 
            GMC Sierra Hard Covers: Rugged, Lockable, and Stylish
Walk any jobsite parking zone or weekend trailhead and you’ll spot a trend. The GMC Sierra homeowners who seem to be they’ve figured it out in many instances have rough tonneau covers. The trucks sit squared up, bed tools is out of sight, and the tailgates lock flush. After spending years becoming covers for fleet Sierras, dialing in setups for hunters and contractors, and operating a couple of difficult covers by myself 1500, I’ve realized which designs earn their retain and which of them leave you cursing in the rain. If you’re weighing your alternatives, the following’s what without a doubt matters.
What a hard duvet modifications day to day
The first week you run a challenging tonneau canopy on a GMC Sierra, your behavior shift. Tools don’t get tossed onto the backseat anymore. Groceries stay sparkling. If you haul a compressor, you don’t problem for those who end for coffee. A locking tonneau hide turns the mattress into a climate-resistant trunk, superb in techniques the open bed certainly not turned into.
Security climbs from “out in the open” to “out of sight and bodily covered.” A important hard duvet pairs with the Sierra’s locking tailgate, so one key secures all of it. I’ve watched may‑be thieves shrug and cross alongside whilst confronted with a flush, rigid panel and no pry gap. Is it a financial institution vault? No. But the big difference among a vinyl snap conceal and a composite not easy panel with interior aluminum rails is the distinction among a call for participation and a deterrent.
Weather resistance improves, not perfection yet shut. In heavy storms, a little bit of water can wick through tailgate corners or drain channels in the event that they’re no longer managed. Expect “surprisingly water resistant” instead of “submarine.” On my closing Sierra, after a ideal installation and a $10 tailgate seal, the bed stayed dry through weeks of Pacific Northwest rain, until for just a few teaspoons at some stage in tension washes.
Finally, aerodynamics shift a bit of in your desire. You gained’t recoup the settlement of a canopy because of fuel discount rates on my own, yet many homeowners see a small bump, probably 0.five to one.five mpg at toll road speeds, depending on the canopy profile and what you’re hauling. Think of it as a facet get advantages, not the headline.
The sizable choices: one piece, folding, retractable, or hybrid
With GMC Sierra mattress duvet strategies, the structure comes to a decision your day by day knowledge extra than the model title. The 4 main designs elevate unusual alternate-offs.
One-piece tonneau conceal This is the vintage painted fiberglass tonneau or a modern-day composite shell. It lifts as a single panel on struts. When you wish magnificence and a manufacturing unit vogue finish, few designs appearance enhanced. They’re rock solid, seal smartly on the the front and aspects, and event paint while you spring for colour. Downsides teach up the minute you desire to haul a motorcycle or a stack of plywood. You’re either taking out the whole canopy, which continuously takes two humans and a nontoxic spot to set it down, otherwise you’re improvising with ratchet straps and leaving it at home. If you worth showroom appears, stiffness, and weather defense above bendy shipment height, this sort shines.
Folding tonneau quilt Tri-fold and quad-fold designs dominate this class. Panels are aluminum skinned, composite cored, or each, and so they stack in opposition t the cab while open. They strike the most effective steadiness for such a lot Sierra householders. You get a rigid, locking surface whilst closed and, while folded, two thirds or extra of the mattress open. Fully upright garage, with prop rods that store the package deal vertical, enables close complete-mattress use. I gravitate the following for paintings vans as it’s the easiest to live with while your shipment needs modification hourly.
Retractable tonneau duvet Think of a slatted aluminum or polycarbonate curtain that slides into a canister on the cab. The look is clear and the usability shall be terrifi. You can open it partway and lock it in increments, that is reachable for a ladder poking out. The price is greater, and also you sacrifice some bed size to the canister, normally eight to 12 inches at the entrance. Debris within the tracks can purpose sticky circulate whenever you overlook cleansing, but prime nice units run easily for years. If you love a low profile, need partial open positions, and will stay with the space change, retractables are compelling.
 
Hybrid folding - retractable A few more recent units combination panels with slide movement for ultra-low profiles. They’re smart however nevertheless maturing, and substitute areas won't be as common. I only suggest those after you’ve dealt with one in particular person and confirmed provider assist.
