So I've done my research and I know this is a common problem but I have not found a fix yet... unfortunately for me it's beyond the point of me repairing it so it has to go to a body shop. What I'm talking about is the dreaded paint peeling off from underneath the bed rail caps caused by the tonneau cover. I was quoted $450 Canadian to fix the bed but I'm concerned that the paint will just start peeling again in a few years. The truck is a 2011 f150 screw with only 90000km on it. I bought it brand new and my tonneau cover is a extang tri fold.... what are you guys doing to prevent this? My only thought's were after it was repaired have the box line-x and have them do a very thin coat over the bed rails before installing the rail caps again. Or just buy some roll on stuff and do it myself just to prevent the caps from cutting thru the paint again.

 

I have not seen a bunch of posts with this issue so I would think it is not too common. I would have the paint corrected (450 ain't bad) and then get it line xed over the bed rails. Look on the positive. At least you don't have a Ruby Red or Black Metallic truck.

 

There are multiple post on various forums....

 

There might be multiple posts on other forums, just not this one and some people myself included do not visit other F150 forums.

Thus you should inquire where you have seen these reports as someone over there is more likely to offer a possible solution to your query.
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I bought a 2011 with 130,000 km, had the same problem. Didn't notice it when I bought it but i took the plastic rails off and a buddy of mine sanded it down, primed it then used the spray in bed liner, just the stuff in a can. He figured the same thing would happen again if we painted it. It's been just over a year and it looks the same as when he did it. I would say that is the best option. Also, I have the same tonneau cover and i know another guy with the same tonneau cover on a tundra with the same problem.

 

there are multiple post on this exact forum on this exact topic.....

 

I think that is what I will do but unfortunately the paint is too far gone on the passenger bed side so it has to go to the body shop...

 

I have a tonneau cover and I do not understand how this would happen because of the cover.

 

On this tonneau cover, there is a piece that goes underneath the rails that holds it in place and you can crank it until its very tight. My guess is the previous owner tightened it way to much causing a ton if pressure on the paint and causing it to crack.

 

I'm not sure how over tightening the fittings could peel the paint. I think you would notice any deformation in the metal way before it would effect the paint. Do you see anything like that?

What are the pieces under the rails made of? I'm assuming its some sort of clamp. Are they brass or stainless steel? Kind of seems like galvanic corrosion to me. Take a look at the clamps and see if they have a rough or hazy appearance, like a hard water stain. If that's the case, I would put a shim of aluminum or zinc between the fitting and the truck. Or paint/powdercoat the clamps. That would slow down any corrosion and help save the paint.