Simple Tonneau Drain Tube Modification

[cyberdog]

Not linking how most of the Tonneau covers with drain tubs simply bend the tubing, which may kink, resulting in water leaking into the bed, I went to Lowes and bought some Pex-A Expansion Elbows, and the drains look so much better, and no longer hang down in the way of loading/unloading items into the bed.

I used black zip-ties to hold them on, which works perfect, given the expansion barbs.

Oh, and the $40 indoor/outdoor mat from Home-Depot works great as a bed-rug. Took the trimming for the wheel wells, and cut them to match the sides in front of the storage box/110v-Light areas on both sides. (The length wise portion is sitting on top, and will may get attached to the tailgate via velcro later in the week. (Haven't decided). Makes sitting/laying in the bed much more comfortable, as it's 1/4 thick, with a nice heavy rubber backing.

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[HTX]

Not linking how most of the Tonneau covers with drain tubs simply bend the tubing, which may kink, resulting in water leaking into the bed, I went to Lowes and bought some Pex-A Expansion Elbows, and the drains look so much better, and no longer hang down in the way of loading/unloading items into the bed.

I used black zip-ties to hold them on, which works perfect, given the expansion barbs.

Oh, and the $40 indoor/outdoor mat from Home-Depot works great as a bed-rug. Took the trimming for the wheel wells, and cut them to match the sides in front of the storage box/110v-Light areas on both sides. (The length wise portion is sitting on top, and will may get attached to the tailgate via velcro later in the week. (Haven't decided). Makes sitting/laying in the bed much more comfortable, as it's 1/4 thick, with a nice heavy rubber backing.

Great job. I randomly came across this post. I just used the same HD mat, works great (but you did a better job trimming to fit )
I was wondering if I could drain the tonneau into some of the bed side holes that have grommets which it looks like that is what you did.

 

[cyberdog]

That's exactly what I did, popped out the grommets, and inserted the tubing. Up front they're a slightly snug fit, in the back a bit looser, as those holes are oval, as opposed to round.

 

[MavCamper]

Thank you for this suggestion, cyberdog! I have the same pinched tube issue and came across this post awhile ago and bookmarked it - on my list of things to do but haven't gotten there yet. Just curious before ordering: should I purchase the 1/2 inch or 3/4 inch or...? THANK YOU.

 

[cyberdog]

From memory, I'm 99.9% certain the tubing is 1/2 inch ID. I bought the elbows at Lowes, along with the plastic clamps.

 

[Istiri]

Hey Cyberdog, great post. I’m thinking of doing the same with my OEM hard roll up. I was curious though did your cover come with a drain collector to connect the tube to? I am wondering for myself what to do with the OEM since I don’t think it has that. Thanks!

 

[cyberdog]

Mine had drain tube connectors on each side of the canister, as well as one on each side-rail near the tailgate.

 

[Jacob]

Dude thanks for this idea! I did something very similar with mine. But I put a 5/8" thread to 1/2" plug 90° right out of the cannister so the drain tubes a nearly level there (best match I could find at hardware store). Then I used a 5/8" 90° compression on the back corners.

 

[VrtualOtis]

Dude thanks for this idea! I did something very similar with mine. But I put a 5/8" thread to 1/2" plug 90° right out of the cannister so the drain tubes a nearly level there (best match I could find at hardware store). Then I used a 5/8" 90° compression on the back corners.

I'm about to install my tonneau, curious if you have a link to the 90 degree elbows you used?

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