Tonneau Cover - Adding Extra Height (2" inches) experiment

[Exceed Fabrication]

Thanks for sharing your Exceed Project. I really like the approach you are taking. The extra height is great. The tailgate is definitely a challenge. Fortunately my approach is very workable since it is only a two inch gap to work with. Good luck on your new product!

Thanks! I didn't mean to hijack your post, but you just reminded me of all this. LOL. I'll create a new thread to share our thoughts and progress with everyone.
Back on topic, I didn't see how you opened the cover, but it seems you nailed a long aluminum profile to the end of the cover, which I think is a smart move! However, if we were to develop a product that's compatible with more covers, I doubt many people would want to drill holes.
Overall, I really appreciate your approach, and you've rekindled my interest in continuing to develop this product! I look forward to your continued improvements!

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[Trekkor2020]

Hey, no problem! I appreciate your input and sharing your project. I had thought of doing the extrusion approach several years ago, but I couldn't figure out how to do the tailgate end. So I didn't do anything. Then two months ago, I thought about just adding a piece of rubber block or flap to the tonneau cover to fill in the gap. I would have just glued the rubber block to the cover end, but I couldn't find anything that worked. Then I decided to just use a 2"x1" extrusion on the end with a piece of rubber foam to create the seal on the tailgate. I did drill some holes thru the tonneau cover end flap but I can always fill those with sealant If I change it back. I did have to drill holes thru the bed rails themselves to mount the extrusion. That worried me, but I can also fill them with plastic plugs if I remove it. I added some pictures of the extrusion and the mounting method. Thanks again for your input.

 

[RubiNewbCB]

Instead of Gorilla tape maybe try using some eternabond tape. RVers use it all the time on the corners and edges for a good seal and it last years. It comes in black or white. Great idea and solution.

 

[Trekkor2020]

Thank you for the suggestion. I don’t have any experience with that tape. I’ll check it out.

 

[Blade1668]

Thank you for the suggestion. I don’t have any experience with that tape. I’ll check it out.

I just snagged your last post to tag you.
Nice work, I went to a topper building company for a short aluminum "topper" that would open from both sides for my Comanche back in early 90's they couldn't figure out how to do it "???" I described it drew it out and about everything I could, they didn't want any changes. After built, I modified it to do that. Using aluminum and removable pin hinges. I'm sure if they would have listened they likely could have sold a quite a few to people with trucks, quickly removable and easily to access gear or tools in bed. I had a lot of people asking me where I got it for years.

 

[Trekkor2020]

Thanks to Exceed Fabrication post, I realize I unintentionally included some built in attachment capability on the outside of the extrusions running from from to back. I could add some mounting points anywhere along the rails for brackets or tie down points. I could see even add some raised rails to run across the cover to create a frame for bikes or a tent. Thanks Exceed!

 

[Exceed Fabrication]

Thanks to Exceed Fabrication post, I realize I unintentionally included some built in attachment capability on the outside of the extrusions running from from to back. I could add some mounting points anywhere along the rails for brackets or tie down points. I could see even add some raised rails to run across the cover to create a frame for bikes or a tent. Thanks Exceed!

You're welcome! Yes, the aluminum profile's built-in T-slots allow for countless mounting points!
Looking forward to your follow-up!

 

[Rubianderson]

Thanks! I didn't mean to hijack your post, but you just reminded me of all this. LOL. I'll create a new thread to share our thoughts and progress with everyone.
Back on topic, I didn't see how you opened the cover, but it seems you nailed a long aluminum profile to the end of the cover, which I think is a smart move! However, if we were to develop a product that's compatible with more covers, I doubt many people would want to drill holes.
Overall, I really appreciate your approach, and you've rekindled my interest in continuing to develop this product! I look forward to your continued improvements!

Hey exceed, are you familiar w/the 80/20 rule? It takes 20% effort to get the first 80% done, AND it takes 80% effort to finish the last 20%. My point? The pics you posted looked to me like you were at the 80% done point. That leaves the difficult 20% left to finish/finalize
I'm commenting to help motivate you to "getrdone". I would be interested in utilizing the product if you can bring to market. Good luck!

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