Two Factors To Consider When Choosing A Truck Cap

When it comes to choosing a truck cap, the color or how many windows it has aren't the only important factors. The hardware and seal style of the cap is especially important because they have a lot to do with how long the cap lasts and how well it performs. Make sure you are taking these two factors into consideration.

Hardware

In order to get the most use out of your truck cap, it needs to be durable. The durability of the cap has a lot to do with hardware. First, how is the hardware installed? Has it been riveted or screwed into the fiberglass or has it been laminated into the fiberglass. In terms of longevity, a cap that has its hardware laminated is going to be the better option. Laminated hardware is basically built into the cap, and only the part that you are connecting will be visible.

The fact that less of the hardware is exposed when it's designed this way can make it a better option. To the owner, this means there is a decreased risk of the hardware loosening as your cap gets tapped or knocked with regular wear and tear. For metal hardware, this also decreases the risk of rust since it's not exposed to the elements. Each of these factors can keep your cap more secure.

Seals

If you don't pay attention to the seal style of the truck cap, you will likely be left with an option that is quite noisy. Constant rattling and squeaking types of noises is often indicative of a cap with poor sealing. To avoid this, pay attention to the sealing method used at the base of the cap. Bottom seals can come with a single foam tape seal, double-bulb seal or a double layer of a two-bolt seal.

The two-bolt seal is the better option. With regular wear and tear, foam tape seals and double-bulb seals can start to slightly loosen over time. Once this happens, your cap will start to bang into the bed of your truck each time you hit even a slight bump in the road. This noise isn't just annoying, but it can also damage the paint on the bed. The two-bolt seal doesn't come with the risk of loosening, meaning it stays in place, doesn't cause noise and leaves your paint intact.  

Make sure you are choosing your truck cap wisely to get the most use out of it and to ensure the bed of your truck is protected.

For more about truck caps, contact a company such as J & C Campers.

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