LEER HF350M - My Tonneau Journey

SN13

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First, I'm posting this because I spent the last Month researching Tonneau Covers... and, if you're like me (Hopefully not), you obsess over the details.

Short list of things I've learned or discovered in my journey.
(If I've made a mistake in the following list or product comparison, please advise me so I can correct it.)

1. NO Folding Tonneau is 100% LEAK-PROOF.
2. There are Rail and NO-Rail Folding Tonneaus.
3. NO-RAIL Tonneaus attach via clamps to your bed.
4. RAIL Tonneaus attach to the Rail that attaches to your bed.
5. MOST Tonneau Rails Require "Drain Tubes" as the rails act as a water Guide.
6. If you want the 95% bed access Tri-fold with final Vertical Foldup, you MUST install a Rail.
7. Not every Vertical panel final stage is rated for DRIVING while in that position.
8. Not Every Tri-Fold Tonneau allows the operation of the Tailgate with the Tonneau Closed.
8. Every Hard-Top Tri-fold Tonneau is going to cost upwards of $900-$1000. There aren't any real options under that general price range.



When I began, I originally set my sights on the BAK MX4.

Low Profile, High Quality, Good Reviews, Popular, Hard Trifold with Final Vertical Stage.

Read reviews, watched installation videos, read about leaks here or there, etc etc etc.

Pros:
  • Low Profile
  • Can Drive with vertical fold.
  • Can Operate Tailgate while tonneau is Closed.
Cons:
  • Screws (That hold the arms) into rail drainage system, cause leaks.
  • Wire Opening System is vulnerable.
  • Need to drain the rails out of the bed or under the drop in bedliner.

Next I found the Xtang Xceed.


Pros:
  • Low Profile
  • Seamless Finish
  • Can Operate Tailgate while tonneau is Closed.
  • Non-Wire Opening method.
Cons:
  • Vinyl Top covering Panels. Worried about long term effects of Florida Sun.
  • Need to drain the rails out of the bed or under the drop in bedliner.


Why the LEER HF350?

Pros:
  • Can Drive with vertical fold.
  • Can Operate Tailgate while tonneau is Closed.
  • Non-Wire opening Method
  • No Rail-Drain system tubes needed.
  • Rails are thinner than MX4/Xceed.
  • Installation seems Easier.
  • Sits above the bed slightly (Maybe more vertical room?)
Cons:
  • Sits above the bed slightly.

I've just ordered it directly from LEER. 9/23/2019.

Item Number: 631303
$859 Shipped (Two Coupons appear to be available, each $100 off.... One was "GAMEDAY100" the other "SUMMERSAVINGS100". Only one can be used.)

I will update upon arrival and again upon installation.


Today begins my Tonneau Journey.
Sponsored

 
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SN13

SN13

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OK. Here we go.

Opened the box at 6:50PM.
20190927_185019.jpg


Let's see what's inside.

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In the center is a box of parts:
20190927_185429.jpg


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Oh Black Butyl? Nice.
20190927_185441.jpg


Let's check out the installation instructions. (You can look but no where does it describe the bulkhead or butyl tape. More on that later.)

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OK. Let's get to installation.

Took a photo of my tailgate to see exactly where it stopped compared to the rail.
20190927_191130.jpg

Mount both rails forward on the bulkhead aligned like so:
20190927_194739.jpg


This will leave the rear portion of the rail here:

20190927_194802.jpg

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Clamps insert into the chanel you see above.

Also, there are a few sections of the above chanel cutout (2) on each side to facilitate the clamp locations.
20190927_193340.jpg


You can see the cutout just above this clamp. This is the most forward towards the bulkhead.

20190927_193357.jpg


I found the easiest way to attach the clamps was as follows:
1. Slide into position.
2. Tighten the knob until the rear piece came into contact with the underside of the top piece of the bed rail.
3. Tighten the allen key bolt.
4. Then tighten the knob tight.

Here are the locations I used based on the cutouts vs. The plastic protrusions under the rail.

20190927_194808.jpg


Then I aligned the cover on the rails and placed the end right down that line.
20190927_204421.jpg



So, now the seals for the bulkhead. They dont mention them. But they are in the package. I could have saved myself some time if I had known ahead. Basically align the seal to the bulkhead front wall (near the cab) and let the excess overhang into the bed side.

I had to add the seals with the rails in place. (Thanks instructions).

Because I was too lazy to start over...

20190927_204306.jpg


No mention of the butyl tape but I am anticipating placing it in this corner where the flap and bulkhead seal come together with the siderails. Waiting for a weathercheck first.

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Also, i needed NO tools other than what was provided.

Took a total of 2hrs including having to turn my bed light on many times, screw with the bulkhead seals and spend probably 20m on a 5m operation instead of taking off the rails.

All in all a simple installation.

Better photos when the sun is up.

20190927_204233.jpg


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rangerdrive

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Interested to see the results.
 
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SN13

SN13

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Received Shipping Notification on 9/24 around 5pm eastern.

No tracking info yet.
 
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SN13

SN13

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Received Shipping Notification on 9/24 around 5pm eastern.

No tracking info yet.
Well, never got tracking information, but this showed up via UPS today (9/27)

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DIYAndy

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HF350M LEER quality puts the others to shame.;)
Too bad they don't have yet the folding Tonneau for the 6' Ranger bed. I was able to pre-order it, but I am still on the waiting list.:frown:
 
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SN13

SN13

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HF350M LEER quality puts the others to shame.;)
Too bad they don't have yet the folding Tonneau for the 6' Ranger bed. I was able to pre-order it, but I am still on the waiting list.:frown:
Well, I'm going to let you know what I think here over the weekend.
 

DIYAndy

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I've been doing a lot of reasearch.
Quality wins out every time.;)
BTW … LEER website has a very simple installation video.;)
Also, give feedback on your installation.;)
 

SemperVee

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Hope your install goes quicker than mine did installing the Gator EFX Tri Fold @ $599. All is well thus far. Has been raining all week with no real condensation or leaks underneath. I did not install the water lines. Paid a few $$$ hundred less but very happy thus far with the rail install system so far.
 
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SN13

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I put the Leer in the truck, but I'm worried that it doesn't cover the entire bed...:giggle:

20190927_151106.jpg
 

DIYAndy

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I put the Leer in the truck, but I'm worried that it doesn't cover the entire bed...:giggle:
What? If you have the ~5 foot or 4' 10" or 58" truck bed it will work.;) Since LEER is only making the ~5 foot Tonneau and NOT for the 6 foot bed "yet" you should be OK.;) On your LEER box shows 4' 10";)
 
 



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