Tonneau Cover help/questions

[AllBlackBimmer]

Posted this on another ranger forum, but looking to get as many answers as I can, so:

I have 2 different questions regarding my Tonneau cover...

It is obviously an ARE, but I cannot figure out what "model" it is... The little badge on the underside is more like a "vin number" and doesn't have a part/model number on it.

My handle release is broke, as I cant unhook the cover unless I pull up on it enough to get the tailgate down, then I have to reach up inside and manually pull the little lever for it to work. Once it's open the handle release work fine...
Also, I don't have any keys that actually fit the lock (perhaps part of the problem?)

So I am trying to find out the model/part number to get some replacement parts.


Secondly and more importantly,
As you can see, my tonneau is screwed into the top of my bed.

I want to remove my tonneau once it's nicer out so I can haul things...

My question is... can I reinstall my tonneau with clamps instead of screws? I want to be able to take it on/off over the winter, but then be able to use my bed in spring/summer/fall

If I can't find clamps that work, I will most likely just leave it off my truck... which sucks, because it is nice over the winter, and if I would ever need to secure something in my bed via the lock.

I've seen other rangers with pretty much the exact cover I have, so Im not sure if they came from the factory with this option or what?

Pics below.

[/url]image by AllBlackBimmer, on Flickr[/IMG]

[/url]20150212_160022 by AllBlackBimmer, on Flickr[/IMG]

[/url]20150212_160014 by AllBlackBimmer, on Flickr[/IMG]

[/url]20150212_155912 by AllBlackBimmer, on Flickr[/IMG]

[/url]20150212_155958 by AllBlackBimmer, on Flickr[/IMG]

[/url]20150212_155951 by AllBlackBimmer, on Flickr[/IMG]

 

[don4331]

Gotta ask: Did you contact ARE wit with your serial number?

Strange that it is screwed on - ARE's brochure shows current models installing with clamps... (Well not that strange; screws do hold better.)

I'd work on getting a set of keys and go from there. ARE should be able to get a set to your local dealer.

 

[AllBlackBimmer]

Gotta ask: Did you contact ARE wit with your serial number?

Strange that it is screwed on - ARE's brochure shows current models installing with clamps... (Well not that strange; screws do hold better.)

I'd work on getting a set of keys and go from there. ARE should be able to get a set to your local dealer.

Well unfortunately my "local" ARE dealers are both about an hour away, in opposite directions. If I had one local, I would've just went there, but am holding off making that trip as a last resort.

Yea, it's held on quite well, but I want something that is removable/able to be put back on with relative ease. I was kin bad surprised it was screwed on as well, as clamps see to be the "norm"

 

[Bronco638]

I have a Lund soft tonneau on my Edge. The frame is held in place by clamps. Based on what I know about the install and the picture you posted, there may not be enough room to use clamps to hold your tonneau down. That said, ARE has a Live Help feature on their web site (LINK). Why not let them tell you what is/is not available for your tonneau and if there are clamps available?

 

[AllBlackBimmer]

I have a Lund soft tonneau on my Edge. The frame is held in place by clamps. Based on what I know about the install and the picture you posted, there may not be enough room to use clamps to hold your tonneau down. That said, ARE has a Live Help feature on their web site (LINK). Why not let them tell you what is/is not available for your tonneau and if there are clamps available?

What do you mean not enough room for the clamps?

You mean the clamps to fit inside the rails? Because the rails are kind of narrow.

I've seen this exact tonneua's on other rangers, and half thought they were a factory option, or really common add-on... I was really hoping someone else with same tonneau would see this post.

I think in a few weeks, I may call and schedule an appt. with one of my "local" (1 hr away) ARE dealers and let them look at it.

Also trying to think of a good way to make a "stand" for my tonneau for storage once I take it off. Not enough room in my garage, so it will probably be outside with a trap or cover over it.

 

[Bronco638]

I meant that it looks like the tonneau may hit the top of the clamp, holding the frame, when you try to close it. After having a closer look at my tonneau's clamps, they may work after all.

As for storage, another thing to consider is a winch/pulley system in your garage. Make two "stretchers" out of 2" x 2" lumber with an eye-bolt in each end. They'll need to be 6" to 8" wider than the tonneau. Use some rope to hang the tonneau from the ceiling (using screw-in hooks - be sure to screw them into a joist). Every foot or so, have a loop in the rope. Make the rope long enough so that the tonneau is about waist high from the floor. This gives you a 'work' platform. Now, to raise the tonneau, by simply shortening the rope one loop (1') at a time, until it's about 1' from the ceiling. Raising one foot at a time will keep the tonneau from sliding off of the 'stretchers' (and falling to the floor). If you can attach the tonneau frame to the stretchers, then you can do away with most of the loops and just have one loop at the half-way point.