Knowledge Base
We’re proud to be Australia’s leading manufacturer of tonneau covers. If you have a question and we haven’t answered it below, please feel free to get in touch with us and we’ll be only too happy to help.
- DELIVERY FAQ'S
- TONNEAU COVER FAQ'S
- WARRANTY FAQ'S
- ARTICLES
What are your delivery charges?
TUFF TONNEAUS SHIPPING INFORMATION
| Soft Tonneau Covers: | Free Delivery |
| Dropside Tray Tonneau Covers: |
Free Delivery |
| Tuff Canopies: |
Free Delivery |
| Tuff Ute Mats: | Free Delivery |
| Taligate Mats: | Free Delivery |
| Spare Parts & Accessories: | From $17 |
How will my item be sent?
All our products are sent via courier and can be delivered to your work or home address.
Do I have to pay extra to have my item insured in transit?
No. All our products are covered in transit against loss or damage.
How long after I order my product will it be dispatched?
| PRODUCT | STANDARD LEAD TIME (Business Days) |
|---|---|
| TONNEAU COVERS | 1 DAY |
| TRAY TONNEAU COVERS | 2 DAYS |
| TRAILER COVERS | 2 DAYS |
| TUFF CANOPIES | 4 DAYS |
| UTE AND VAN MATS | 1 DAY |
| ACCESSORIES | 1 DAY |
After my product is dispatched, how long will it take to arrive?
| State | Location | ETA |
|---|---|---|
| VIC | Melbourne Metro | 1-3 Days |
| VIC Regional | 2-4 Days | |
| NSW/ ACT | Sydney Metro | 1-3 Days |
| Canberra Metro | 1-3 Days | |
| NSW Regional | 2-5 Days | |
| SA | Adelaide Metro | 1-3 Days |
| SA Regional | 3-5 Days | |
| QLD | Brisbane Metro | 2-4 Days |
| South East QLD | 2-5 Days | |
| Central QLD | 5-10 Days | |
| Far North QLD | 5-10 Days | |
| TAS | Tasmania | 3-8 Days |
| WA | Perth Metro | 6-8 Days |
| WA Regional | 6-10 Days | |
| NT | Darwin Metro | 5-10 Days |
| Alice Springs | 5-10 Days | |
| NT Regional | 5-10 Days |
Will Tuff Tonneaus shut down over Christmas/New Years?
Yes we will be closing for the year on Friday 20th December at 1pm and reopening on Monday the 6th January. All Orders placed after COB on the 18th December will be processed after 6th January 2025. Thank you for your support & Happy Holidays!
How do i know if my item is in stock?
All tonneau covers are made to order within 24 hours* and in most cases dispatched the very same day the order is placed!
*orders placed over the weekend will be made and dispatched on Monday.
Are they easy to install?
You bet! If your Tuff Tonneau is purchased as a replacement, you’ll have it installed in minutes. If your Ute has no fittings on it, most Tuff Tonneaus come with a complete fitting kit, including support bars and easy to use instructions. You should be able to fit your new Tuff Tonneau cover to your Ute within an hour. With our No Drill Tonneau covers taking only 15 minutes to install!
Is it easy to remove the Tuff Tonneau cover if I have to?
It’s very easy. With the TonnolockTM anti-theft system, all you need to do is unlock the padlock that secures the Tuff Tonneau to your Ute to remove it within seconds.
Are Tuff Tonneaus compatible with Ute liners?
In most cases they are. Tuff Tonneaus Bunji covers are compatible with both over-rail and under-rail Ute liners. However slight modifications may need to be made to the front section of the Ute liner so that the aluminium sail track can be attached directly to the vehicle. Our Clip-On covers however are only compatible with under-rail Ute liners.
Are Tuff Tonneaus durable?
Absolutely. Tuff Tonneaus are extremely durable. We use a vinyl that has a polyester weave backing which gives it very high tear resistance and tensile strength. Our tonneau covers are also weatherproof, abrasion and rot resistant. In fact, they are so durable, they come with a five-year no fuss warranty.
What is the best thing to clean my Tuff Tonneau cover with?
