A flapping vinyl tonneau cover can be annoying, cause damage to your cargo, and be a sign of an underlying issue. Thankfully, there are several ways to prevent and stop your tonneau cover from flapping at high speeds.
Why Does My Vinyl Tonneau Cover Flap at High Speeds?
Vinyl tonneau covers can flap when driving at high speeds for a few key reasons:
Improper Installation
If the cover is not installed correctly or evenly tightened down, the vinyl can work itself loose over time. This allows the material to billow up with air at speed. Ensuring even tightening and alignment during installation is key.
Stretching or Sagging Material
The vinyl material itself can stretch and sag over years of use and exposure to sun and weather. This allows the loose material to catch air and flap. Keeping vinyl conditioned and replacing aging covers can prevent this issue.
Damaged Components
Problems like cracked clamps, broken bows, worn velcro, and deteriorated snaps can all contribute to vinyl flapping if they are unable to keep the material taut. Periodically inspect components and repair or replace damaged parts.
Accumulated Debris
Built up dirt, leaves, and other debris, especially in the cover tracks, can impede proper closing and sealing, contributing to flapping. Regular cleaning keeps components working smoothly.
How to Stop Vinyl Tonneau Cover Flapping
If your vinyl tonneau cover is already flapping at high speeds, here are some tips to stop it:
Tighten the Cover Evenly
Go over the entire cover and ensure all clamps, screws, and tension adjusters are tightened evenly and sufficiently. This should pull the material back to a taut, even fit.
Use Additional Tensioning Devices
Many covers have built-in tension knobs or allow you to add j-hook bungees. Use these tensioning accessories to provide additional hold down strength in sagging areas.
Align and Lubricate Components
Check that all the rails, hinges, snaps and supporting components are properly aligned and not twisted. Lubricate tracks and sliding parts to prevent sticking and imperfection.
Clean Out Debris
Use a strong hose stream or air compressor to thoroughly clean out any built up debris in the tracks, seals, hinges and other moving components. Debris can impede proper closure.
Replace Deteriorated Components
Inspect all the attachment hardware like velcro, snaps, clamps and bows. Replace any cracked, overly worn or deteriorated components to restore full function.
Consider Replacing the Cover
If the vinyl material itself is badly stretched out, warped, or sagging despite proper installation, it may need replacement. A new cover can solve persistent flapping issues.
Perform a Final Tightening Check
After addressing any issues, do a final tightening pass and testing drive. Persistent flapping may indicate the need for professional adjustment or a new cover.
Preventing Vinyl Tonneau Cover Flapping
It???s much easier to prevent vinyl cover flapping in the first place. Here are some proactive measures you can take:
Proper Initial Installation
Carefully follow all the steps to evenly tighten and properly align the cover during first installation. This prevents many issues down the road.
Regular Inspections
Periodically inspect all the mounting hardware for any loosening or damage. Tighten hardware or replace parts as needed to maintain optimal condition.
Keep Vinyl Conditioned
Use protectants and conditioners made specifically for tonneau vinyl to keep material flexible, preventing cracking and stretching.
Lubricate Components
Keep tracks, hinges and sliding parts lubricated to prevent sticking and uneven wear or loosening.
Clean Out Debris
Don’t allow debris to accumulate. Use a strong stream from a hose or air compressor to routinely clean components.
Park in Shade
When possible, park your truck in a garage or shaded area. This protects the vinyl cover from sun damage.
Replace at First Sign of Sagging
Don’t wait for flapping to start. Replace the cover at the first sign of stretching or sagging vinyl to prevent deterioration.
With some preventive care and prompt attention when issues arise, you can keep your vinyl tonneau cover taut and flap-free for years of durable service life. Properly maintaining your cover saves headaches on the road while protecting your truck bed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Preventing Vinyl Tonneau Cover Flapping
Vinyl tonneau cover owners often have additional questions about keeping covers secured at highway speeds. Here are some key FAQs:
Can I Drive With a Vinyl Tonneau Cover Partially Open?
No, you should never drive with a soft vinyl cover open or rolled up in part. The increased wind speed can severely damage the material when flapping at high speeds. Opening damagingly stresses attachment points. Only drive with the cover fully secured closed or fully rolled up/folded back and secured.
How Do Tonneau Cover Tension Adjusters Work?
Many vinyl covers have built in tension adjustment knobs or cables. These allow you to incrementally tighten certain areas of the cover if they become loose or start flapping. They act like tie downs, using leverage to pull localized sections tighter.
Will Lubricating the Vinyl Stop Flapping?
No, lubricating the vinyl itself will not help stop flapping. Instead, use vinyl protectants/conditioners to keep material flexible. Lubricate mechanical components like hinges, bearings and tracks using the manufacturer???s recommended lubricant. This prevents sticking and uneven wear.
Can I Put Weights on the Cover to Prevent Flapping?
No, you should not put any significant weight directly on soft vinyl covers. The point loads can actually stretch material faster. Use integrated tensioning systems to tighten cover. Some covers also allow for specialized hold-down straps which distribute load.
Will Driving Faster or Slower Reduce Cover Flapping?
Flapping results from air becoming trapped under loose vinyl and building up increased pressure at speed. It generally occurs above 50 mph as dynamic pressure builds. Driving slower can reduce risk, but fixing the root cause of the loose or sagging material is the real solution.
How Do I Know When It???s Time to Replace a Vinyl Tonneau Cover?
If the vinyl is badly cracked, brittle, stretch, warped or sagging, replacement is needed. Also replace at first sign material is stretching or loosening with use. Covers under 5 years old should not flap if properly maintained. Replace if persistent flapping cannot be resolved through tensioning and component replacement.
Key Takeaways on Preventing Vinyl Tonneau Cover Flapping
Here are some key tips to remember:
- Ensure proper tightening and component alignment during initial installation
- Periodically inspect and tighten components
- Keep vinyl conditioned and supple
- Lubricate mechanical parts
- Clean out debris from tracks and seals
- Replace worn components like velcro, snaps, bows, etc.
- Consider cover replacement if vinyl is badly stretched or sagging
- Use integrated tensioners or add tie downs to tighten loose areas
- Never drive with cover partially opened
- Replace cover if issues cannot be corrected through maintenance
- Taking steps to prevent flapping saves your cover and cargo
With the right installation, maintenance, and replacement when needed, you can keep your vinyl tonneau cover taut and secure for years of service. Investing a little preventive care goes a long way toward eliminating annoying flapping problems down the road.
