For those with a soft tonneau cover on their rigs. What do you put on it for protection and to clean it? Do you use the manufacture's solution, or do you use another product, such as Meguiar's etc. Comments appreciated.

 

When I bought my truck (used), I too asked the very same question. Then, when I was cleaning out my garage, I ran across a bottle of leather cleaner that was originally designed for cleaning saddles and tack. While it does a great job, and will not harm the tonneau cover at all (hey, if it won't harm leather, it has to be GREAT for the synthetic stuff, right?), it doesn't stand up very well after the truck gets wet.

Oh, and at $4.99 for a 20 oz bottle, its fairly inexpensive as well.

Mike Sanders
Alexandria, VA

1999 STX 4.2L V6

 

I usually just wash it with car wash soap and then when it's dry I use Armor-All on it. It's held up well for 2 years so far.

 

I can't say for sure, but I remember reading that some tonneau covers didn't last very long after Armor All was used on them, usually over a period of time. I guess it is like a lot of things that are said here: Your mileage may vary!

Mike Sanders
Alexandria, VA
1999 STX 4.2L V-6

 

i put armor all on mine and it was a disaster. I live near the ocean so we get a lot of mist,dew..whatever ... well, every morning after putting it on, it would leave streaks all around the outside of the bed. This went on for probably two weeks. Every morning i would have to towel it all off the paint. Never again...

 

My particular cover said NOT to use any type of cleaner or protectant. Just wash with soap and water.

I've only had mine for a couple weeks, so have not needed to do anything yet, except just wash it........

 

I've had good results with Mother's Convertable Top Cleaner followed by Mother's Preserves.

Had to get them 'mail-order' so if you find a place in our area let me know!

What dealer did you use? . . . and, how is the service . . . ?

Bob

NOTE: Extang's left hand most not what its right hand is doing:

http://www.extang.com/tonnotonicindex.html

 

303 Protectant.

 

My Extang has a label stitched on it that says NOT to use any protectant or cleaners. They can dry out the material in time and would void the 3-year cover warranty. Not to mention Armor All and that type of stuff will just run down the sides of your truck in the rain....YUK!

 

The truck shop I bought the cover from recommended the
303 protectant. I know not to use Armor All, just wanted to pick peoples brains to see if they found something that worked well.
Thanks for your responses guys.

 

303 Protectant for awhile and it worked pretty well. I just switched to Nautical Ease Conditioner and have been impressed so far (3 months). 303 usually lasted for a month, this Nautical Ease stuff lasted 2 before another coat. We'll see how it lasts over the winter.

 

Extang now sells their own product for vinyl tonneau covers- called Tonno Tonic. They bill it as the first UV protectant specifically formulated for vinyl truck bed covers. Forgot what I paid for the 8oz spray bottle but it was a lot more $$ than armorall. Having just sprung for a ew blackmax, I went for their spray.

 

I use soap and water and nothing else. My Extang cover in over 2 years old, my truck sits out in the Florida sun all day and it looks like new!

Don't use Armor All! It will ruin the cover and streak all down the sides of your truck.

 

I like to use 3M 's Refresh, which is a vinyl & leather protectant with cleaner. But, if you ever notice the color fading, trust me , use Mothers Back-to-Black. This stuff works on any black trim and does a great job.

 

When I bought mine, the dealer said NO armor-all. He recommended some type of silicone to protect it.