How to Remove Are Tonneau Cover: A Practical Step-by-Step Guide
Most A.R.E. tonneau covers can be removed by opening the cover, disconnecting the lift supports or wiring, releasing the mounting clamps, and lifting the cover off the truck bed with help. The exact sequence depends on whether the cover is a folding, retractable, hinged, or truck-bed-cap style model.
The goal is usually to create more bed access without damaging the cover, rails, clamps, weather seals, or painted bed surfaces. One-size-fits-all instructions are risky because A.R.E. has produced several tonneau designs, and some use quick-release clamps while others require removing hardware, disconnecting gas struts, or sliding a panel from a track.
Before starting, identify the cover style, inspect how it is attached, and gather the right tools and a second person. The steps below explain the common removal process, how to handle struts and electrical components, what to do when clamps will not release, and how to store the cover safely. You will also learn when a cover should stay installed and when the vehicle or accessory shop that fitted it should handle the removal.
Identify the A.R.E. Tonneau Cover Style First
Look at the cover before removing anything. A hinged fiberglass or composite cover usually lifts from the rear and is held by side clamps and gas struts, while a folding cover may consist of two or three sections connected by hinges.
A retractable model normally rolls into a canister near the cab and remains connected to side rails. It may not be designed for routine full removal by simply undoing a few clamps. Some retractable systems require the rails and canister to be removed together, so forcing the cover out of the tracks can bend components.
A.R.E. truck caps and larger bed enclosures are different from lightweight tonneau covers. If the accessory covers the entire bed and attaches at several points, use lifting equipment or professional assistance rather than treating it like a small hinged panel.
Check the label, paperwork, or installation manual for the model name. If the instructions differ from the general method below, the model-specific instructions take priority because mounting hardware and release points vary.
Prepare the Truck and Work Area
Park the truck on a level, stable surface with enough room to walk along both sides of the bed. Set the parking brake, place the transmission in Park, and remove loose cargo from the bed so nothing catches on the cover or rails.
Clean dirt from the areas around the clamps and rails. Sand, road grit, and dried mud can make a clamp appear stuck and can scratch the paint when hardware shifts. If the cover has been exposed to rain, allow water to drain before opening or lifting it.
Most removals are easier with a small socket set, combination wrenches, a screwdriver or trim tool, work gloves, masking tape, and a clean padded storage area. Keep a small container available for bolts, washers, clips, and pins so the hardware is not lost.
Because covers are wider and heavier than they appear, arrange a second person before releasing the final attachment. A helper should support the cover rather than pull against it. For a large hard cover, four people or a suitable lifting aid may be safer than two.
Inspect and Mark Every Connection
Open the tailgate and raise the cover according to its normal operating procedure. Do not climb on the bed sides or lean your full weight against the panel. While the cover is open, inspect both sides and the front edge for clamps, brackets, hinges, cables, latches, drain tubes, and electrical leads.
Take a few photographs before loosening hardware. Mark the approximate position of adjustable clamps with masking tape, but do not assume the marks will replace proper adjustment during reinstallation. The tape is mainly a reference for the original position.
Pay particular attention to the following connection points:
- Side-bed clamps or J-hooks beneath the bed rails
- Front hinges, pivot brackets, or retaining pins
- Gas struts attached to ball studs
- Lock rods, cables, or tailgate latches
- LED lights, remote-release wiring, or power locks
- Drain tubes connected to a retractable canister
- Bed-rail tracks that must remain aligned during removal
Do not loosen bolts merely because they are visible. Some bolts adjust the cover’s height and alignment, while others secure the cover to the vehicle. Removing the wrong hardware can cause the cover to drop or make later installation difficult.
How to Remove a Hinged A.R.E. Cover
A hinged cover is generally the most straightforward type to remove. The usual process is to open it, disconnect the lift supports, release the clamps or hinge hardware, and lift it away while keeping it level.
1. Open and support the cover
Raise the cover to its normal open position. If it uses gas struts, let the struts support it temporarily, but do not rely on them as the only protection while hardware is being removed. Hold the cover with a prop or have a helper support it from the side.