The best cleaning agent for a Tuff Tonneau is 303 Protectant. Not only does it renew, beautify and preserve your investment, it’s non-greasy, so it will not attract dust like other cleaning agents. 303 Protectant is available from all good auto stores or from our online spare parts shop.
What is the difference between a Clip On & Clip On 2.0
The main difference between our Clip On and our Clip On 2.0 tonneau covers:
Clip On:
- Requires drilling aluminium rails to the inside of the tub.
- Can be installed in around 1 hour.
- Includes a 'Tonnolock' TM anti-theft system, which secures the tonneau cover to the ute body so it cannot be stolen.
Clip On 2.0:
- 100% No drilling, inside or out of the tub.
- Can be installed in less than 15 minutes. Watch our 2.0 Install Video HERE
- Adjustable fitment clamps mean anyone can fit this cover, and if they make a mistake simply adjust the clamp for a better fit.
- One piece Support Bar precision cut to suit your vehicle.
- No Tools required, we supply a handy 6-in-1 multi tool that is all you need to fit our cover to your vehicle.
- Every Clip On 2.0 comes with a free bottle of 303 Aerospace protectant to keep your tonneau looking great.
Both Clip On Tonneau Covers come with a 5 year warranty, fully weather proof lining on the top of the tonneau cover, rot-proof bonded thread, a rip resistant material, maximum U.V protection, hauling flexibility with our over-size load carrying system and a full fitting kit that includes everything you need to install your cover.
What is the difference between a Clip On & Clip On 2.0
It’s very easy. With the TonnolockTM anti-theft system, all you need to do is unlock the padlock that secures the Tuff Tonneau to your Ute to remove it within seconds.
Are they easy to install?
It’s very easy. With the TonnolockTM anti-theft system, all you need to do is unlock the padlock that secures the Tuff Tonneau to your Ute to remove it within seconds.
Are Tuff Tonneaus compatible with Ute liners?
It’s very easy. With the TonnolockTM anti-theft system, all you need to do is unlock the padlock that secures the Tuff Tonneau to your Ute to remove it within seconds.
Are Tuff Tonneaus durable?
It’s very easy. With the TonnolockTM anti-theft system, all you need to do is unlock the padlock that secures the Tuff Tonneau to your Ute to remove it within seconds.
What is the best thing to clean my Tuff Tonneau cover with?
It’s very easy. With the TonnolockTM anti-theft system, all you need to do is unlock the padlock that secures the Tuff Tonneau to your Ute to remove it within seconds.
Is it easy to remove the Tuff Tonneau cover if I have to?
It’s very easy. With the TonnolockTM anti-theft system, all you need to do is unlock the padlock that secures the Tuff Tonneau to your Ute to remove it within seconds.
If my item has a fault and is within its warranty, do I have to pay return delivery?
Tuff Tonneaus provides completely free return delivery for all Australian orders. You can also return all orders (including online orders) directly to Tuff Tonneaus Headquarters. Please see our Returns Guide for more.
How long is the warranty on a soft tonneau cover?
5 Years against manufacturing and material faults under normal use. Any alterations made to our covers will void this warranty.
How long is the warranty on a Tuff Canopy?
3 Years against manufacturing and material faults under normal use for both the canvas cover and frame. Any alterations made to our covers will void this warranty.
Front & Rear Windows are warranted for a period of 6 months from date of purchase.
How long is the warranty on a trailer cover?
5 Years against manufacturing and material faults under normal use. Any alterations made to our covers will void this warranty.
How long is the warranty on a rubber mat?
3 Years against manufacturing and material faults under normal use.
Celebrating 90 Years Of The Ute
Celebrating 90 Years Of The Ute
In 1933 an Australian farmer’s wife wrote a letter to Ford asking them for a vehicle “to go to church in on a Sunday” that could also “carry our pigs to market on Mondays.” Ford listened and responded accordingly. A year later they released the “coupe utility vehicle” that we all know today as the Ute. It has been just over 90 years since that date and this forerunner of the F-series American pickup is still going today. Let’s have a look at a bit of the history behind this famous vehicle and its legacy.
