Before you buy Honda Tonneau Cover--READ THIS!!!

[kahnartist]

Many forum members already are aware that the Honda Tonneau cover has 'issues' concerning not being 100% leak proof, etc. My husband held off the purchase due to this problem.

Unfortunately, folks have found this out 'after the fact' and $1,200 later (when the cover is installed). Even the booklet given out by Honda states this fact.

We received from a Honda Service person today: a Honda SERVICE NEWS bulletin (dated July 2005) stating the following about the tonneau cover (after we inquired about a better designed version).
This is NOT a TSB...but a bulletin for in-house technicians that I'm sharing on the forum. It was filled with great info on all the Hondas:
I quote right off the bulletin page

"Keeping Tonneau Cover Leaks to a Minimum":
The tonneau cover accessory (part number) for the 06 Ridgeline wasn't designed to keep out water or dust from the cargo bed area. If you need to keep water leaks to a minimum, here are a couple of tips to following during the accessory installation.
• Use a 15 mm hole saw when you're drilling the bed liner holes. Smaller sized holes restrict water flow, causing it to leak through the seals. See steps 7 and 18 AII 28631-29240, 2006 Ridgeline Tonneau Cover
•Lock the front edge of the tonneau cover into the bed rail. See steps 47 of the instructions.

I hope this helps anyone who is thinking about purchasing a cover (and the installation costs) BEFORE they are disappointed.

OR, you have a cover and are ready to install yourself.

Honda BOLDED the text for the 15mm hole saw (maybe the instruction book says otherwise....).

[cdepuydt]

I still cannot believe they wanna charge that kinda jack on a tonneau that isn't waterproof! I was kinda on the fence, whether to buy a Honda tonneau or not, when I first went to buy my RL. I figured I would just finance the cover in the price with the truck. When they told me it was just "water resisitant" and not water proof, I told them to stick it where the sun don't shine. I mean, $1300 and it still leaks....?!?!? The heck with that!!!

[ProHonda]

I am also still on the fence.
Maybe the aftermarket will come out with a cover that does not leak

[Truckin']

I'm going to plug the Retrax again as worthy of consideration. I guess there is the possibility that a 100% waterproof cover is out there somewhere. If you don't want to wait, there is a fabulous cover out there already.

We've had some big storms, even some snow accumulation. It's gone through dozens of washes. I simply am not concerned with the 4 ounces of water (just guessing at the worst) that might accumulate around the front drains. It is in the outer depression. It might roll back a foot or so on the wall of the truck bed.

We have a light mat in the center of the bed that is about 3/8s of an inch thick. Anything we might be concerned about is placed on top of the mat. It's an unnecessary precaution, thus far. The ridges in the truck bed are deeper than that. They channel water away too.

We ran a bead of silicone around the bed rail where the Retrax sits, so I'm not sure how water tight it would be without that, but others are reporting similar satisfaction. Ours is not ever going to be taken out, so we felt fine about sealing it to the truck bed.

[06RTLNAVBlue]

Desperately seeking info on a new cover that is:

Easily Removeable
Allows full access to trunk
Waterproof

If you find it, let me know!
Thanks for that info from Honda.

[Paladin]

My recommendation would be the cover that is listed at www.basickoncepts.com . I suggest that you take a look at this site and read the description. My cover is on its way so I will let you know how waterproof it is.

I ordered it because it is the only cover for the RL that will allow the trunk lid to open all the way and the cover can be easily installed and removed as necessary. I also recommend their tailgate lock if you need it. Just take a look at their installation manuals to see how easy/difficult these products can be installed.

Here is also a posting with some great pics --> BASICKONCEPTS Bed Cover Review

[Chief]

I am ready to buy a cover and a local installed said he recomended an ACCESS cover, anyone installed one?

[willy212]

Originally Posted by Chief

I am ready to buy a cover and a local installed said he recomended an ACCESS cover, anyone installed one?

I just installed my Acces tonneau cover about 1 week ago. It took about 2 hours, because you have to remove the side panels and the front panel of the box. It looks sharp, easy to roll and unroll, and fairly reasonable. $369.99 from autoanything.com. Bad thing, water still gets into the bed, from up in the front. Oh well, I kenw that buying it. Do a search on the Access cover. There are lots of pics. Good luck with your choice.