[New HR Owner]

Hello,
I'm buying a used OEM Tonneau cover.
I've never even owned a truck before, let alone bought a tonneau cover.
What are the things I should look out for?
Thanks

 

[ClassicVW]

Hi. Obviously, check that it came from a Ridgeline.
Research the cover at Honda's website to see what hardware (brackets? Bolts?) originally came with the cover and make sure those are included too. There's also a You Tube video on how to install one which should show what's needed.
Check for any tears or excessive fading.

 

[reydaman]

Before buying the OEM cover make sure you have thought about some of its limitations. You lose two tiedowns with the OEM cover. Even open, the OEM cover significantly cuts down on usable bed space and if you need to load large items, you will likely have to remove the cover (which is not that hard). In my opinion, when the OEM cover fades, it detracts from the overall appearance of the vehicle. As long as you can live with those limitations the OEM cover is great and make sure to follow the advice in previous posts.

If those limitations are too much there are other cover styles you can look at.

 

[New HR Owner]

Thanks. It's all new to me. Is there a selection of one or two tonneau covers that most people use?

 

[Pleease]

Hello,
I'm buying a used OEM Tonneau cover.
I've never even owned a truck before, let alone bought a tonneau cover.
What are the things I should look out for?
Thanks

Make sure it has all the hardware, though I'm not sure offhand where you can look that up. Also, a year or so ago Honda recalled all their tonneau covers so they could install a strap that keeps the tonneau from flying off - apparently that happened to some people - so make sure that's included. If it's not though, I assume a dealer would install them for you if you take it in, but I would call them to confirm that.

The OEM tonneau does work great for me, and it's the only one I know of that doesn't require rails along the top of the bed walls - it sits on top of them instead.

 

[bluegrass]

Is there a selection of one or two tonneau covers that most people use?

The 'search' function is your friend.
There are several detailed threads that thoroughly discuss the pros/cons of all tonneau covers available for the Ridgeline.

I would definitely follow @reydaman advice above. Figure out how you plan to use you truck before buying a tonneau cover.
I'd personally never buy the OEM cover given the limitations noted above, along with the fact that you lose all visibility out the back window when the OEM cover is fully opened.

 

[reydaman]

Thanks. It's all new to me. Is there a selection of one or two tonneau covers that most people use?

I use a Truxedo Pro-X15. It is a soft cover that roles up. I had the OEM cover for a while, but the roll up cover offers me more flexibility when I go camping. The trade off with the Truxedo is that it is a little less secure (you could cut through it -- but I think you could pry up the OEM cover) and the rails narrow the top of the bed a bit.

 

[New HR Owner]

Thank you.

 

[Pleease]

Before buying the OEM cover make sure you have thought about some of its limitations. You lose two tiedowns with the OEM cover. Even open, the OEM cover significantly cuts down on usable bed space and if you need to load large items, you will likely have to remove the cover (which is not that hard). In my opinion, when the OEM cover fades, it detracts from the overall appearance of the vehicle. As long as you can live with those limitations the OEM cover is great and make sure to follow the advice in previous posts.

If those limitations are too much there are other cover styles you can look at.

It does block some bed use (at the top) when folded. I'd just add that I've carried lumber many, many times with the cover folded - tucks right under like it wasn't even there.

 

[Pleease]

There're a lot of haters of the OEM - I assume legitimately - and I've never had a different type, but for 2.75 years I've found it to be very easy to use and versatile. Just my experience - and unfortunately I'm not getting commission for positive comments, lol - but, again, I like that there are no rails on the bedsides, leaving maximum room for wide items, and for me (and I'm 65 years old, and no athlete ) it's easy to remove/replace, takes just a couple minutes.

 

[New HR Owner]

There're a lot of haters of the OEM - I assume legitimately - and I've never had a different type, but for 2.75 years I've found it to be very easy to use and versatile. Just my experience - and unfortunately I'm not getting commission for positive comments, lol - but, again, I like that there are no rails on the bedsides, leaving maximum room for wide items, and for me (and I'm 65 years old, and no athlete ) it's easy to remove/replace, takes just a couple minutes.

Thanks.

 

[bluegrass]

There're a lot of haters of the OEM - I assume legitimately - and I've never had a different type, but for 2.75 years I've found it to be very easy to use and versatile.

I don't know about "haters". It think it is just realistically pointing out the pros/cons of each type of cover.
If all you're doing is carrying lumber occasionally (per your example), then the OEM is probably fine.
That's why it's important for the OP to determine how he intends to use the truck bed before purchasing one.

As noted, there are several drawbacks to the OEM cover that are not acceptable for many people...
loss of two tiedowns, significant reduction in usable bed space when open, the need to remove the cover to utilize the full bed, complete loss of visibility when opened, a very bulky/tall profile, considerably more expensive than others.