Material subjects: aluminum, composite, fiberglass, and vinyl
On a Sierra, subject matter picks are greater than advertising. They dictate sturdiness, weight, or even sound at the freeway.
Aluminum tonneau disguise panels, principally powder-lined, stand up to UV and hail, and dent resistance is good, no longer flawless. You’ll comprehend the lighter weight when elimination the quilt solo. Composite-cored aluminum panels are warmer to touch in winter and most often quieter.
Fiberglass tonneau disguise alternatives, repeatedly one piece, provide the maximum paint-suit splendor. They resist minor dings but can crack if a heavy element load hits them. They’re heavier, which you experience at some point of removing and in gasoline strut put on over time.
Vinyl tonneau conceal is known on gentle covers. They’re fee-powerful and pale, monstrous for short-term or price range builds. On a Sierra, a Sierra comfortable tonneau canopy helps to keep honest human beings fair and sheds mild rain, but it gained’t stop a box cutter. If security tops your list, a comfortable tonneau cover seriously is not the solution.
Polycarbonate slats on retractables take care of impacts smartly and continue to be dimensionally sturdy across temperature swings. Aluminum slats present higher tension and a more top class really feel. With either, the lock mechanism and canister layout make or time off-to-day delight.
Fitment quirks on the Sierra platform
GM has blessed us with numerous mattress lengths and a slew of trim phases. A GMC Sierra bed conceal needs to event extra than just 5.eight or 6.6 ft. Take word of manufacturing facility bed liners, multi-function tailgates, and accent rails.
- MultiPro tailgate: Hard covers want clearance for the folding interior tailgate. The flawed seal placement can snag, and a few older one-piece designs don’t play effectively if you drop the inner step. Ask for MultiPro-compatible brackets and seals.
- Spray-in liners: They add a skinny layer of thickness along the bed rail. Most modern day clamps account for this, however older clamp designs also can sit crooked once you don’t shim or reshape the chew.
- Stake-pocket tie downs: If you run aftermarket stake pocket anchors, some folding covers will overlap or block get entry to. Decide no matter if you prioritize correct-of-rail tie aspects or the clean cap that includes many tri-folds.
I continue a quick list on my smartphone until now ordering: mattress period, tailgate kind, liner flavor, rail accessories, and no matter if I desire house for a toolbox. That five-minute review prevents loads of returns.
What “waterproof” actual means
Shops love pronouncing water-resistant tonneau duvet, however physics has evaluations. A hard tonneau cowl seals towards the bed rails, the cab, and the tailgate. The Sierra’s tailgate has small gaps on the corners and a aid at the underside. Water can slip in there throughout the time of car washes or while wind drives rain at freeway speed.
A really good install involves foam or rubber seals, mostly a tailgate seal kit, and drain tubes on retractable designs. Properly accomplished, you're able to store bags and cardboard containers dry due to storms. I toss a plastic tote inside the again basically once I recognise I’ll be rigidity washing the truck or parking nose-up in a downpour. If you lift electronics or camera apparatus, retailer them in watertight cases, just as you would in a trunk.
Security, locks, and the “pry experiment”
Locking tonneau quilt claims fluctuate. There are two lock versions: covers that rely on the manufacturing unit tailgate lock and covers with their possess keyed cylinder. With the 1st, if the tailgate is locked, the cover can’t be lifted from the rear. The latter provides a cylinder at the panel that pins to the part rails or a middle latch mechanism.
The pry scan is simple. Can you get a pry device less than an area and bow the panel satisfactory to slide a hand in? On affordable arduous covers, the answer is sometimes convinced. Look for interlocking part seals that tuck into channels and metallic perimeter frames that don’t flex. Heavier isn’t usually greater, however stiffness in the first inch of the panel side is worthy the funds.
Daily usability: how you in truth open, near, and haul
Folding tonneau duvet owners immediately gain knowledge of the rhythm: pop the tailgate, pull dual latches, fold once, two times, perhaps three times, clip it upright opposed to the cab with prop rods, then load. Reverse it to near. The only annoyance is minor, when rain pools in panel seams and drips right through folding. A fast towel swipe solves it.
Retractable householders get pleasure from the only-hand slide. In iciness, a dab of silicone-riskless dry lube inside the tracks roll up bed covers for trucks helps to keep things smooth. If you haul gravel or mulch ordinarily, blow out the canister every few weeks. I’ll take that preservation in trade for the modern, low profile and partial open stops that preserve aluminum ladders snuggly.
