Joe Friday

Ok,

I have the FORD OEM Soft Folding Tonneau Cover.

Instructions say that prior to installing the tonneau cover, I need to lay a level across the back/top corner of the bed rail cap and across the adjoining corner of the tailgate cap. They want the upper tailgate corners to be flush with the corners of the bed rail so that the tonneau cover will open without restriction.

My tailgate 'visually' looks dead even with the side fender corners.... but if I lay a credit card across the two, there seems to be a slight 'canter'.

The manual says if the tailgate is not flush to discontinue the install and have the dealer level the tailgate.

It sure 'looks' level on both upper corners of the tailgate where it meets the upper corners of the bed fenders..... yet a straight edge tells me otherwise.

I called the Line-X dealer who installs tons of tonneau covers and he said they have never had to align a tailgate.... and suggested that I install the tonneau cover and see how the tailgate operates...and if there is a problem, bring it by their place and they will troubleshoot it for free.... I just spent $1300 on Linex and undercoating, and gave the two tech each a $25 LongHorn Steakhouse gift card after they did a great job.... so they are willing to help even though I got the tonneau from my dealer.

But.... STILL.... I'd like to know how to make an adjustment myself if it isn't too difficult. Anybody know how this is done? I notice a small hole on each side of the tailgate, down near the hinge.... wonder if there is something you 'screw' down on each side that aligns each side of the tailgate????

It is so close to being even, that it just may not be a problem... I guess I can start the install and see how it goes??

Thanks for your thoughts on this.

Joe Friday

Even though I did a Forum Search, I did not find this similar topic before posting. I posted this topic and then 'googled' the topic, and of course it popped up an almost identical thread. Sorry about that.... it appears that there is some useful info there, although not much real adjustability to be done on the vertical orientation of the tailgate in relation to the corners of the corners of the bed sides.....

I have a feeling that my situation is SO CLOSE to flush, I may not have an issue. I will install and report back.

johnday in BFE

iTrader: (1)

Myself, I'd go ahead and install it, and see how it fit/works. If there is a problem, then have someone look at it. Chances are good you won't have any trouble. Can't help with any info on leveling the gate, sorry.

Wassup8687

I've had tonneau covers on all my pickups and never had to adjust a tailgate.

I recently installed a Peragon on my 2018 and had no problems at all. The cover has foam on the bottom which sits on the top of the tailgate.

jeffinthebag

Could you take a picture of the tailgate not being level? I had numerous pickups and at least 6 tonneau cover , I never heard of this before.

Joe Friday

Hi all - I installed the Ford OEM Soft Folding tonneau cover and ended up having NO issues with the tailgate not opening with the cover installed.

I guess the level issue was so microscopically small that it caused no problems.

It open fine even with the remote tailgate release on my keyfob.

Thanks to you all for your suggestions to just install it and test it-

My only complaint with this Ford cover is that it could stand to be a little longer. It is barely long enough to allow the tailgate seal to actually reach the tailgate and seal over the top inner edge of thetailgate. I had to Shift the front of the tonneau cover back towards the tailgate a little to allow the tailgate end to just barely seal over the inner top edge of the tailgate.

Wassup8687

Did it come with an additional seal that you could mount on the cover so it seals the tailgate better?

Joe Friday

No...there is one attached to the tailgate edge of the tonneau cover.... so I had to move the entire tonneau cover back a tad to get the seal to contact the tailgate.