Born on the Farm.
Australia is well known for its agricultural community. Whether its sheep, cattle, pigs or crops, 61% of the land is used for farming or gazing. Because of that a lot of life is centred on the farm, farmers needed tools, supplies and vehicles that to help on the farm.
Like many ideas, the design of the Ute came from a need, just like the original Ford Model T. In 1933, Hubert French, Ford’s managing director at the time, received a request from a farmer’s wife in Victoria. The letter said, “Dear Sir, my husband and I can’t afford a car and a truck, but we need a car to go to church on Sundays and a truck to take the pigs to market on Mondays. Can you help us?” She had a need for both passenger room and cargo room in the same vehicle. After French got the request, he passed it on to the company’s designer, 23 year old Lewis Bandt who then designed the vehicle that we have all come to know and love. Unfortunately however Bandt subsequently died in an accident whilst driving the utility vehicle that he had designed.
The Ute Design.
Bandt’s design combined the features of both a car and truck in such a way that it would maximise the good qualities of each. His new design cleaned up the overall profile of the vehicle and increased the area of the trick bed. His renderings were first drawn on a blackboard that was 10 meters long. His design would allow for a 545 kilogram payload, which was quite impressive for a ‘truck’ that was supposed to look like a car. Ford built and tested two prototypes before the vehicle was finally put into production. Even Henry Ford was impressed with the result. The first Ute model had a V8 engine and a three-speed manual transmission. Bandt’s surprising solution had a four-door cab, like other Model 40s, but the truck space was replaced by a wooden truck bed that was surrounded by a smooth panelled exterior. It caught on like wild fire and was very quickly declared a ‘must have’ vehicle for farming families. Over 22,000 were sold in the decade and a half that followed and since then, it has turned into a great Australian tradition. So, here’s to 90 plus years of Utes, Australia’s favourite utility vehicle.
Advantages of Using Tonneau Covers
Advantages of Using Tonneau Covers
There are a number of different benefits to be gained by fitting a tonneau cover to your Ute. Tonneau covers can add value to your Ute by helping to improve the overall fuel economy, increasing the security of your Ute bed, protecting cargo from inclement weather and more importantly making your Ute look good. The specific benefits of these attributes are as follows:
Improvement in Fuel Economy.
Did you ever imagine that a great looking automotive accessory would be able to actually save you money? Well you might be surprised to hear that tonneau covers can! They provide a significant advantage for any Ute owner as these covers reduce the amount of air drag that your vehicle experiences, which in turn helps to improve your overall fuel economy. In fact, recent studies have shown that installing a tonneau cover to the back of your Ute will decrease the drag by as much as 10 percent. Over the life of your tonneau cover this adds up to significant fuel savings.
Weather Protection.
There’s a good chance that you have been driving home from the shops one day when half way home it starts raining. Any bags or boxes that are in your Ute bed will quickly soak up the rain and ruin your cargo. However when you use a tonneau cover, you will never have to worry about this problem again as these specially designed, weatherproof covers, help to protect your cargo from the elements.
Tonneau covers help to keep anything in your Ute bed safe and dry, no matter what type of inclement weather comes your way. Another significant benefit is the fact that you no longer have to worry about using bunji loops, especially during the colder weather, since there are now Loopless or clip on tonneau covers available, for ease of use.
Security of the Ute Bed.
If you leave anything in the back of your Ute, no matter whether you are going to the local hardware store or enjoying a night out on the town, it is essentially an open invitation for someone to help themselves to your belongings. If you use your Ute often, chances are that you have a number of valuable items in the back, such as tools or other expensive equipment. Leaving these items on open display can create a huge security risk for you. However when you use a tonneau cover, all of your valuable cargo can be secured and hidden from view, out of sight of prying eyes. Even though the tonneau cover will not provide you with 100 percent security, they can help to discourage theft. There are however a number of options available for locking tonneau covers, which may be more appealing for those with who wish to store valuable items in the back of their Ute.
Great Looking and Easy to Install.