One-piece owners live the gentle existence unless a tall load seems. You both deliver along a pal and eliminate the duvet totally or strap the burden with the cover propped, which I don’t put forward. If your paintings or routine automatically name for tall cargo, suppose moderately earlier than you decide to a one-piece.
Installation knowledge from doing this too many times
Most not easy covers for the Sierra install with clamps and essential rails. A brilliant keep can do it in 30 to 60 mins. DIYers need to set aside ninety minutes for a primary test, along with a verify for leaks.
I hold just a few behavior that steer clear of complications. Dry-fit the whole thing in the past tightening clamps. Close the duvet, payment alignment with the tailgate, then comfy hardware. Adjust part-to-side so the seals kiss the mattress rails calmly. Add a tailgate seal if you happen to care deeply approximately dryness. If your disguise comprises drain tubes, drill basically in which the recommendations imply, and perspective the tubes so that they don’t kink. After the first rain, crawl within the mattress with a flashlight and verify corners. A half of inch of seal repositioning solves most drips.
The glance: low profile versus sculpted presence
Style topics on a Sierra due to the fact that the truck’s sheet metal has definition and the MultiPro tailgate lines draw the attention. Low profile folding covers that take a seat just about flush supplement the physique devoid of stealing consciousness. A painted one-piece creates a raised aircraft which could align completely with the bed rails, giving a educate-truck vibe. Retractables are the stealth preference, essentially invisible from a aspect view.
I many times ask proprietors what they favor the truck to talk. For a Denali with chrome accents and a side road stance, a color-matched fiberglass tonneau makes feel, mainly if the truck hardly ever hauls tall so much. For an AT4 that hits trailheads, a matte black aluminum tri-fold seems to be perfect and shrugs off pinstripes.
Real-global longevity and winter behavior
Cold snaps disclose weak features. Gas struts on one-piece covers lose some drive in freezing climate, so they won’t grasp up as optimistically. Folding cover hinges and seals stiffen, and latch rods lessen relatively. Good brands layout for this, with latches that also engage and seals that don’t tear. If you park out of doors under snow, brush the quilt earlier than you drive. Most demanding panels continue about a hundred pounds of flippantly disbursed snow, but exhausting stops and potholes turn that load dynamic and pressure hinges.
In sizzling climates, UV beats on finishes. Powder coat survives more desirable than low cost paint. Vinyl top layers on some finances folding panels can fade or wrinkle after two or 3 summers. If your truck lives in the sun, upgrade the end or be organized for periodic protectant.
Compatibility with racks, crossbars, and mattress gear
A sticking factor for Sierra householders is regardless of whether a laborious conceal and a rack can coexist. Many folding and retractable items now integrate with T-slot rails that settle for crossbars. That means that you can carry kayaks or rooftop packing containers with the quilt closed. Watch the stated weight ratings, both static and dynamic. Static capability for most covers sits between 300 and 500 pounds, while dynamic load (transferring) is reduce. One-piece fiberglass covers repeatedly put up for sale excessive static plenty, but mounting towers by using fiberglass necessities reinforcement. I basically drill if the company approves the hardware and presents backing plates.
Toolboxes can work with really good covers that give up short on the front. The business is clear: much less lined house, extra software entry. If you’re used to a Super Duty truck mattress hide or Silverado truck mattress hide with a crossover field, you’ll discover identical answers for the Sierra, yet measure two times. Bed length plus container depth can crowd the leisure of the cargo.
Price brackets and what you really get
Hard folding covers land within the middle rate tier, aas a rule the sweet spot for importance. Retractables check more, certainly with electric powered openers and built-in remotes. One-piece fiberglass runs clone of retractables while you paint-suit, with colour paintings adding some hundred bucks.
When you movement up a tier, you deserve to consider it in hinge first-rate, seal subject matter, and latch smoothness. The discount-bin onerous covers that appearance fine on day one monitor themselves with rattles and misaligned latches via month six. On a work Sierra that sees filth roads, pay for more desirable rails and lock hardware.
