Fold a Cover G4 issues

[toro1966]

Some times I think if I didn't have bad luck, I would have no luck. After receiving an Extang Encore all jacked up from shipping, I returned it and opted for the fold-a-cover. It arrived today, with a big old hole/taped over on one side from FEDEX...)(&^%!

 

I opened the box, inspected it, and it APPEARED ok. One minor marring mark not he underside near the front hinge, but minor. Based on where the hole in the box was, it looks like the hinge section for the front is what actually went through the box - but that's just a guess because, again, it APPEARED ok.

 

So I go about installing the thing and everything is going swimmingly - until I get to adjusting the front latches. I can't get these to close for anything. I literally spent three hours trying to adjust them every which way but loose - not joy. The rear panel adjusted perfectly and works perfectly. No such luck with the fronts.

 

I am sure Fold-A-Cover will take care of it - but talk about frustrating. Anyone else have a similar issue with this cover? Am I just missing something?

[Digger3]

Nice truck Toro!! Damn, that sucks about the damage...at least it's hidden and only you will know it's there. When I received mine I was impressed with the amount of packaging used and it did make me feel a little better after the hit I took with FX...hehe

 

I agree the front is more finicky to adjust than the rear. I did have to slow down the timing of both RH latches to open at the same time as the LH latches, and also needed to adjust all 4 latches so they were aligned with the strikers properly. Did you fold the cover up to the front and with a little extra pressure locate the striker in that position? If you have the caddy, mark where the t-bolt nut is in the slot as you need to remove and replace the strikers to get the caddy in. I did find that the front settled after a couple days once the weatherstrip took it's shape over the bulkhead of the truck box as well. I have the caddy, and I did need to make a couple adjustments after the settling to where I found the fit acceptable. My LF now sits less than 1/8" above the side rail, and the RF is slightly more than that. After seeing the impressions from the rivets on the side weatherstrips I figured that should do the trick.

[toro1966]

Thanks Digger - you as well! I am going to call Customer Service this morning and see what they can do. Ironically, if I could get this thing to latch properly, I wouldn't even worry about the minor scratch/marr. I am extremely retentive and even to me - it's minor. But these d)(! latches! At this point I am not sure whether or not the latches got tweaked during the shipment, or if I am just not adjusting them right. I am leaning towards the first because I adjusted the rears and they are working flawlessly. I'll definitely let you know how it turns out. Thanks again.

[BigBadSierra]

It's a bit easier to adjust once the rubber seals settle a bit.

 

They soften up once there in the sun.

 

Had mine slightly loose because it was hard to latch.

 

Then after a couple of weeks I adjusted the pins and its fine now.

[toro1966]

I ended up calling the company and asking about the latches. They gave a little better instructions on how to get them working. It's installed now and fits great. That said, adjusting these are a real pita! More importantly, the instructions, and video of the installation, do not really address some of the gotchas on adjusting the latches. I'll try and get a little lessons learned post out soon.

[waverider]

I ended up calling the company and asking about the latches. They gave a little better instructions on how to get them working. It's installed now and fits great. That said, adjusting these are a real pita! More importantly, the instructions, and video of the installation, do not really address some of the gotchas on adjusting the latches. I'll try and get a little lessons learned post out soon.

I know when I installed mine, I had to do some adjusting with the catches that wasn't covered in the install instructions. It works fine now, but the intial install took a bit longer than advertized.

[glcbn]

I found it best to lay inside the bed to adjust the front, and have someone on the outside to flip it up and down for you.

[toro1966]

I found it best to lay inside the bed to adjust the front, and have someone on the outside to flip it up and down for you.

That's what I did, but the instructions don't explain to you how to ad hair so the latches fully close. After a cal to customer service, and another hour or so adjusting it, it looks and works great!

[glcbn]

That's what I did, but the instructions don't explain to you how to ad hair so the latches fully close. After a cal to customer service, and another hour or so adjusting it, it looks and works great!

 

Glad you got it squared away.

[wulfgott]

I ended up calling the company and asking about the latches. They gave a little better instructions on how to get them working. It's installed now and fits great. That said, adjusting these are a real pita! More importantly, the instructions, and video of the installation, do not really address some of the gotchas on adjusting the latches. I'll try and get a little lessons learned post out soon.