Over the past few years, the tonneau cover has changed dramatically. There are now more options than ever to provide a customised look for your Ute bed, while staying within your budget. Some of the newer tonneau covers that are considered “low profile” help to give your Ute a sleek and streamlined appearance and when you combine this with its simple installation, you have a winning combination.
With the numerous advantages in the engineering technology for Ute bed tonneau covers, there are a number of types available that are able to be installed in less than an hour. These customised tonneau covers allow you to cover any junk that may be present in the back of your Ute, which is a significant benefit when you consider appearances.
With the benefits mentioned you can clearly see why there are so many Ute owners that make the decision to purchase a tonneau cover for their vehicle. The initial cost of the tonneau cover will be forgotten once it has installed for a couple of months and the additional security, improvement in fuel efficiency, and other benefits will make this cover a welcome addition for your Ute.
Outback Adventures - Which product is right for you?
Outback Adventures - Which product is right for you?
There is nothing quite like camping in the bush. The Australian bush is one of the most scenic and picturesque places on earth, but it doesn’t come without its share of challenges. When camping in the Australian bush there are many things to consider. Food and water are important considerations, but so is the weather, the wildlife and the need for shelter. Possibly the most important thing to consider when camping is the vehicle type, and what better option could you choose to take on an outback adventure than a Ute!
Ute Preparation
A Ute is just what the outdoor enthusiast needs to take on a trip, but the Ute needs to be thoroughly and properly equipped before you start. Your Ute should have all of the hardware required to survive the harsh Australian bush conditions. That said Tuff Tonneaus products are designed to help keep your gear safe and dry, and they come at a very affordable price. Our products can be installed on most utility vehicles, and it must be said that some of them are in fact essential to a successful camping trip. Tuff Tonneaus offers rubber mats, Ute liners, soft tonneau covers and hard tonneau covers, along with a variety of smaller parts and accessories such as; hooks, rope, bungees, etc.
Hard Tonneaus
Hard tonneau covers are great for camping deep in the bush. Whether it is one that is made of aircraft grade aluminium or fiberglass, they are quite capable of keeping your goods in and both people and animals out. Hard tonneau covers are great for people who like to hike as they can leave their vehicle tub secured, safe in the knowledge that their goods will still be there when they get back. Hard tonneau covers are structurally sound and could easily provide a nice flat surface on which to pitch a tent. The tent is then kept off the muddy ground and away from wildlife and the potential risk of flash flooding. With hooks and loops, it’s quite easy to set-up, which is why hard tonneau covers are a great solution when camping with a Ute.
Soft Tonneaus
Soft tonneau covers have a similar appeal to hard tonneau covers, although they offer slightly less protection they are more versatile with their stow and go design. Soft tonneau covers are an economical solution to your needs, whilst still providing strong protection from the elements. Soft tonneau covers are also useful when camping, because when you’ve got a full load of gear they are more flexible and can handle bulky items that might not fit underneath a hard tonneau cover. Although they aren’t as heavy-duty as a hard tonneau cover, many still have security measures in place to keep your goods safe. Depending on the Ute, a soft tonneau cover may be exactly what you need for a successful camping trip.
Mats and Liners.
Everyone knows that rigorous camping involves a lot of packing and unpacking. During these transitions, it is quite easy to damage the paint or even the structure of a Ute. It is therefore imperative to have safe guards in place such as a rubber mat or bed liner to protect the Ute from damage. A rubber mat should fit the surface seamlessly, to ensure maximum protection. Rubber mats and Ute liners are useful every day, but are especially advantageous when camping in the bush.
Adventures in the bush can be a great way to experience nature, so go on holiday and take time out to bond with your family. Nothing exemplifies fun in Australia like a Ute does.
If you are interested please check out our extensive range of Ute products and feel free to contact our customer service team with any questions that you may have.
Tonneau Covers and Liners Save the Day
Tonneau Covers and Liners Save the Day
Everyone wants to take good care of their Ute. Whether you’re a hardworking tradesman or an intrepid traveller, you want your Ute to run better, longer and more efficiently. Ute liners, rubber mats and tonneau covers are a great way to do just that.