If you’re hunting Tonneau Covers for sale and comparing a Chevy Silverado tonneau hide or Silverado demanding duvet with a GMC Sierra difficult alternative, note that many section numbers are shared across GM twins, furnished the bed dimensions event the express technology. Same story for a GMC Canyon bed cowl and a Chevy Colorado tonneau quilt on the midsize side, or a Colorado folding hide that mirrors a Canyon setup.
Brand go-buying and instructions borrowed from other trucks
Working in blended-brand fleets taught me this: what does well on an F-150 ordinarily does nicely on a Sierra, as a result of the use situations are the equal. A Ford F-one hundred fifty tonneau hide that impresses for safeguard and weather in trades paintings tends to have an equal SKU for GM trucks. If a Ford pickup tonneau canopy latching procedure feels clumsy whilst your arms are cold, will probably be clumsy at the Sierra cousin.
Similarly, householders transferring from a Ram truck mattress duvet or Ram 1500 tonneau canopy to a Sierra mainly be expecting a bulky canister on retractables. Newer designs slender that down. Ram retractable hide enjoy additionally highlights the magnitude of conserving the tracks clean. For Toyota folks who adored a Tacoma laborious tonneau cover or Toyota Tundra tonneau hide, the Sierra equivalents provide the related low-profile aesthetic. I’ve swapped among a Tacoma bed cover and a Sierra folding conceal inside the equal week. The Sierra rails felt stiffer, but the preservation listing examine the comparable.
This pass-buying logic isn’t restricted to complicated designs. If you’ve run a Ford F-150 smooth disguise or Dodge Ram tender quilt, the step as much as a not easy panel on a Sierra will experience like going from a zip wallet to a locked case. Still easy, nevertheless competent, however basically extra reliable.
Soft versus not easy: while a smooth cover nevertheless makes sense
Not anyone wants a challenging shell. If your Sierra spends maximum of its time hauling tall, awkward shipment and you infrequently depart gear unattended, a tender roll-up tonneau conceal is quick, easy, and ordinary to eradicate entirely. A roll-up tonneau quilt gained’t conceal the outline of expensive gear the way a inflexible panel does, and a determined thief can minimize it. But for those who desire steady roll up pickup bed covers get admission to and would like the mattress coated from rain between stops, comfortable has an area.
 
For so much householders who park at trailheads or city streets, a onerous tonneau duvet is the more desirable baseline. The blend of lockability, stiffness, and climate resistance is purely extra impressive in locking pickup bed covers day-after-day existence.
Edge circumstances that amendment the recommendation
Long-mattress campers who tow fifth-wheels ordinarily choose retractables as a result of the canister sits ahead and stays clear of the hitch while open. Snowbelt drivers who groom their trucks weekly would prefer folding covers to restrict snow loading on fuel struts. If you oftentimes carry long lumber, the ability to turn up two panels and strap the tail will be less complicated than sliding a retractable to the precise lock detent you need. If you park in tight garages, give some thought to how some distance a folded canopy protrudes over the cab while saved utterly upright.
I once labored with a photographer who carried tripods, lighting fixtures instances, and a high priced drone. For him, a retractable with an built-in lock and a bed rug turned into well suited. He would slide the quilt halfway, pop a case out, relock, and not at all difficulty about rain. On an alternative activity, a masonry team beat arduous folding covers all day with abrasive bags. They taken care of the true like a workbench. Powder-covered aluminum took the abuse. A painted one-piece may have seemed difficult internal a month.
Sizing up the rivalry and why the Sierra specifics matter
The Sierra shares a good deal DNA with the Silverado, so Silverado truck bed hide options suit intently. But Sierra homeowners typically lean towards cleanser styling and barely more upscale trims. That nudges selections towards low-profile folding sets with matte finishes or painted fiberglass lids on Denali applications. If you’re coming from an F-one hundred fifty bed conceal background, observe that GM’s bed rail contours and MultiPro tailgate geometry ask for covers explicitly designed for them. An F-one hundred fifty tough tonneau hide that clears Ford’s mattress lighting fixtures could need special brackets to transparent GMC shipment tie aspects. A Ford Ranger tonneau canopy or Ranger bed conceal comparability pretty much supports you observed simply by use situations, no longer direct have compatibility.