 

[Pleease]

I don't know about "haters". It think it is just realistically pointing out the pros/cons of each type of cover.
If all you're doing is carrying lumber occasionally (per your example), then the OEM is probably fine.
That's why it's important for the OP to determine how he intends to use the truck bed before purchasing one.

As noted, there are several drawbacks to the OEM cover that are not acceptable for many people...
loss of two tiedowns, significant reduction in usable bed space when open, the need to remove the cover to utilize the full bed, complete loss of visibility when opened, a very bulky/tall profile, considerably more expensive than others.

"Haters" was intended humorously in this case.

Are you referring to the tiedowns at the top by the cab? I think (but will check) mine are still there, but even if so they're fairly obscured by the cover. However I've carried/tied down lots and lots of items and have never missed being able to use them. Maybe others would I guess.

I'm super careful about looking all around before I backup, as well as using the rearview mirror constantly as I drive, but haven't had a visibility problem. I'll check that out later today when I'm driving though, and report back on degree of obstruction. Maybe I'm subconsciously deferring to the sideview mirrors or something.

Value is in the eye of the beholder. Bought mine from my dealer for under $800, and the OP is looking at one for an undisclosed price.

 

[bluegrass]

Are you referring to the tiedowns at the top by the cab?

I'm super careful about looking all around before I backup, as well as using the rearview mirror constantly as I drive, but haven't had a visibility problem. I'll check that out later today when I'm driving though, and report back on degree of obstruction. Maybe I'm subconsciously deferring to the sideview mirrors or something.

If installed per the instructions, you lose two tie-downs.

I'm apparently wrong about the OEM cover...unlike other aftermarket tri-fold hard covers, it's not even possible to fully open the OEM version, as one-third of the bed remains blocked in the "fully opened" position. This is a truly bad design that significantly reduces the functionality of the bed.

 

[New HR Owner]

Is there any other tonneau that doesn't block fully opening the trunk? I like that if the trunk is allowed to fully open, that the lights eluminate the trunk.

 

[Pleease]

If installed per the instructions, you lose two tie-downs.

I'm apparently wrong about the OEM cover...unlike other aftermarket tri-fold hard covers, it's not even possible to fully open the OEM version, as one-third of the bed remains blocked in the "fully opened" position. This is a truly bad design that significantly reduces the functionality of the bed.
View attachment 435794
View attachment 435796

Yes, it folds like that - fine for me. I can take it off completely in about two minutes.

I've probably ratcheted/cargo netted 150 times since getting the cover, and have never once realized whether or not those two tiedowns are there. Maybe someone else would, but it has literally never come into play for me - that's my point about the tiedowns...from a person who uses the cover and hauls stuff very frequently.

For me - and realize this is just my opinion, from using the cover - I'll take that complete lack of inconvenience in exchange for having those rails installed along both sides of the bed any day, twice on Sunday. They would likely get in my way when I carry furniture, an appliance, etc., and when I get topsoil, much, etc., loaded at the landscape supply with their skidsteer, or load it myself with my own small tractor/loader, those rails would likely get hit by the bucket and/or the material, so for me the rails are a no-go.

 

[johnson-rod]

I've had my OEM cover for the last 6 years. It's never let me down and looks great. Comes off easily and goes back on quickly.

 

[bluegrass]

I can take it off completely in about two minutes.
never once realized whether or not those two tiedowns are there.
They would likely get in my way when I carry furniture, an appliance, etc., and when I get topsoil, much, etc., loaded at the landscape supply with their skidsteer, or load it myself with my own small tractor/loader, those rails would likely get hit by the bucket and/or the material, so for me the rails are a no-go.

The lower rear tie-towns are mounted so low that they are useless for securing taller items.
I've used the upper tie-towns multiple times when transporting larger/bulky furniture.

You mention carrying furniture, appliances, topsoil, ect...none of which are possible with the OEM cover in place.
All of those things can be done with a soft cover installed, while the OEM has to be removed and stored somewhere.
Importantly, you have to PRE PLAN any activity that might require use of the bed, in order to remove and store the cover at home beforehand.

 

[Pleease]

You mention carrying furniture, appliances, topsoil, ect...none of which are possible with the OEM cover in place.

I take it off; it's easy.

And I don't want a soft cover.

And I don't mind planning to that nominal extent. If the item or items don't fill the bed I could put the cover in there with them.

And if I had some other cover I'd likely knock the crap out of the aluminum rails while loading material like topsoil.

 

[bluegrass]

And I don't want a soft cover.

My point was to highlight the factual pros/cons of the OEM cover, so the OP can make the best decision based on their use case, not to discuss your personal preferences.