Truxedo Tonneaumate

Finding ways to maximize storage space in your truck bed can be a challenge. As a truck owner myself, I know the struggle of trying to haul large or dirty items that you don’t want inside the cab. That’s why I was intrigued when I first heard about the Truxedo TonneauMate truck bed storage system. This accessory promised to give me secure and weatherproof storage under my tonneau cover – something I definitely needed!

After doing lots of research and eventually buying the TonneauMate for my own truck, I wanted to share a comprehensive buyer’s guide for anyone considering this useful truck accessory. Whether you’re looking to keep gear locked up and concealed or simply organize your truck bed better, the Truxedo TonneauMate might be the perfect solution.

What Exactly is the Truxedo TonneauMate?

The Truxedo TonneauMate is a unique truck bed storage system designed specifically to work with most tonneau covers. It sits flush on top of your truck bed rails and seamlessly integrates with your existing tonneau.

The main component is a heavy-duty polyethylene truck bed box that provides enclosed, lockable, and weatherproof storage under your tonneau cover. It has sturdy clamps that attach it securely to your truck bed without drilling. The Truxedo TonneauMate comes in different sizes to fit various truck bed lengths.

Some key features of the Truxedo TonneauMate include:

• Lockable slam latches keep gear secure
• Waterproof seamless construction
• Clamp-on simple installation
• High-density polyethylene construction
• Available in different sizes for 5’-7’ truck beds

If you want enclosed truck bed storage that works perfectly with your tonneau cover, the TonneauMate is an excellent option to consider. The secure and weatherproof lockable box neatly integrates into your existing setup.

How to Install the Truxedo TonneauMate

One of the best things about the Truxedo TonneauMate is that it can be installed quickly and easily without any drilling required. Here are the basic steps for getting your TonneauMate set up:

1. Clean your truck bed rails where the clamps will attach. Make sure the surface is free of dirt and debris.
2. Place the TonneauMate in your truck bed centered between the wheel wells.
3. Position the mid-clamps first, tightening them evenly on each clamp tower against the bed rails.
4. Install the forward and rearward clamps next. Tighten evenly but avoid over-tightening.
5. Ensure the TonneauMate is centered side-to-side and pushed forward against the front clamp.
6. Fully close the cover of your tonneau cover to check for clearance issues.
7. Adjust position of the box if needed before locking the clamps in place.

That’s all there is to it! Just repeat the process in reverse order when you want to remove the TonneauMate from your truck bed. With the simple clamp installation, you can easily transfer it between vehicles too.

Is the Truxedo TonneauMate Compatible With Your Tonneau Cover?

A common question asked about the Truxedo TonneauMate is whether it will work with your particular tonneau cover brand and style. The good news is that it’s designed to be compatible with most tonneau covers.

The TonneauMate works great with:

• Roll-up vinyl tonneaus: Both soft roll-up and hardshell versions
• Retractable tonneaus: folds away for full bed access
• Folding tonneaus: tri-fold, bi-fold, and hinged varieties
• Low-profile tonneaus: sits flush against the truck bed
• Snug-fitting tonneaus: As long as it allows clamps to attach

The key factors are having enough surface area on the top of your bed rails for the clamps to grip securely, and adequate clearance between the tonneau underside and your truck bed.

As long as you carefully check dimensions and spacing, the TonneauMate should work seamlessly with most aftermarket tonneau covers. But it’s always wise to double check before purchasing just to ensure full compatibility.

High-Quality Construction and Materials

One thing that impressed me about the Truxedo TonneauMate is the durable, weather-resistant materials used in its construction. This isn’t some cheap plastic container!

The TonneauMate bed box is made from a high-density UV-stabilized polyethylene plastic. This strong and impact-resistant material also offers excellent corrosion resistance.

The slam latches and hinges are automotive-grade met al constr ucted for years of reliable use. And the clamping towers utilize heavy-duty zinc-plated steel.

Foam sealing strips installed on the underside of the cover lid provide a weather-tight seal when closed keeping dust, debris and moisture out of the lockable storage area.

This high-quality construction is backed by a 1-year limited warranty by Truxedo. Overall, the TonneauMate definitely seems built to last and stand up to the harsh truck environment.

Generous Lockable Storage Space

One of my must-haves for any truck bed storage system is generous capacity, and the Truxedo TonneauMate delivers in this regard.

For a full-size 6.5 foot truck bed, the TonneauMate provides almost 10 cubic feet of enclosed, lockable storage space. That’s ample room for hauling tools, camping gear, sports equipment, and other bulky items out of the elements.

There are also smaller versions with approx. 8 cubic feet of storage for 5-6 foot truck beds, and a low-profile model for limited space beneath tonneaus.

Having that much lockable and weatherproof capacity under my tonneau cover was a huge selling point. No more piling things loosely in the truck bed or cramming dirty gear into the cab!

Keep Your Gear Safe and Secure

One of my priorities for a truck bed storage system is having the ability to lock it securely. The Truxedo TonneauMate delivers here as well.

Each TonneauMate comes equipped with 3 slam latches equipped with cylindr ical locks. These can be keyed to match your tailgate or existing truck locks for convenience.

The automotive-grade locks engage stainless steel strikers for max strength. Once latched, the lid is pulled tight against the sealing strips for a weatherproof seal.

With the TonneauMate locked down tight under your tonneau cover, you can feel confident your gear is protected from both the elements and potential theft.

For additional security, you can remove valuables and lock them in your cab during stops. But it’s nice to have the option for locking up tools and equipment securely in your truck bed when needed.

