Will Putting A Tonneau Cover On My Truck Void The Warranty?

Is a Tonneau Cover Likely to Void Your Truck Warranty?

Putting a tonneau cover on your truck will not void the warranty. In fact, tonneau covers are considered an exterior “dress-up” part that should not impact the warranty. However, it is important to note that if the tonneau cover causes damage to the truck, the warranty may not cover that specific damage. For example, if the tonneau cover causes a failed radiator, the warranty may not cover it.

It is also important to check the warranty terms and conditions of the specific tonneau cover product you are purchasing. Some tonneau cover manufacturers offer a warranty that covers defective materials or workmanship on all components of their product. However, these warranties may be non-transferable and only apply to the original purchaser of the product.

Overall, putting a tonneau cover on your truck should not void the warranty, but it is important to check the warranty terms and conditions of both the truck and the tonneau cover product to ensure that you are covered in case of any damage.

What Types of Damage Could a Tonneau Cover Cause?

There are a few ways that a tonneau cover could potentially cause damage to your truck:

Improper Installation

If the tonneau cover is not installed properly, it could lead to issues like leaking, rattling, material failure, or even damage to the truck bed itself. Using the wrong hardware or over-tightening bolts during installation can cause cracking or warping. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely.

Excess Weight

Some hard folding or retractable tonneau covers can be quite heavy. Too much weight bearing down on the truck bed could lead to structural damage over time. Make sure to choose a tonneau cover made of lightweight materials if possible.

Interference with Components

The tonneau cover could potentially interfere with tailgate cables, electrical wiring, or other components underneath the truck bed. This is especially true if you need to drill holes to mount the tonneau. Any resulting damage from drilling incorrectly would likely not be covered.

Improper Use

Standing, sitting or overly loading a soft tonneau cover could lead to punctures, tearing, or rail damage. A cargo load that’s too heavy could also damage the truck bed floor. The warranty may not cover this type of damage.

Poor Maintenance

Lack of maintenance like lubricating hinges, treating vinyl, and cleaning seals could lead to premature failure of the cover and associated truck bed components. Neglecting small issues can turn into biggerproblems not covered by warranty.

Are There Any Exceptions Where a Tonneau Would Void the Warranty?

Generally, simply bolting on a tonneau cover does not void the new truck warranty. However, there are a few exceptions:

Altering the Truck Bed

If installing the tonneau cover requires cutting, drilling, or modifying the truck bed rails, this would likely void portions of the warranty. Any damage resulting from those alterations would not be covered.

Blocking Airflow

If the tonneau cover severely limits airflow to the point of causing engine overheating and damage, the truck warranty would likely not cover it. This is mainly an issue on certain engine/tonneau combinations.

Aftermarket Electrical

If tapping into the rear tail lights or installing electric tonneau motors that interfere with the truck’s electrical system, any resulting electrical damage would not be covered under warranty.

Exceeding Weight Capacity

Overloading the truck bed and exceeding the weight capacity with heavy gear/cargo could void portions of the truck warranty. Similarly, choosing an extremely heavy tonneau cover could potentially void warranty coverage if it damages the truck bed.

Off-Road Beating

Subjecting the truck and tonneau cover to extreme off-road conditions that they were not explicitly designed for could void the warranty in some cases if damage results.

Tips to Keep Your Truck Warranty Intact

Here are some tips to ensure your truck’s factory warranty stays valid after adding a tonneau cover:

• Carefully read through the truck’s warranty guide and know what is covered.
• Ask the tonneau dealer if their product works with your truck before purchasing.
• Only buy tonneau covers designed specifically for your truck’s make and model.
• Follow the tonneau directions precisely and use provided hardware.
• Keep all hardware loose during test fitting before final tightening.
• Lubricate hinges and treat vinyl regularly to prevent premature failure.
• Never drill holes in the truck bed rails without explicit approval from the manufacturer.
• Use removable mounting options like clamps instead of drilling if possible.
• Avoid excessive loading that could put too much force on the truck bed.
• Don’t try to electrically integrate or tap into the truck’s wiring.
• Make sure the tonneau allows proper airflow to the tailgate and cabin.

Will Drilling Holes Void the Warranty?

Drilling holes in the truck bed rails to mount a tonneau cover will often void portions of the new truck warranty, but not always. Here are the key factors:

Location of Holes

• Holes drilled in approved mounting locations as specified by the truck manufacturer should not void the warranty. But any resulting damage would not be covered.
• Drilling holes anywhere other than approved locations will void the warranty.