2. Disconnect the gas struts
Many gas struts attach with spring clips over ball studs. Support the cover first, then use a small flat screwdriver to lift the retaining clip slightly without removing it completely. Pull the strut socket off the ball stud and repeat on the other side.
Some designs use pins, bolts, or a different retaining clip. Remove only the retainer specified for that connection. Never puncture, bend, heat, or attempt to open a gas strut; it is pressurized and should be replaced if damaged.
After disconnection, secure the loose struts so they do not swing against the cover or truck. Avoid allowing the cover to fall backward once the supports are no longer attached.
3. Release the side clamps
Locate the clamps beneath the cover near the front and rear of each side. Depending on the installation, the clamps may have hand knobs, levers, or bolts that press against brackets under the bed rail.
Loosen each clamp evenly rather than completely removing one side first. Keep a hand on the cover while the final clamp is released, and watch for washers or spacers that may fall out.
If the clamp has a safety latch or retaining pin, disengage that feature before turning the adjustment knob. Do not force a lever against the bed rail because a misaligned clamp can be under tension.
4. Lift the cover from the truck
With all clamps released, have the helper stand at the opposite side. Lift straight upward first, then move the cover away from the truck without dragging it across the bed rails or tailgate.
Set the cover on padded supports with the exterior finish facing upward unless the manufacturer specifies another position. Keep it away from direct contact with concrete, sharp tools, and areas where people may step on it.
How to Remove a Folding Cover
Folding A.R.E. covers can be removed as one assembly or separated into panels, depending on the hinge and rail design. Fold the cover only as far as its normal operating position allows; forcing a section backward can damage hinges or the fabric underneath a soft cover.
Open the tailgate and fold the sections toward the cab. Some models use support straps or buckles that must be released before the cover can be folded fully. Once folded, inspect the front attachment points and both side rails.
Release the clamps or front brackets while a helper supports the folded assembly. If the cover is attached to rails, check whether the rails remain on the truck or come off with the cover. Remove only the hardware needed for the designed release method.
For a soft folding cover, avoid pulling on the vinyl, hook-and-loop fasteners, or sewn seams. For a hard folding cover, keep the folded panels aligned while lifting because the hinge sections can swing unexpectedly and pinch fingers.
How to Handle a Retractable Cover
A retractable cover should not be pulled out of its side tracks. The cover, rails, and canister function as a fitted assembly, and separating them incorrectly can damage the slats, bearings, latch, or weather seals.
Retract the cover fully according to its normal operating instructions. Then inspect the front canister, side rails, rear latch, drain tubes, and any electrical connections. Some installations permit the rails and canister to be removed after disconnecting a set of brackets; others require partial bed-access disassembly.
Before loosening the canister, disconnect any power supply or accessory wiring. Label the positive, ground, and control connections, and protect exposed connectors from moisture. Do not cut wiring unless the installation instructions specifically require it.
If the canister is tightly fitted against the cab or the rails are bonded with sealant, professional removal is usually the safer choice. A bent rail may prevent the cover from retracting smoothly when it is installed again.
Disconnect Wiring, Locks, and Drain Tubes Carefully
Some powered or lock-equipped covers include wiring near the front bed wall or side rails. Turn off the vehicle before disconnecting these components, and avoid pulling on the wire itself. Release the connector by its locking tab and label it before setting it aside.
If the cover has a brake-light wire, remote switch, or power lock, confirm that the connector is fully separated before lifting. A partially connected wire can be stretched or torn when the cover moves.
Retractable covers often use drain tubes that route water from the canister through holes near the front corners of the bed. Remove the tube from its fitting only if the removal instructions require it, and keep the tube open end clean. A blocked or kinked drain tube can cause water to collect after reinstallation.
Protect loose wires and tubes with tape or a temporary bag while the cover is off. Do not leave electrical terminals resting directly on wet ground or against sharp metal.
What to Do if a Clamp Will Not Release
A stuck clamp is often caused by tension, corrosion, dirt, or a bracket that has shifted. Ask a helper to support the cover, then slightly lift or reposition the cover to relieve pressure before trying the release mechanism again.
