Downey Frequently Asked Questions
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| Q |
How many support bows
come with the tonneau and can I add more? |
A |
In a short bed there are two bows,
in a long bed there are three. You may add more bows for an additional
charge, but we like to inform people that there is really no reason
for the added expense of extra bows. You may see tonneaus on the road
that have additional bows and there are two reasons for this. First,
some tonneaus use slat type bows or bows that are simply not strong
enough to support heavy snow, rain, or even wind. The aluminum, pre-arched
tubular bows we use are more than adequate.
The second reason for extra bows is that some manufacturers attach
the bows to the frame via the clamps. That is, the clamps that hold
the frame to the truck also hold the support bows. The problem with
this is the clamps need to be close to the ends of the frame to hold
down the frame securely. If the bows are attached to the clamps, they
are too close to the ends of the cover to effectively support the
cover or look pleasing to the eye. Therefore, an extra bow is needed
to fill in the gap.
Our bows are independent of the clamp and can be placed where they
are both attractive and functional. |
| Q |
Can I order direct from
you, the manufacturer? |
A |
We have a large customer base of installers
across the U.S. and parts of Canada who sell and install our tonneau
covers. Whenever possible we will refer you to these resellers. We
feel very strongly that we should support our reseller customers in
this. But more importantly, where you the consumer are concerned,
these installers are experienced in installing our covers, some of
them stock our products or have them available quickly via a nearby
distributor who has them in stock. Also, should you require it, you
will have a local contact should you have questions or concerns regarding
your cover.
The only time we will sell directly to the public is in cases where
we have no active installers in your area. |
| Q |
I have an over-the-rail
bedliner. Can I use one of your tonneaus? |
A |
Yes. The SST
is clamp down only so holes will need to be placed in the liner to
accommodate the clamps. But it can be done. |
| Q |
I have a friend who
has a real tough time putting his cover on in the winter. Do your
covers shrink in the winter? |
A |
You will find that most tonneau fabric
now currently in use in the industry is very stable and have very
little shrinkage. However, you will find that they do become stiffer
in the cold and become more pliable in heat. This does make it easier
to use in the summer and a little more difficult in the winter.
Fortunately there are a few design features in the SST
that make winter use a little easier. Because the SST
snaps can snap anywhere along the channel's length (the channel runs
around the entire frame), you don't have to tug and pull to fit a
male and female piece together.
The second feature is the ability to fully remove the cover from the
frame. Some other models have the cover permanently attached to the
front of the frame which means you can roll it up but you can't take
it off. How is this important in this case? You can take off an SST
cover and bring in to the house or warm garage which will help to
relax the fabric and make it easier to snap back on the frame when
you take it off in cold weather. |
| Q |
Why are the frames and
bows anodized instead of painted? |
A |
Painted frames look as good as anodized
at first, and may even be a little less expensive. However, over time,
anodizing proves a more durable finish. Whereas paint lays on the
surface of the metal, the anodizing is actually electrochemically
bonded to the metal making it far more difficult to scratch and resistant
to chipping.
For those who may be wondering, the reason for the black anodizing
on the SST is simply cosmetic. When the
cover is off the truck, the sleek matte black frame tends to become
visually part of the truck so it does not give the impression that
something is missing. |
| Q |
I have heard a tonneau
cover can save on gas mileage. Is this true? How much can I save? |
A |
Yes it's true. Tests by pick up manufacturer's
have shown that a tonneau cover will save on gas mileage. Windtunnel
tests have shown that a tonneau can save up to 15% of your gas dollar.
However, because we don't drive in windtunnels under test conditions,
we like to say you can expect at least a 10% savings. Your tonneau
will pay for itself in no time! |
| Q |
Plastic snaps?!?! Will
they really hold up? |
A |
Yes!! The material used to make the
snaps is most commonly found in engine parts, and was chosen for its
durability and stability. We back the snaps with a lifetime warranty
and we are delighted to say that in the five years the SST
has been on the market, we have never had to replace a snap because
of material defect! |
| Q |
I have a toolbox installed
in my truck, do you have tonneau I can use with this? |
A |
Yes. Our SST
tonneau can made to work with a toolbox. We will shorten the length
of the cover so that it runs from the tool box back to the tailgate.
There is a small additional charge for this modification.
|
| Q |
What can I use to clean
my tonneau and keep it looking good? |
A |
Mild soap and water or
303™ Protectant only!!!
This cannot be stressed enough. ABC Industries, the manufacturer of
our tonneau fabric, has tested the cleaners and protectants available
and have found that only 303 can be safely used on the vinyl.
The majority of cleaners and protectants contain either silicon or
petroleum distillates which breakdown important chemicals in the vinyl.
For more information on this process go to our 303™
Protectant page. |