Ram 1500 hard cowl clients switching to Sierra in most cases leave out the RamBox cutouts. Since GM doesn’t offer the related bedside storage, your tonneau’s employer function grows. Consider including a slide-out bin or below-quilt toolbox so that you don’t prove fishing for small materials close the cab. If you checked out a Ram 2500 tonneau canopy, the heavy-duty attitude of sturdier hinges and seals transfers effectively to Sierra builds that see jobsite dust and weekly rigidity washes.
For Toyota pickup mattress quilt veterans, pretty Tacoma arduous tonneau quilt customers, the Sierra sounds like a platform that rewards spending somewhat more. The further bed space and payload imply you’ll definitely use the duvet as part of your work approach, now not only a airborne dirt and dust lid.
Buying advice that prevent from returns
Before you punch in a credits card for that GMC Sierra exhausting quilt, do three hassle-free matters. Confirm mattress length from the the front wall to the internal of the closed tailgate, no longer brochure numbers. Check for MultiPro compatibility in simple language, not just a footnote. And decide now whether you’ll upload crossbars, since that determines regardless of whether you desire T-slot rails included from the start out.
If you’re searching Tonneau Covers for sale and evaluating throughout structures like Chevy Colorado tonneau duvet, GMC Canyon mattress cowl, or Toyota Tacoma tonneau hide, stay notes on latch movements and seal designs rather than just expense. The nicer rails and clamps are why one disguise bills a section extra. The day you regulate alignment for your driveway, you’ll be joyful you paid for hardware that doesn’t strip.
Maintenance that extends life
Covers ask for little once you deliver them a little. Wash the major with moderate cleaning soap, keep harsh solvents, and hit the seals with a silicone-risk-free protectant about a occasions a yr. For retractables, blow out the canister and tune monthly in the event you force dust roads. Folding covers delight in a immediate hinge rinse after winter. Check clamp torque within the spring and after 1,000 miles of gravel; vibration loosens all the things sooner or later.
Squeaks and rattles are customarily warning signs, now not mess ups. A strip of felt at a rub point, a half-activate a unfastened clamp, or a re-seated aspect seal clears so much noises. Save the bigger fixes for if you happen to see wear, like a frayed wire on a retractable or a dishonest latch rod after a cargo shift.
Where challenging covers sit among each of the styles
Hard tonneau cowl options aren’t the basically activity in town. Tri-fold tonneau canopy items dominate the midsection flooring for a motive, mixing stiffness and speed. A retractable tonneau cowl appears to be like and acts top rate, with sparkling traces and partial-open manipulate. A comfortable tonneau quilt and roll-up tonneau cover nonetheless win on weight and can charge, and for those who strip the bed weekly, they make sense. A one-piece tonneau duvet takes the good looks prize if you happen to chase that coloration-matched, seamless appearance.
On a Sierra, the folding exhausting conceal is the workhorse. The retractable is the stylist with practicality. The one-piece is the showpiece with limits. Pick the compromise that matches your behavior, not your neighbor’s.
Final proposal from the tailgate
If your Sierra is a on daily basis driving force that hauls relatives apparatus for the duration of the week and swings by using the lumber yard on Saturdays, determine a low-profile folding arduous disguise with cast latches, MultiPro-friendly seals, and optional T-slot rails for future crossbars. Spend the added on top hardware as opposed to electric powered gimmicks, except the remote basically solves a difficulty you might have every day.
If your Sierra is a rolling portfolio, the variety of truck that arrives clear at patron websites, a painted fiberglass lid delivers a stage of conclude nothing else suits. Just be given the sacrifice once you purchase that new grill and desire bed peak for the field.
And whenever you reside via the water and desire that glossy, flush seem to be to supplement a dark metal paint, a retractable with aluminum slats and a compact canister hits the candy spot. Keep the tracks refreshing, and it is going to drift for years.
You can borrow courses from other structures, whether that’s an F-150 tough tonneau duvet you enjoyed, a Tundra truck mattress duvet that remained quiet over washboard gravel, or a Dodge Ram mattress disguise that proved itself simply by winters. All that enjoy points to the same truth on the Sierra: a neatly-chosen challenging canopy transforms the truck from open box to protect, climate-competent cargo equipment without killing the application that made you buy a pickup inside the first situation.
 
 
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Tonneau Covers
 
        Frequently Asked Questions About Tonneau Covers
What is a tonneau cover?
