6 minute read
LTA MANUFACTURING MOUNTAIN TOP EVO-M RETRACTABLE BED COVER
LTA MFG.
WORDS: DREW RILEY // PHOTOS: DEREK BOOHER
Installation Instructions
Follow the unpacking steps as shown in the Mountain Top installation manual. You will want to make sure you match up all the parts to the chart in the instructions and remove the protective plastic film from the canister.
01. Once unpacked, the first thing to do will be to apply the foam weatherstripping to both side rails of the cover. Next, slide the black plastic latching strip out from the end of the side rail about 4 inches. Flip the rails over and slide the mounting cleats onto the channel on the underside of the side rail.
02. The next steps are to attach the side rails to the canister. Pop open the canister for easy viewing. Slide the four mounting cleats down to slide into the slots in the ends of the canister and use the included screws, tighten using a T30 hex head. Once tight, slide the black plastic latching strip sticking out of the end of the side rails back in slowly, so it enters the canister until you hear a loud click.
03. When it clicks, it is now fully engaged. Close the lid of the canister and add weatherstripping to the rear profile of the canister. Attach the rubber drain tubes and tighten them with a simple plastic zip tie. T he new Mountain Top EVO-M retractable bed cover brings European design and engineering to North American trucks. With industry-leading performance combined with modern fit and finish, the Mountain Top EVO-M retractable cover can transform how your truck performs for you.
The EVO-M retractable bed cover is easy to install. While one person can do this by themselves, it will go quicker with a bit of help from a second set of hands. The instruction manual is best described as an “IKEA” style, with picture-by-picture diagrams of each step of the process. Do not let this intimidate you! It goes very quickly, and most installations can be done in under 2 hours.
Tools: A complete list of tools recommended for installation are included in the Mountain Top Installation Manual but include the following: • Tape Measure • Razor Blade • Scissors • Drill & 3/32” drill bit • Socket Wrench & 5mm and 10mm sockets • T20 and T30 Hex Head Wrenches • 32mm Hole Saw
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01B.
02. 03.
03C. 03D. 03E.
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06B.
07. 06.
06C.
07B.
04. Now it is time to install the metal front profile to the front bulkhead of the truck bed. This is what the canister will rest on. Follow the measurements in the chart and drill five holes into the bulkhead of the truck bed using a 3/32” drill. Add weatherstripping to the profile and attach with the included screws and tighten using a T20 hex head. It is essential to make sure this rail is level across the top of the bed.
05. At this point, decide if you can use existing holes in the bulkhead of the bed or drill holes for the canister drain tubes. Many trucks have existing holes that are covered by a plastic cap. If not, to fully reach the 10 gallons per minute water drainage of the Mountain Top cover, you will need to drill a small 32mm hole in the positions noted in the manual.
06. Next up, it is time to attach the side profiles to the side rails of the truck bed. Assemble the eight silver clamps (each clamp has six pieces) following the diagram in the manual. Set aside. Move on to the side profiles. NOTE: The side profiles must be level with the top of the bed rail - make sure the side profile is level with the highest point of the plastic bed rail cap. It is also important that the side profiles are even front to back, so measure precisely on both sides. Use four clamps per side to attach the side profiles to the truck’s side bed rails and tighten the bolt using a 5mm socket. DO NOT over-tighten.
07. You are now ready for the big step, placing the canister and attached side rails on top of the truck bed. This is where a second person to help will come in handy. Gently lift the canister and rails up and place on the profiles now attached to the truck bed. Look to find the notches in the profile’s underside and use four of the included bolts per side, tighten the side profiles to the side rails by hand. Do this to both sides, and then measure that the front and rear measurements are equal and an X measurement of right front to the left rear and left front to the right rear. If any of these measurements are not equal, loosen bolts and slide bed rails as needed. Once all measurements are equal (this is vital to the smooth operation of the cover), tighten bolts using a 10mm socket. DO NOT over-torque.
08.
08. We are almost at the finish line now. With the canister and side rails all attached to the truck bed, gently roll the cover out of the canister and pull it out past the end of the side rails by about 2-3 slats. Slowly, slide the end cap piece into the patented interlocking channel system of the cover slats. You will see up close how this special interlocking system makes the slats both highly water-resistant and impenetrable, making the Mountain Top retractable cover safe and secure. With the end cap piece in place, slowly slide the cover back into the canister. Finally, attached the side rail end caps onto the side rails by clicking into place. Your Mountain Top EVO-M retractable cover is now fully assembled!
