Why do tonneau covers have drain tubes?
Not all truck owners with tonneau covers need to know the answer to this question. Most tonneau covers on the market do not need drain tubes, and the most common soft roll-up covers, soft tri-fold covers, and basic tonneau covers do not have drain tubes. Generally, retractable tonneau covers and some hard folding tonneau covers with guide rails will require the installation of drain tubes. It mainly transfers water that may accumulate on the tonneau cover.
In this article, our experts will explain why there are drain tubes in tonneau covers, how they work, and how we can install drain tubes correctly. It only takes 5 minutes to find the answer.
The Purpose of Drain Tubes in Tonneau Covers
Drain tubes in a bed cover are meant to protect the truck bed and its contents from water damage, especially if the cover is tightly sealed to the truck bed or is designed to be waterproof. Drains connect to channels or gutters on the edges of the truck bed. These channels collect water and funnel it into drains, which then drain it away from the truck bed, usually through holes in the bed or openings near the tailgate.
When it rains or water accumulates on the cover, water can seep through gaps or collect in certain areas. Without a proper drainage system, this water can accumulate in the truck bed, potentially leading to rust, mold, and cargo damage.
How does Tonneau Cover Drain Tubes Work?
These tubes are typically made of durable, flexible materials such as rubber or plastic, ensuring they can withstand all weather conditions and the movement of the cargo cover without cracking or breaking.
Integrated into the frame of the cargo cover, these tubes connect to drain holes located at low points in the cover design, such as in the can of a retractable cover or along the rails of a hard folding cover. The length and diameter of the tubes are carefully designed to ensure efficient water flow, allowing water to drain quickly and effectively from the truck bed.
How it works?
- Water Collection: When it rains or when water accumulates on the surface of a truck bed, the water will naturally flow toward the edges of the bed. In a hard, retractable, or folding truck bed, water may collect in specific areas, such as the can (in a retractable cover) or the side rails (in a hard, folding cover).
- Gutters and Drainage Systems: Many truck beds are designed with integrated gutters or drainage channels where water is most likely to accumulate. These channels help direct the water to designated drainage points.
- Drain Holes: At the end of these drainage channels, there are small drainage holes that lead directly to drain pipes. The placement of these holes is designed to ensure that any collected water can flow efficiently into the pipes.
- Drain tubes: Drain pipes are connected to these drain holes. They act as pipes to direct water out of the truck bed and out through exit points located near the front corners of the truck bed.
- Exit Points: Water drains out of the truck bed through existing drain holes in the floor or sides of the bed or holes drilled specifically to accommodate the pipes. This ensures that water does not collect in the bed of the truck, causing rust, corrosion, or damage to your cargo.
Functionality
As water flows toward the edge of the cargo cover or a designated collection point, it enters the drainage system and is directed into a drain pipe. The system uses gravity to move water through pipes and out of the truck bed, effectively keeping the area dry.
Benefits of Drain Tubes
Protecting Cargo
One of the most significant benefits of drains is the ability to protect cargo from water. When water accumulates on the rear hood of a truck, without drains, the water can seep into the truck bed. Drains prevent this by helping to drain the water away, ensuring the truck bed remains dry. Protecting valuable and sensitive items in the bed reduces the potential for significant damage caused by water intrusion.
Reduce rust on the tonneau cover
When water accumulates in a truck bed, it can cause rust, corrosion, and even structural damage over time. When water drains out of the tubes, it effectively prevents the bed cover from rusting, thereby extending the life of the truck bed. This protection is very effective for truck owners who live in areas with frequent rainfall or use their trucks in humid environments.
The above are the benefits of drain tubes. Drain tubes effectively manage water loss, keep the truck bed dry, improve the overall functionality and durability of the truck and the bed cover, and extend the life of the truck bed cover itself.
How to Install Tonneau Cover Drain Tubes?
Installing a drain pipe on the truck hood is a simple process. Here is a step-by-step installation guide:
Gather the necessary tools and materials
- Before you begin, make sure you have all the tools and materials you need:
- Drain tube (usually included with the truck bed)
- Drill with the appropriate drill bit size (if the drain hole is not pre-existing)
- Silicone sealant (optional, for a watertight seal)
- Safety gear (gloves, safety glasses)
Find the drainage point
Start by identifying the designated drain points on your truck bed. These points are usually located in the corners of the truck bed frame, especially in the can of a retractable cover or on the side rails of a folding cover. The drain points may already have holes for attaching drain hoses, or you may need to drill holes if your truck bed does not have pre-installed holes.
Prepare the Drain
If the drain tube is not pre-cut, measure and cut it to the appropriate length. The hose should be long enough to reach from the drain point on the cargo lid to the exit point on the truck bed floor or side. It is important to make sure the hose is not too short (which would cause water to leak into the bed) or too long (which would cause kinks and blockages).
Install the drain hose on the tonneau cover
Insert one end of each drain hose into the drain hole on the cargo cover. Make sure they fit snugly into the drain point to prevent any leaks. Some systems may require you to secure the tubes with clamps or connectors, while others may just push them into place. If desired, apply a small amount of silicone sealant around the connection point to create a watertight seal.
Laying out drainage tubes
Next, the drain pipe is routed to the outlet of the truck bed and the drain pipe is threaded through these holes, usually near the front corner of the bed.
Fixed drain tube
Make sure the drain tube is securely fastened and has no kinks or bends that could impede the flow of water. You can use zip ties or clamps to secure the drain hose to the frame or wall of the vehicle to keep it in place and prevent it from moving while driving. Make sure the drain hose slopes downward to use gravity to help drain water out of the vehicle.
Testing the drainage system
Once the drain is installed and secured, test the drain system by pouring a small amount of water onto the back of the truck. Watch the water flow through the drain point, through the drain, and out of the truck bed. Check for any leaks or blockages and make any necessary adjustments.
FAQs
Where are you all routing your retractable tonneau drain tubes on the tailgate end?
Routing a telescoping tonneau cover drain at the tailgate end can be a little difficult because most trucks don't have pre-existing drain holes in that area. Typically, drains are located at the front of the tonneau cover. Some tonneau covers have drains at all four corners.
Where does the water drain with the tonneau cover?
Water that accumulates on the trunk lid is directed through the drain hose and then out of the cabin through pre-existing drain holes in the cabin floor or sidewalls, allowing the water to drain out of the cargo area and onto the ground below. In some cases, additional holes may be drilled to accommodate the drain hose, ensuring that water is effectively drained from the cabin.
