow replacement guidance.
Take care when re-installing replacement vinyl tonneau cover bows. With some patience, you can DIY this repair and save significant money over a shop doing it.
Where To Buy Replacement Vinyl Tonneau Cover Bows – The Bottom Line
Damaged or worn out bows are a common issue with vinyl roll-up tonneau covers. Thankfully, replacement parts are readily available both online and locally if you know where to look.
Buying new bows through Amazon provides convenience and affordability. For a guaranteed OEM fit, go to the tonneau maker’s website. Local auto parts and truck stores can also supply replacements for testing and fit.
With the right replacement bows installed properly, your vinyl tonneau cover will open and close smoothly once again. Investing in new bows restores function and keeps your truck bed covered.
Now that you know where to source replacement vinyl tonneau cover bows, you can repair your cover and keep cargo protected in any weather.
