As someone who did it, I'll confirm that cutting that plastic is the messiest and most complicated portion of the whole thing. Other than that, it's just cutting down the board length, rip one down to make it skinnier, and sticking the weatherstripping on front and back. But I can also help answer questions about the process I went through if anyone has them
I just ordered ten of the NewTechWood Shou Sugi Ban siding pieces. I might need an eleventh piece, since it was not clear what the actual width will be, after subtracting the shiplap overlap; however, weather stripping at front and back might make up the difference.
Thanks for the write up. I just finished my version. Followed what you did exactly, with the exception that I decided to use 1 single large 4 foot long board + a ~6" filler board. While a bit harder to remove and install, my use-case is temporary as I have a Rivian cover on order and only building it now since I have a road trip planned and need the extra lockable storage.while I still hope the manual tonneau is just around the corner this thread inspired me to build a temporary solution. turns out our family of 4 brings a lot of s#$% on our weekend trips to the mountains.
Did a 4 panel design out of ACX plywood with and added some aluminum c-channel to align the panels for a cleaner look, hopefully make them more water/snow tight as well possibly add some rigidity.
painted the plywood with bed liner paint so the texture is by design.
build list:
- 2x 4'x8' ACX plywood (I purchased from a local lumber yard, but I believe this is basically this same)
- 2x 1/2"x1/2"x96" aluminum c-channel
- adhesive weather seal (for the front and back)
- bed liner paint
- flat black paint for the c-channel
it's not perfect, but it'll do and certainly better than nothing.
edit: added links
I have ordered the materials for this build and have the same questions. Any Reply?
No reply from the others that have finished I also have the materials I will try to start on my own in a week or two and let you know.
What tools did you use to cut it and what was the width you used to fit the panels in the rails. Did the 5x 12 inch pieces fit the length perfectly or was there a shorter piece?Here's the build, cellular PVC. Sorry for the night pictures.
Hello, Nice work! What was the width you used to fit the panels into the rails and did you have to trim down one of the 12" boards to fit the bed length or did the 5 x 12 inch pieces fit the length perfectly or was there a thinner piece in the middle? Any additional information would be appreciated. I've purchased the materials for this build. Thank you!Here's the build, cellular PVC. Sorry for the night pictures.
nice! mine is still holding up well through a snow filled colorado winter. waiting on a more permanent solution, but so glad i decided to build this temp cover.Thanks for the write up. I just finished my version. Followed what you did exactly, with the exception that I decided to use 1 single large 4 foot long board + a ~6" filler board. While a bit harder to remove and install, my use-case is temporary as I have a Rivian cover on order and only building it now since I have a road trip planned and need the extra lockable storage.
I went with the 1 large 4 foot board because:
1. faster and cheaper (less cuts, less c-channel, etc.)
2. I'll have an easier time leveraging the wood with a larger cut when I get my Rivian cover
3. Going to be more water proof as there are less seams
4. I've been playing with the idea of creating some camping/road-trip toilet specific cover where there is a hatch that opens with a privacy curtain. Once I get my Rivian cover I might cut into this and add some hinges and see if i can make the idea work.
Excluding the trip to home depot, I probably spent 90 minutes on it. Pretty happy with how it turned out and the low investment in time/money for this temporary solution.
I got tired of the Maverick cover being janked together and returned it. I went the vinyl fencing route instead - to my surprise 9 panels fit perfect with no trimming required (aside from the ends). I also took out the rubber weatherstripping from the tonneau rail slot which made it super easy to slide the panels in.I bought a Maverick roll up cover from Amazon and janked it together with straps, seems pretty sturdy.
Magnets would be cool, but I’m not sure what kind would be needed to provide enough hold to pull everything forward. It’s not hard to pull, but the whole thing does weigh about 50lbs. I could certainly leave the Velcro off one for you and you could experiment with the magnets. It’s not that I don’t think it would work, but I don’t really have the R&D time or budget right now to make sure it would work properly.
So far it’s been in batches, but more because of material shipments then by design. I’m a little hesitant to stockpile too much, but I’m hoping to get ahead and have a handful in stock and ready to go. I have a batch taking up the garage and testing my wonderful wife’s patience right now. My website is interrobang-automotive.myshopify.com if you’re ready to get on the list. I’d estimate about 2 weeks right now.
Looking forward to it.
