OEM Tri Fold Soft Tonneau Cover Removal. Looking to get a topper

Purchased my first tacoma, and first truck two weeks ago. Came with a factory tonneau that I didn't want but they wouldn't remove and didn't charge me for. Now I'm curious how to actually remove it.

Did some digging and it seems like it's a little more involved than pulling it off. Any tips from those who have done this already? Looking to eventually install a shell to use the bed as a camper.

If there is a comprehensive thread out there already totally link me to it!

Thanks!

 

I should add that this is a SR5 access cab incase bed config matters.

 

I wasn't aware OE offered a soft version. Either way, my aftermarket unit just had big knobs you could unscrew the clamps, took a minute or two to remove.

 

On the “hard” tri fold it simply can be taken off after removing 1 bolt on the passenger side (11mm?) and the handles that fold it.

 

This was the version I was referring to. It is a "tri-fold" but soft.

No bolt on the passenger side that I saw. I saw a video online of some guys removed the hard version and it seemed simple.

Although, to put a camper shell on, it seems like there would need to new bed rails?

Located in New England BTW if anyone is looking for a soft tonneau cover. Feel free to PM me

 

Ah so they did offer them, okay.
The bed rails/caps might be cut in certain spots, but I doubt you will need new ones, as they are covered.
I ended up going the same route, I didn't like the soft or hard tri folds, and went with a fiberglass topper.

 

You might be able to find someone willing to buy it and swap the bed caps, etc. Where are you?

 

Located in Maine, but regularly travel around New England

 

My factory soft tonneau is held onto some angle iron with big wing nuts. I remove it when necessary, it’s easy. Haven’t ever removed the mounts, but if my memory serves they’re just bolted onto the bed rails or there are t-nuts etc. Give it a shot, can’t do much harm.

Also don’t get low-balled when you sell that thing. They’re way nicer than the aftermarket ones, I’d hold out for $600+ since it’s brand new.

 

I’m from Downeast Maine originally.

 

My '21 Tacoma came with this OEM soft cover.
It's super easy to remove - the main thing is you will need Torx bits to remove the clamps that are in the bed rails (if you want to remover the clamps, ie remove everything).

The back of this cover (tailgate) of course only connects with the spring loaded arms - so detach those.
Roll the cover up - then simply remove the large plastic wing nut type things - and the whole cover will then come off.
you can then see the torx bolts in the front clips (that are just in the side rails). if you loosen these torx bits, then they will just slide right out and everything is then removed.
Good luck.

Oh and I have my OEM soft cover still in the garage - need to get rid of it, if there is anyone in the midwest that wants it. LOL.

 

my oem trim-fold soft top undoes by pulling the spring loaded clamps (one each side) off the back of the truck. On the front, it's 2 wing nuts. Done in 2 minutes or so.

Final step is removing the 2 brackets that held those wing nuts.

 

Awesome, seems really straight forward. Yeah got to find the right market/buyer for it but not in a rush so can let it sit haha. Thanks, hoping to pick up a camper shell sooner rather than later.

 

Oh sweet! Located in Southern ME now, but lived in Machias, Jonesboro, and Cherryfield for a few years.

 

Oh also, be prepared for the fiberglass topper to create a significant amount of rear sag,,, especially if you put anything in the bed. The OE springs are horrible.

 

I loved in all those places, literally. Graduated from Narraguagus in 1989. You?

 

For sure, buddy had a topper and a decked system. He was definitely sitting lowwww

 

Actually a Mass transplant to the area. Took a job with the state up there but stuck around to do some fishing. Love that area, it's a great spot. Met my girlfriend there as well. A lot different from the Boston area I grew up in.

 

That’s exactly what I did! Went w a whole Icon leaf pack and went stage 3,, that’s how much sag.