Modified my DiamondBack Switchback tonneau

[Mj1anderson]

Gang thought I'd show you all what I did with my DiamondBack Switchback Tonneau today.
Being this tonneau is a tri-fold and the two back panels stack up on the fixed panel nearest the cab DiamondBack won't offer a cleat of any sort due to fear of panels impacting the cleats and causing damage to the cover.
They offer a loop system whereas one has to use hookless straps.
My dilemma was my coolers are unable to be secured without cleats of some sort
My solution was collapsible black stainless boat cleats.
I'm thrilled with the results
It did require drilling into the tonneau
I used rubber "washers" to prevent leakage and washers and locking nuts on the underside.
Now DiamondBack may elect to void my warranty, I'm not sure yet.
I actually sent them pics today and told them they should research, test, market and sell these
Pics are attached
Again I'm thrilled with the result
It offers me a little peace of mind when I'm criss-crossing the Midwest and high plains hunting and fishing.
Link to the cleats i used:
Thorn Boat Folding Cleat,Flip Up Marine Stainless Steel 4-1/2" Black Dock Fold Cleats W/Fasteners and Back Plates https://a.co/d/0YRrbRe

 

[RogueClimber]

Nice way to address a problem!

 

[Corpsefed]

Looks pretty damn good to me.

 

[weakssauce]

wow that looks oem! how good is that cover at stopping the rain from getting into the bed?

 

[Mj1anderson]

wow that looks oem! how good is that cover at stopping the rain from getting into the bed?

I've had any water get in at all
And that goes for high pressure car washes too
The rubber seals that come with the tonneau are very good.
I do think diamondback still has some engineering design flaws with the middle panel (which floats)
I've been working with them to try and rectify.
It just sits up a little as ita not latched down
Their solution with the keep em honest hinges needs additional design tweaks
But I'd absolutely buy the cover again!

 

[nikhsub1]

wow that looks oem! how good is that cover at stopping the rain from getting into the bed?

I have the SE version and not a single drop gets in. I’m sure this one is the same.

 

[weakssauce]

I've had any water get in at all
And that goes for high pressure car washes too
The rubber seals that come with the tonneau are very good.
I do think diamondback still has some engineering design flaws with the middle panel (which floats)
I've been working with them to try and rectify.
It just sits up a little as ita not latched down
Their solution with the keep em honest hinges needs additional design tweaks
But I'd absolutely buy the cover again

what do you mean it floats? like it doesnt have a latch of its own?

 

[Mj1anderson]

what do you mean it floats? like it doesnt have a latch of its own?

Correct
It relies on downward pressure from two synthetic "latches" that are affixed to the cab side panel
Conceptually it can work but design needs tweaking
I've actually been removing washers from the latches in an effort to put more force/ torque on that middle panel to try and get it even tighter.
Pic below so you can see what i mean...

 

[JohnyPython]

Great idea!!! You’ve help me decide on what tonneau cover to get.

 

[Mj1anderson]

Great idea!!! You’ve help me decide on what tonneau cover to get.

Diamondback makes great products
They won't offer cleats with this tonneau but as I showed my collapsible marine cleat is a perfect solution.
I baked the link in above of the exact cleats i used
They are solid
Good luck!