Home-Made Bifold "Firm" Cover

[chiko]

Mistakes were made along the way...

2 - 4x8x 1/2" PVC Sheet @ $100 ea.
4 - Latches @ $25 ea.
Misc hardware including hinges and support brace approx $150.

I wanted something that was easy to remove while providing some security. I fully appreciate that it wont support much weight.

Failed 1st attempt burned $100 on sheet and $40 in latches. These latches had much better locks and would have swung up to clamp the sheet to the side rail but I could not get the latches to fit correctly. I made first attempt with a full sheet supported on three sides. Then I tried as the latches were intended with a flush mount but the sheet sagged a lot when only supported front and tail.

The locks are not Lockpicking Lawyer approved.

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[James K]

Mistakes were made along the way...

2 - 4x8x 1/2" PVC Sheet @ $100 ea.
4 - Latches @ $25 ea.
Misc hardware including hinges and support brace approx $150.

I wanted something that was easy to remove while providing some security. I fully appreciate that it wont support much weight.

Failed 1st attempt burned $100 on sheet and $40 in latches. These latches had much better locks and would have swung up to clamp the sheet to the side rail but I could not get the latches to fit correctly. I made first attempt with a full sheet supported on three sides. Then I tried as the latches were intended with a flush mount but the sheet sagged a lot when only supported front and tail.

The locks are not Lockpicking Lawyer approved.

Well done

 

[MavStangVa]

How is the center supported if you open the tailgate? I applaud your DIY skill.

 

[chiko]

How is the center supported if you open the tailgate?

Poorly. It folds a bit and sags.
If tailgate usage is anticipated I would likely remove the whole thing.
The latches near the cab catch well enough to prevent total collapse. The tailgate latches have enough overlap to prevent them from slipping out of place.

I might add a quick release barrel latch to provide some support across the seam.

 

[Cancunbadlands]

#OMG
Is it secure to use at highway speeds?!
Just saying

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

Eric,
I applaud your effort.
My curiosity has gotten the best of me.
For between $300 and $400.
Why would you not want a factory made folding tonneau cover?

When folded, it can be removed with two clamps and fits in the backseat if needed?

It is relatively secure, sturdy, even with a wheel and tire laying on top of it, the tailgate opens.

 

[chiko]

Maybe a C- or a D. The goal was mostly to control the amount of foliage in the bed as I park under a tree on the street. Water-resistant was never going to be in the cards. Low cost and easily removable were the design goals and both were weak. It is much heavier than I would have like for the easily removable goal. The latches and other hardware really dented into the low cost goal as they were at least $100+.

I was oblivious to the $300 solution @Glen Baker LLC suggested. All the trifolds I saw would block the back window which I found unacceptable.

I upgraded the weatherstripping from window to garage door style ($10x2 for center and each side) so that it is more robust. PVC glue adhered pretty well to the weather stripping whether or not primer was used.

The hatches have lots of overlap with the bed lip; at least 1". I have no worries that wind and speed are going to be able to lift it up. Gravity would probably be mostly adequate.

The gate hasp reduces the sag if the gate is open and the PVC blocks prevent the bed cover from sliding backward.

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