Clean Installation

• Using proper drill bit sizes, removing all metal shavings, and sealing holes can help prevent rust damage that could void the warranty.
• Any sloppy drilling or poor sealing that leads to rust/corrosion damage will not be covered.

Wiring Holes

• Drilling holes to run electrical tonneau wiring likely voids the entire truck wiring warranty. Any wiring issues would not be covered after that point.
• It’s best to avoid drilling any holes for electrical wiring when possible.

Structural Damage

• Drilling holes that critically weaken the truck bed and cause structural failure would void portions of the truck warranty.
• All mounting holes should be drilled according to manufacturer specs to prevent damage.

Check with Dealer

• Discuss your drilling plans with the dealer. They can confirm if holes in certain locations will void warranty or not. Their input is valuable.

How to Keep Your Tonneau Warranty Intact

Just like your truck warranty, the tonneau cover warranty can be voided as well if you are not careful. Here are some tips to keep your tonneau warranty valid:

• Read through the entire tonneau warranty and know what is covered.
• Save your original tonneau receipt and/or registration documents to prove date of purchase if needed.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions precisely during installation, operation, and maintenance. Any damage from improper use can void the warranty.
• Only use manufacturer-approved cleaners and conditioners on vinyl tonneaus. Harsh chemicals can void the warranty.
• Make sure to lubricate, adjust latches, and re-tighten the tonneau as needed. Lack of maintenance is not covered.
• Do not exceed the specified weight capacity of the tonneau or warranty could be voided.
• Damage from accidents, racing, or off-roading may not be covered depending on the warranty terms.
• Do not modify or try to alter the tonneau cover in any way not approved by the manufacturer.

Will Adding a Bed Liner Void the Warranty?

Adding an aftermarket spray-in or drop-in bed liner will not void the truck’s factory warranty. However, any damage caused by the bed liner would not be covered. Here are some key points on bed liners and warranties:

• Use a high quality bed liner specifically designed to work with your truck model. Choose the wrong one and warranty may be voided.
• Take care when installing a spray-in liner. Mask components properly and avoid overspray that could cause damage and void the warranty.
• Drop-in bed liners are easier and safer to install yourself. Less risk of installation damage.
• Inspect the truck bed for damage after removing a drop-in bed liner. Existing damage uncovered would not be covered under warranty.
• Make sure the bed liner does not block important drain holes, resulting in rust/damage that would void the warranty.
• Some dealers offer factory-approved bed liner packages which carry their own warranty and minimize risk to your truck warranty.

Helpful Ways to Avoid Tonneau Warranty Issues

Here are some helpful tips to avoid any warranty headaches after installing your new tonneau cover:

• Carefully read all warranty terms before purchasing a tonneau to know what is covered and what could potentially void it.
• Ask the tonneau dealer direct questions about warranty coverage in your particular situation before buying.
• Follow all tonneau installation instructions exactly as written. Any deviation could void the warranty.
• Keep the original sales receipt, warranty registration card, and product packaging. You’ll need them if you need to make a warranty claim later on.
• Periodically re-check and tighten all mounting hardware on the tonneau cover to prevent damage from loose components that would not be covered.
• Use only approved cleaners and conditioners to care for vinyl tonneaus. Use of harsh chemicals often voids the vinyl warranty.
• Make small repairs immediately before they turn into bigger issues. Small punctures, ripped seams, etc can often be easily repaired if caught early.
• Avoid overloading the tonneau or using it improperly in a way that puts excessive force on components. Damage from misuse is rarely covered.
• Apply UV protectants and lubricants per the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations to maximize longevity and avoid premature wear and damage.

Conclusion

Installing an aftermarket tonneau cover will generally not void your original truck warranty, provided you choose the right tonneau designed specifically for your truck and follow all installation instructions carefully. However, any damage directly caused by the tonneau cover itself or its improper installation would likely not be covered under the truck’s factory warranty.

It is smart to thoroughly check on potential warranty impacts before purchasing a tonneau cover. Carefully read all literature from both the truck and tonneau manufacturers, follow all procedures precisely, and discuss any concerns directly with the dealer to minimize the risk of voiding either warranty down the road. Following these tips will help ensure your truck and tonneau cover warranties remain intact.