A tonneau cover is a hard or soft cover that fits over your truck bed to protect cargo from weather, theft, and UV damage. Unlike truck caps, tonneau covers are flush with your pickup bed and designed to fit perfectly, transforming your truck bed into a secure, trunk-like storage space.
How much do tonneau covers cost?
Tonneau cover prices range from $160 to $4,200 depending on the type and features. Soft roll-up covers start around $250-$500, hard folding covers range from $800-$1,500, and premium retractable covers can cost $2,000-$4,200. The price varies based on materials, security features, and brand quality.
Are tonneau covers easy to install?
Yes, most tonneau covers are very easy to install and require no drilling. They typically come fully assembled with clamp-on mechanisms that attach to your truck bed rails. Installation usually takes 10-30 minutes with basic hand tools and can be done by one person following the included instructions.
What's the difference between hard and soft tonneau covers?
Hard tonneau covers are made of aluminum, fiberglass, or composite materials, offering superior security, weather resistance, and durability but cost more. Soft covers are made of vinyl or cloth, are more affordable and lightweight, but provide less security and weather protection. Hard covers are better for valuable cargo, while soft covers are ideal for basic weather protection.
Do tonneau covers improve gas mileage?
Yes, tonneau covers can improve gas mileage by up to 10% by reducing aerodynamic drag. They prevent air from flowing into your truck bed, which creates turbulence and resistance. Roll-up covers provide the best fuel economy benefits due to their lighter weight and streamlined design.
Are tonneau covers waterproof?
Most tonneau covers are water-resistant rather than completely waterproof. Premium models with quality seals minimize water intrusion significantly, but some moisture may still enter during heavy rain, especially around the tailgate area. Hard covers with overlapping designs typically offer better water resistance than soft covers.
How do I measure my truck bed for a tonneau cover?
Measure from the bulkhead (against the cab) to the inside of the tailgate. Tonneau covers are sized in feet, so a 62.7-inch measurement would be a 5'3" cover. There's typically 1-2 inches of wiggle room, so round to the nearest manufacturer size. Most covers are model-specific for the best fit.
Can I use my tailgate normally with a tonneau cover?
Yes, tonneau covers allow for normal tailgate operation when both open and closed. Quality covers are designed to accommodate tailgate movement without interference. Some electronic tailgates may require slightly higher rail mounting to eliminate interference, but functionality remains intact.
Do tonneau covers work with toolboxes?
Some tonneau covers are compatible with over-the-rail toolboxes (19-21 inches), while others are not. Toolbox edition covers are specifically designed to work with most standard toolboxes. Under-the-rail and in-bed toolboxes generally don't interfere with tonneau cover installation.
What's the best tonneau cover for security?
Hard covers offer the best security, especially one-piece hinged and retractable styles with locking mechanisms. Aluminum and fiberglass covers with integrated locks provide maximum protection for valuable tools and equipment. Soft vinyl covers can be cut and offer minimal security against theft.
How do I clean and maintain my tonneau cover?
Clean tonneau covers with mild liquid soap and water. For vinyl covers, use UV protectant products periodically to prevent fading and cracking. Avoid citrus or petroleum-based products. Lubricate hinges and moving parts with manufacturer-recommended lubricants, and inspect seals regularly for wear.
Can tonneau covers handle snow and cold weather?
Yes, quality tonneau covers can endure heavy snowfall and extreme cold. UV-protected vinyl stays flexible to -40°F, and covers are tested under all weather conditions. Remove snow loads carefully and avoid forcing mechanisms when frozen. Aluminum and fiberglass covers handle weather extremes particularly well.
What's the difference between tri-fold and quad-fold covers?
Tri-fold covers have 3 panels and when fully open, take up one-third of your truck bed space. Quad-fold covers have 4 panels, are more expensive, but provide more cargo space when opened since each panel is smaller. Quad-fold covers offer better access for larger items.
Are retractable tonneau covers worth the extra cost?
Retractable tonneau covers offer maximum convenience with quick bed access but cost significantly more ($2,000-$4,200). They're worth it for frequent users who need easy cargo access. The canister takes up bed space near the cab, and manual versions require more maintenance than folding covers.
Do I need professional installation for a tonneau cover?
Professional installation isn't necessary for most tonneau covers as they're designed for DIY installation. However, professional installation ensures proper fit, prevents damage, and may be required for warranty coverage on premium models. Complex retractable covers might benefit from professional installation.