So how do you choose the products that are right for you? Are you the type of person who needs the flexibility to regularly carry bulky goods or do you need absolute protection for more delicate items? With all the different kinds of Ute liners and tonneau covers, it can be tricky to decide which product is right for your needs. Listing the qualities for each proposed solution is good way to decide which one is needed.
Tuff Tonneaus sells products in three key categories of accessories for Utes: Soft tonneau covers, Hard tonneau covers and Ute liners / Rubber mats.
Soft Tonneaus
Soft tonneau covers are great for people that use their Utes for a variety of purposes. Because they are soft, they can be used and then rolled up and stored out of the way, thus allowing room for cargo that is too tall for a hard cover.
Good quality soft tonneau covers should offer the following attributes:
- Warranty period of at least 3 years.
- Water proof material.
- Rot proof material and thread.
- Rip resistant material.
- Shrink resistant material.
- Security.
- UV protection.
- Easy to install.
- Easy to operate.
Some soft tonneau covers even look like the hard lid tonneaus, which is great if you like that look but want the lower price and functionality of a soft tonneau cover. Our soft tonneau covers come with a unique and distinctive feature called a ‘TonnolockTM’, which ensures that the tonneau cover cannot be stolen from your Ute. They are the most economical solution for protection from the weather for your Ute and make it look good at the same time.
Hard Tonneau Covers.
Hard tonneau covers are useful to people who will be using their Ute for regular secure storage. Hard tonneau covers look highly attractive and are more robust and durable than soft tonneau covers. Most hard tonneau covers can withstand the weight of several people and are good at withstanding extremely cold or hot temperatures. Although you can’t take it off, pack it up, and stick it in the back of your Ute as easily as you can for a soft tonneau cover, you can usually remove them from the vehicle and store them in your garage.
Good quality hard tonneau covers should offer the following attributes:
- Warranty period of at least 12 months.
- Quality construction.
- Fully water and dust proof seals.
- Rust proof materials.
- Quality paint finish.
- Security.
- Easy to install.
- Easy to operate.
Rubber Mats and Ute Liners.
Ute Liners and Rubber Mats protect your vehicle and help to keep it in pristine condition during the rigours of daily use. The best mats are custom cut to fit your Ute and they should be warp and crack resistant.
Good quality Rubber Mats and Ute Liners should offer the following attributes:
- Warranty period of at least 12 months.
- A tight / snug custom fit.
- UV protection.
- Rip resistant material.
- Slip proof finish.
So, no matter what kind of lifestyle you choose, you should always fit high quality, customised products to your vehicle. Finding the right solution can save you a lot of time, money and heartache in the long run.
The Various Types of Tonneau Covers
The Various Types of Tonneau Covers
Choosing the right tonneau cover for your Ute will take some research on your part, however a lot of information is now available on line. In summary there are two general types i.e. hard tonneau covers and soft tonneau covers. The majority of hard tonneau covers offer a clamp on method of installation, which eliminates the need to use a drill and makes home installation easy. Some of the newer options and styles for soft tonneau covers also will not require any tools for installation. The options features offered by both soft and hard tonneau covers are as follows:
Soft Tonneau Covers.
This type of cover is typically less expensive than the hard tonneau cover option. They typically consist of a vinyl cover over an aluminium frame. The basic styles include bunji loop, continuous rope and clip on covers. These soft covers offer convenience and affordability.
Bunji and Clip-on Covers.
Bunji loop or clip on covers are the least expensive option when it comes to tonneau covers, they are soft and versatile, while still providing excellent all round weather protection. The bunji loop covers have bunji cords attached that hook over buttons attached to the outside of your tub. The clip on covers provide you with a low profile, seamless finish for your ute as no buttons are needed, instead the cover clips on to an aluminium rail attached to the top of your tub. So if you need a simple and affordable tonneau cover that makes your ute look great, these are most likely the best options for you.
Hard Tonneau Covers.
These are rigid covers and are usually made out of Fiberglass, Aluminium or ABS plastic. The various types of hard tonneau covers are include:
Hinging Hard Covers.