Clean exposed threads with a brush and apply a small amount of appropriate penetrating lubricant to the threaded portion, keeping lubricant away from painted surfaces, rubber seals, and friction areas. Allow it to work rather than using excessive force.
Do not hammer on the cover, pry against the fiberglass or aluminum panel, or use a long bar to overpower the clamp. If the clamp, bolt, or bracket begins to twist, stop and inspect the installation. A damaged clamp may no longer hold the cover securely when it is reinstalled.
Professional help is appropriate when hardware is seized, the cover is bonded with adhesive, the bed rail is damaged, or the cover does not have an obvious release mechanism. A shop can identify hidden fasteners without sacrificing the cover or truck finish.
Store the Cover Without Causing Damage
Storage matters because an improperly supported cover can warp, crease, or stress its hinges. Place it on a clean, level surface with broad padding at the recommended support points, not on small objects that concentrate pressure.
Keep hard covers away from direct sunlight, extreme heat, standing water, and falling objects. Store soft covers dry and loosely positioned rather than tightly folded for long periods, unless the manufacturer’s instructions specify a folding method.
Bag and label every clamp, bolt, washer, pin, and strut. Keep the installation hardware with the cover, and note which side each component came from if the parts are not symmetrical.
Before reinstalling the cover, inspect the seals for dirt or tears and check that the clamps, brackets, and strut clips are not bent. Replace damaged retention hardware instead of relying on a temporary substitute.
Safety Checks Before Driving Without the Cover
After removal, inspect the exposed bed rails and tailgate for loose brackets, sharp edges, hanging wires, or drain tubes. Remove or secure anything that could contact cargo, tires, passengers, or the road.
Confirm that no clamp remains partly attached to the cover or truck in a position where it can rattle against the bed. If the cover included a third brake light or other required equipment for the particular installation, make sure its removal does not leave an unsecured wire or an open mounting hole.
Do not carry people in the truck bed, and secure cargo that could shift into the cab or out of the bed. If the cover was part of a larger cap or enclosure, check the vehicle’s remaining mounting points before driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can one person remove an A.R.E. tonneau cover?
Most full-size hard covers should be removed with at least two people. A small soft cover may be manageable alone, but a second person prevents the panel from twisting, falling, or scratching the truck during the final lift.
Do I need to remove the gas struts first?
Disconnect gas struts before lifting off a hinged cover if they are attached to the truck and cover. Support the panel first, then release the clips or pins without damaging the pressurized strut.
Can I remove an A.R.E. retractable cover by sliding it
No, do not pull the cover out of its side tracks. Retractable systems normally require removal of the rails, brackets, and canister as an assembly or according to model-specific instructions.
What if the mounting clamps are too tight to loosen?
Relieve pressure by supporting or slightly repositioning the cover before loosening the clamp. Clean the threads and use suitable penetrating lubricant, but stop if the bracket twists or the hardware appears damaged.
Should I remove the rails with the cover?
It depends on the A.R.E. model and its mounting design. Some covers release from the rails, while others use rails as part of the cover assembly. Removing the wrong bolts can disturb alignment and weather sealing.
How do I remove an A.R.E. tonneau cover with wiring?
Disconnect the electrical connectors before the cover is lifted away. Turn off the vehicle, release connector tabs rather than pulling wires, label the connections, and protect them from moisture during storage.
When should a professional remove the cover?
Use a professional when the cover is heavy, retractable, bonded, electrically integrated, or missing clear release points. Professional removal is also wise when clamps are seized or the cover is attached to a truck cap or other large enclosure.
Conclusion: Remove It Methodically and Safely
Removing an A.R.E. tonneau cover usually involves identifying the model, supporting the panel, disconnecting struts and wiring, releasing the correct clamps, and lifting with help. The major limitation is that A.R.E. uses several attachment systems, so forcing a retractable cover, loosening adjustment hardware, or working alone can cause damage or injury.
Start by photographing the installation and checking the model instructions. If the release points are unclear or the cover is heavy, seized, or electrically connected, have the original installer or a qualified truck-accessory shop remove it and preserve the hardware for safe reinstallation.