I know this has been a couple months now. However, I am wondering what better instructions did they give you on the adjustments? I received mine today around noon. Pretty much got it installed. but the adjustments are driving me up the wall.

 

I found it best to lay inside the bed to adjust the front, and have someone on the outside to flip it up and down for you.

I tried this and it is latched now. Only way I could get it all lined up with the latches. But, still doesn't seem right. It won't latch at all with the tailgate up. So, I have to close the gate first at this point. I will play with it again tomorrow more. I like it don't get me wrong. I just want the latches set up right and it is escaping me at this point.

[toro1966]

I know exactly what you mean about frustration with adjustment. You are correct, once it's latches and adjusted properly, it's awesome. Getting it that way is a real pita.

 

Easiest way to adjust these latches is to get inside and have a helper open and close from the outside if possible. Loose. The barrel for the latch adjustment a few turns at a a time and then have your helper open and then drop close the lid after each adjustment. When it finally latches all the way around the striker, you're good. Tighten the jam nut and then move on to the next one. Do all four like that. It does take time but the answer is almost always that cam but is too tight and you need to loosen it. Hope this helps and don't hesitate to give me a shout if you have more questions.

Cheers,

Ray

[wulfgott]

I know exactly what you mean about frustration with adjustment. You are correct, once it's latches and adjusted properly, it's awesome. Getting it that way is a real pita.

 

Easiest way to adjust these latches is to get inside and have a helper open and close from the outside if possible. Loose. The barrel for the latch adjustment a few turns at a a time and then have your helper open and then drop close the lid after each adjustment. When it finally latches all the way around the striker, you're good. Tighten the jam nut and then move on to the next one. Do all four like that. It does take time but the answer is almost always that cam but is too tight and you need to loosen it. Hope this helps and don't hesitate to give me a shout if you have more questions.

Cheers,

Ray

I hear ya.

 

That is pretty much exactly what I did when I was trying to get it right. I was inside the bed of the truck with the cover closed playing fort hehe. My wife was outside opening and closing it while I tried to adjust the strikers/bolts. I need to adjust the timing on the front latches still they are off a bit (noticeably).

 

I think the key might have been to get frustrated with it and just walk away. I left it over night. Several hours later I guess it settled and seems to be latching fine overall now. I have to hit down on the corner a little to fully seat it in the latch. But, it is latching now on its own for the most part when I close it. So, minor adjustment now is all it needs which I will do in a couple days when I get some free time.

 

Overall though I really like it. Despite the hassle of adjustments. I did not know that it tapers though from cab to tailgate. Doesn't bother me really. Just found it interesting.

[captfrank]

Wait till you have to fix this POS in 3 years!!

Well today I change the rear seal on the fold a cover, It took almost 3hrs (yea go ahead Steffens bash me. But I grew up with tools, my dad was shop teacher and I worked in a machine shop while going, to college, rebuild engines etc. So I’m way better with tools then your normal Joe.). It was not nearly as easy as the video made you believe. First the pop rivets did not drill out, they just spun with the drill bit. Thus had to use screw drivers, plyers and a punch to get them all out, this took forever. The stainless ones did drill out as per the video. Then the next issue was the holes to put the pop rivets in. They did line up on the ends where the stainless ones and first aluminum ones but the rest where real hard. Needed to remove the cardboard and use clamps to press the 2 sections together and again use the punch to help line the holes up.

 

Bottom line, unless you love this cover and want to spend like 6+ hrs and $60 every 3 years I would say stay away from this cover. I hate this cover, it has always leaked a little (but at least they tell you that) and is a maintenance nightmare. I wish I did what I did with my other truck and get a fiberglass cover. It lasted the life of the truck with zero maintenance, only issue was a bear to remove. But worth it compared to this POS. I got the fold a cover as a recommendation from a friend (he’s on my you know what list now).

[wulfgott]

Sorry to hear that. I love mine now that I have it all settled. But, I have not had mine nearly as long as you in any sense of the terms. So I will just have to wait and see how mine plays out. I am curious though did you use any form of products on the seals such as armor all or white lithium grease as the instructions said? If so, do you think it helped them last any longer than they did at all?

[ShotgunZ71]

Mine is going on 3 years and it's 2nd truck (I traded the 1500 for a 2500HD) and I've not had any issues. Most leakage mine has is when I go to fold it up when there is water standing on it. Other than that, it's done what it's supposed to.