Frustrated with a poorly fitting truck bed cover? Many truck owners struggle with the seemingly simple task of accurately measuring their truck bed before purchasing a cover. Getting the measurements wrong can lead to a frustrating, ill-fitting cover, wasted money, and hours of hassle. This guide will teach you exactly how to measure for a truck bed cover, ensuring a perfect fit the first time around. We’ll cover everything you need to know, from gathering the right tools to understanding the different measurement points, ultimately saving you time, money, and stress.
Essential Tools and Preparation
Before you begin measuring your truck bed, gather the necessary tools to ensure an accurate and efficient process. This section details the essential equipment and preliminary steps to prepare your truck for accurate truck bed cover measurement.
Tools You Will Need
- Measuring Tape: A flexible, durable measuring tape at least 12 feet long is crucial for accurate measurements. A tape measure with a locking mechanism will be particularly useful.
- Notebook and Pen: Keep track of all your measurements as you take them to avoid confusion later. Label each measurement clearly.
- Assistant (Optional): Having someone help hold the tape measure can make the process much easier, especially when reaching difficult spots.
Preparing Your Truck Bed
- Clear the Truck Bed: Remove all items from your truck bed. A clean, empty bed ensures accurate measurements and prevents accidental damage to your measuring tools.
- Check for Obstructions: Inspect your truck bed for any modifications, such as bedliners or tie-down cleats, that might impact your measurements. Note their positions and dimensions.
Measuring Your Truck Bed’s Length
Accurately measuring the length of your truck bed is the foundation of ensuring your truck bed cover fits properly. This section explains the different methods and considerations for obtaining precise length measurements.
Measuring from Inside the Bed
This method involves measuring the interior length of the truck bed. It’s particularly useful for determining the length of the cover itself. This will account for the overall interior dimensions.
- Extend the measuring tape from the inside front edge of the bed to the inside rear edge.
- Take note of any irregularities such as wheel wells which may affect a cover’s placement. Note these dimensions separately.
Measuring from Outside the Bed
Measuring from the outside of the truck bed may be necessary for certain truck bed cover styles that extend beyond the inner dimensions of the bed.
- Measure from the outermost edge of the truck bed’s tailgate to the outermost edge of the front of the bed.
- This measurement is useful for determining the overall exterior dimensions required for a cover.
Measuring Your Truck Bed’s Width
The width of your truck bed is equally important for a proper fit. This section explains how to measure this dimension correctly.
Measuring the Interior Width
Similar to measuring length, interior width provides the actual space available within the truck bed for the cover.
- Measure the width of the truck bed at multiple points to account for any tapering towards the front or rear of the bed.
- Record the narrowest width measurement to ensure the cover fits snugly.
Accounting for Wheel Wells
Wheel wells often reduce the effective width of the truck bed. You need to factor them in, to prevent issues with the cover.
- Measure the width of the truck bed at the widest point, ignoring the wheel wells initially.
- Then measure the distance between the wheel wells at their closest point. This information may be crucial to select the correct cover.
Measuring Your Truck Bed’s Depth
The depth (height) of your truck bed is important to select a cover that correctly sits within the walls of your truck bed.
Measuring from Bed Rail to Bed Rail
This measurement determines the vertical distance between the upper edges of your truck bed rails.
- Place the measuring tape at the front inside edge of one rail, extending it to the corresponding point on the opposite rail.
- Measure this distance at multiple points across the length of the bed to ensure the uniformity of the depth.
Consideration for Bedliners and Accessories
The presence of a bedliner or other accessories will alter the depth of your truck bed and how the cover will sit.
- Measure the depth with the bedliner or accessories in place if you intend to keep them installed.
- Measure the depth without these items if you plan to remove them.
Types of Truck Bed Covers and Measurement Implications
Different types of truck bed covers require slightly different measurements. Understanding these differences is crucial for selecting the right cover. This section explains this in detail.
Hard Folding Covers
These covers fold up neatly, requiring precise measurements to ensure a flush, secure fit across all sections.
- Precise length and width measurements are crucial for a proper fit.
- Depth measurements are important to ensure the cover sits within the truck bed rails.
Soft Roll-Up Covers
These covers generally have some give, making them slightly less demanding of precise measurements, but accuracy is still key.
- Generally, a slightly smaller length measurement is sufficient because of the cover’s flexible nature.
- Width measurement remains important to ensure sufficient coverage of the bed.
Tonneau Covers
These covers often have specific fitting requirements. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions for detailed measurement specifications.
- Manufacturers usually provide detailed guides and diagrams showing precise measurement locations.
- Accurate measurement is critical due to the tailored nature of many tonneau covers.
Debunking Common Myths About Truck Bed Cover Measurements
Myth 1: You only need to measure length.
Incorrect. Accurate measurements of length, width, and depth are all crucial for a proper fit. Ignoring width or depth can result in a poorly fitting cover.
Myth 2: A slightly larger cover is better than a slightly smaller one.
Wrong. A cover that is too large will be loose and insecure, while a cover that is too small will simply not fit.
Example Scenarios
- Scenario 1: A truck owner measures their truck bed and finds the length is 6.5 feet, the width is 5 feet, and the depth is 1.5 feet. They choose a cover that specifically states it fits beds of these dimensions.
- Scenario 2: A truck owner has a bedliner and measures the bed with the liner in place, noting this in their records when ordering a cover.
FAQ
What happens if I measure incorrectly?
An incorrect measurement can lead to a poorly fitting cover, which may not be watertight, secure, or aesthetically pleasing. You may need to return the cover and purchase a new one, wasting time and money.
Do I need to measure every inch?
While precise measurements are important, you don’t need to measure down to the millimeter. Accuracy to within a half-inch or so should suffice for most covers.
Can I use a standard measuring tape?
Yes, a standard flexible measuring tape is perfectly adequate for measuring your truck bed.
How do I know what size cover to order?
Consult the manufacturer’s size chart and cross-reference your measurements with their specifications. Most manufacturers provide clear guidelines and diagrams.
What if my truck bed isn’t a standard size?
If your truck has a non-standard bed, it’s crucial to take even more careful measurements and contact the cover manufacturer to discuss your options. They may be able to custom-make a cover.
What if my truck has a toolbox or other accessories?
If you have accessories, measure the truck bed accordingly, taking into consideration how the cover needs to fit around the obstruction.
My measurements don’t match any cover size.
Contact the manufacturer to discuss the options; they may be able to customize the cover to your specific dimensions or suggest a close alternative.
Final Thoughts
Measuring for a truck bed cover accurately is essential for a secure, well-fitting, and functional cover. By carefully following the steps outlined above and taking accurate measurements of your truck bed’s length, width, and depth, you can ensure a perfect fit. Don’t rush the process; take your time, double-check your measurements, and you’ll be enjoying your new truck bed cover in no time. Remember to always consult the manufacturer’s instructions for specific requirements for your chosen cover.
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