These covers are typically made from Fiberglass or ABS plastic and they usually come with either one or two keyed locks, however the later models now come with central locking. They have hinges at the cabin end of the cover in order to provide easy operation of the cover and access to your tub. Designed for quick removal, it makes carrying oversize loads a breeze.
Folding Covers.
This option of hard tonneau cover is another popular option. It offers a strong and secure cover with the benefits of durability and security that far surpass the soft tonneau cover options. Folding covers are available in either a tri-fold or multi-panel fold designs and are able to be installed without the need for any tools.
Overall, tonneau covers, both soft and hard, provide your vehicle with superior protection from any type of weather. Many of the covers available come with seals that help keep water away from your cargo. The covers are designed not to rust or freeze and they hold up extremely well during the summer and winter months. If you are looking for an accessory that will improve the look of your vehicle, while providing it with superior protection and security, the hard or soft tonneau covers described may be the ideal option for you.
Tips for Selecting the Right Tonneau Cover for Your Ute
Tips for Selecting the Right Tonneau Cover for Your Ute
With the huge number of tonneau covers available on the market today, the choice can be overwhelming. However, there is no need to fret, with the following information will help you to make a choice.
No matter what style of tonneau cover you purchase or who the manufacturer is, most tonneau covers will offer protection for your cargo from the weather, along with significant savings on your fuel bill. However, prior to making a purchase, there are a number of other important factors to consider to ensure that you select the right tonneau cover for your Ute, such as security, ease of operation and looks.
The Looks of the Tonneau Cover
If you are basing your decision solely on looks, then a colour-matched, custom-moulded, hard-top tonneau cover will provide a much more appealing and cleaner look than a majority of other more common soft tonneau covers on sale. If you are working to build your show Ute and never use it for carrying large loads, then the hard-top tonneau cover will be an ideal choice.
However, you should not disregard the benefits offered by a soft tonneau cover. In the past few years, the looks of these covers has come a long way. No longer do you have to worry about covers that give the appearance of a flattened, old-fashioned covered wagon. The soft top tonneau covers available today are modern looking and sleek in appearance. Many soft tonneau covers now come with a number of unique features such as clip on, no drill attachment, fade and shrink resistant materials with integrated support bars.
Security and Versatility.
The next thing to consider is how you intend to use your Ute, as this will help you to determine if the soft top tonneau cover or hard top tonneau cover is right for you.
If security is important to you then the hard top tonneau cover is hard to beat. There are several options for hard covers such as; fiberglass lids, roll top lids, aluminium canister type lids, aluminium framed lids etc, any of which is a good choice in terms of cargo security and protection. Each type is manufactured from strong components, and features a number of integrated locking points that help to keep your cargo safe and secure.
Even though hard top tonneau covers provide you with added security and a sharper, sleeker look, they can be difficult to remove if you haul larger oversized loads on a regular basis. There are however some hard lids that can cope with oversized loads, such as the roll top hard top tonneau cover, which actually rolls up into a canister, much like a traditional roll top desk.
If you are seeking superior cargo versatility, then you should consider the benefits of a soft tonneau cover, as they can be rolled up easily to allow you quick access to your cargo. For additional protection and security for your Ute, you should use the tailgate lock, when fitted, which prevents anyone from opening the tailgate irrespective of which type of tonneau cover you install.
Operation of the Tonneau Cover.
The final consideration is how easy the cover you choose is to install or remove, and even more importantly, how easy it is to use the cover. Today, almost all types of tonneau covers utilise a similar type of tonneau cover specific attachment hardware for installing the cover. The fact is that covers now are now easy to install, meaning the process can usually be completed by one person in less than half of an hour, often without having to use a drill.
You may wonder about the different type of sealing and opening options that are available, and which one is the right one for your Ute. The basic types that you will come across include: hinged lids, roll top lids, fold up lids or retractable lids. There are also a couple of options for your Ute liner. You can get a single piece moulded Ute liner with a separate tailgate piece or a four part clip together Ute liner with a separate tailgate piece. Once you are aware of the options that are available for your Ute liner, you will be able to make an educated decision about the one that is most suitable for you and your Ute.