Begin by completely emptying your truck bed. Remove all cargo, toolboxes, bed liners, and accessories. Take off any existing bed rail caps or stake pocket covers.

Clean the mounting surface: Thoroughly clean the top surface of the bed rails using a lint-free cloth. Remove all dirt, grease, wax, and debris. A clean surface ensures proper seal adhesion and prevents interference with the mounting clamps.

Inspect bed rails: Check for any damage, rust, or irregularities that could affect mounting. Address any structural issues before proceeding with installation.

Carefully remove the bed cap from its packaging. Inspect the aluminum frame and all components for shipping damage. Report any damage to the carrier immediately.

Verify all parts: Check the packing list and confirm all mounting brackets, clamps, hardware, seals, and accessories are included.

Test door operation: Before installation, open and close the rear tailgate access and side swing doors multiple times. Verify smooth operation and proper latching. Check that all locks function correctly with the provided keys.

With your helper, lift the bed cap from the front and rear frame edges. Never lift from the doors or windows as this can damage the hinges and latches.

Proper lifting technique: The aluminum construction makes the cap lighter than traditional fiberglass (approximately 80-120 lbs), but proper two-person lifting is essential to prevent injury and damage.

Center the cap: Carefully place the cap onto the bed rails. Check for equal overhang on both driver and passenger sides (typically 1/2 to 3/4 inch per side). The front edge should align with the cab, and the rear should sit flush with the tailgate.

Mark the position: Once properly centered, use a marker or tape to mark reference points on the bed rails at the front corners. These marks will help you reposition the cap accurately after installing the seals.

Remove the cap: Lift the cap off and set it on a clean, padded surface (use blankets or cardboard to protect the finish).

Clean the cap perimeter: Wipe the underside perimeter edge of the bed cap with a clean cloth to remove any dust or residue.

Apply foam seals: Peel the backing from the adhesive foam seal and apply it along the entire bottom edge of the cap. Ensure the seal follows the perimeter continuously with no gaps.

Pay attention to corners: At corner joints, carefully overlap or miter the seal material to maintain a continuous barrier. Press firmly along the entire length for at least 30 seconds to activate the adhesive.

Trim excess: Use a sharp utility knife to trim any excess seal material at joints for a clean finish.

With your helper, lift the cap back onto the bed rails, aligning it with your reference marks from Step 3.

Install corner clamps first: Position one mounting clamp at each of the four corners (front driver, front passenger, rear driver, rear passenger). Thread the bolts by hand but do not tighten yet. This holds the cap in place while you work.

Add intermediate clamps: Install the remaining clamps evenly spaced along each bed rail. Typical spacing is 18-24 inches between clamps. Most installations use 6-8 clamps total depending on bed length.

Hand-tighten all clamps: Snug each clamp just enough to hold the cap firmly in place, but do not fully tighten. This allows for final alignment adjustments.

Verify alignment: Check that the cap is still centered with equal overhang on both sides. Use a measuring tape to confirm. Make any necessary adjustments before final tightening.

Tighten in sequence: Begin at the front driver's side clamp. Tighten clamps in a cross-pattern, alternating between driver and passenger sides, working from front to rear. This ensures even pressure distribution across the entire cap.

Use torque wrench: Set your torque wrench to the manufacturer's specification (typically 15-20 ft-lbs for most models). Tighten each clamp bolt to the specified torque.

Avoid over-tightening: Excessive torque can warp the aluminum frame, crack the bed rails, or damage the mounting hardware. Follow the torque specification precisely.

Recheck alignment: After tightening all clamps, walk around the truck and visually inspect the cap. Check that gaps between the cap and bed rails are consistent all around.

Test rear access: Open and close the rear tailgate access multiple times. It should operate smoothly without binding or requiring excessive force.

Test side doors: If your model includes side swing doors, test both doors for smooth operation. They should open easily and latch securely when closed.

Check weatherstripping compression: When doors are closed, the weatherstripping should compress evenly all around the opening. If a door requires excessive force to close or won't latch, the cap may need slight repositioning.

Adjust striker plates if needed: Most door latches have adjustable striker plates with slotted mounting holes. Loosen the striker plate screws slightly and adjust position for optimal door closure, then retighten.

Test locks: Verify all locks engage properly with the provided keys. Locks should turn smoothly without binding.

Check for rattles: Gently shake the bed cap from various points. There should be no rattling or loose components. If you hear rattles, identify the source and tighten as needed.

Inspect all fasteners: Visually inspect all clamp bolts and screws to ensure they are properly seated and tightened.

Clean the cap: Wipe down the exterior with a clean cloth to remove fingerprints, dust, and any installation debris.

Remove installation materials: Remove all reference marks, tape, and packaging materials from the truck bed and cap.