Truck Bed Storage Solution Comparison

When considering the Truxedo TonneauMate, it’s helpful to compare it against other truck bed storage and organization options. Here’s a quick rundown of how the TonneauMate stacks up:

• More enclosed storage than toolbox style chests
• Added weather protection over truck bed organizers
• Lockable and secure unlike bags/nets
• Integrates with your tonneau cover
• No permanent mounting required

The key advantage of the TonneauMate is it works perfectly with an existing tonneau you already have. Its enclosed design takes advantage of the unused space beneath your cover unlike typical truck bed toolboxes.

For my needs, having that large weatherproof and lockable storage capacity under my tonneau really maximized my truck’s hauling utility.

Where to Buy the Truxedo TonneauMate

Truxedo TonneauMate truck bed boxes can be purchased direct from Truxedo’s website at TonneauMate.com. They also are available on Amazon.com at competitive pricing.

You can often find the TonneauMate at popular auto parts stores as well, like AutoZone, PepBoys, Napa Auto Parts, and 4WheelParts. Truck accessories retailers and tonneau cover sellers may offer them too.

When shopping for the TonneauMate, be sure to select the correct size for your truck bed length – they offer models for 5′, 5’6″, 6’6″ and 7′ truck beds. Measure first if you aren’t sure!

Pricing ranges from $299-$399 depending on size. Be sure to look for any promotions or discounts being offered directly through Truxedo.

Why Choose the Truxedo TonneauMate?

At the end of the day, what has made the Truxedo TonneauMate my top choice for truck bed storage? Here are some of the key benefits that sold me on this solution:

• Seamless integration with my existing tonneau cover
• Lockable and weatherproof storage capacity
• High-quality durable construction
• Easy clamp-on installation without drilling
• Allows full access to bed with system removed
• More affordable than large walk-in toolboxes

For the combination of security, protection from the elements, generous storage space, and versatile design, the TonneauMate really excels. This integrated truck bed storage system truly complements and enhances the benefits of a tonneau cover.

Removing the Truxedo TonneauMate

Taking off the Truxedo TonneauMate from your truck bed is just as simple as installing it:

1. Unlock the 3 slam latches and open the lid fully.
2. Loosen the forward and rearward clamp towers first, then the mid-clamps.
3. Lift the TonneauMate box upward out of your truck bed once all clamps are loose.
4. Wipe down the bottom of the box and clean your truck bed rails.
5. Store the removed TonneauMate securely when not in use.

The quick and tool-free removal is great for times you need full open bed access. Just be sure to take proper safety precautions if removing while stacked with heavy gear or equipment inside the box.

Truxedo TonneauMate Warranty Coverage

Truxedo provides a 1-year limited warranty on the TonneauMate from defects in materials or workmanship. The warranty is transferable if you sell the vehicle.

It covers the storage box, latches, hinges, clamps and hardware. Normal wear or damage from accidents/misuse are excluded.

Warranty replacements or repairs will be handled by Truxedo or an authorized dealer. You may need to provide proof of purchase and photos of any defects.

Overall, the 1-year OEM warranty provides decent protection on your TonneauMate investment. Just be sure to follow proper usage and care guidelines to maximize longevity.

All-Weather Protection

Since I use my truck for work, camping, and everything in between, finding storage that can handle all weather conditions is a must. The Truxedo TonneauMate delivers excellent protection from the elements.

The durable polyethylene construction and weather-tight seal keep both dust and moisture out of the lockable truck bed box.

This keeps your gear safeguarded from not only rain and snow, but also road debris, tree sap, and other exterior threats.

The TonneauMate has proven waterproof even in heavy rainstorms and high-pressure car washes. Just avoid submerging it fully under water.

So whether it’s sunny, dusty, rainy or snowing, you can rest assured your cargo will stay clean and dry inside the TonneauMate. That kind of all-weather protection gives me peace of mind.

Durable and Dent-Resistant

To withstand the rigors of life on the road, truck bed storage needs to be ultra-durable. Once again the Truxedo TonneauMate scores highly when it comes to sturdy construction.

The thick high-density polyethylene plastic can handle plenty of use and abuse. It stands up well to impact without excessive denting. The material won’t rust or corrode either.

The automotive-grade steel clamps and lockable latches are solidly built as well. And the dual-layer lid design provides extra rigidity when closed.

While I don’t recommend purposefully testing its durability, the TonneauMate is clearly built tough for years of service even with regular truck use. A little care goes a long ways too.

Helpful Truxedo TonneauMate Installation Tips

Based on my experience installing the Truxedo TonneauMate, here are some helpful tips for the smoothest installation:

• Thoroughly clean truck bed rails before clamping down
• Ensure even tightening on both sides of each clamp
• Keep the box centered side-to-side in truck bed
• Push box firmly against front clamp for stability
• Make small adjustments before fully tightening clamps
• Confirm tonneau cover fully closes without issues
• Check clamps frequently to ensure they haven’t loosened
• Weather seal the clamps with silicone for maximum water protection

Taking the time to properly position the box, keep it centered, and evenly tighten the clamps will prevent issues down the road. It’s also wise to check clamp tightness periodically after install.

What Truxedo TonneauMate Users Are Saying

Looking at customer reviews is always helpful before purchasing any truck accessory. Here’s what actual owners have to say about their Truxedo TonneauMate experiences:

• “Easy to install and so handy for keeping things out of sight and protected.”
• “Much better use of space than a typical toolbox. I barely lost any bed depth.”
• “Solidly built and keeps my tools locked up and dry in all conditions.”
• “Glad I went with the low profile version to work with my roll-up cover.”
• “Added a lot of functional weatherproof storage without permanently mounting anything.”

Overall, most feedback on the TonneauMate is very positive. Users praise the straight-forward installation, roomy storage capacity, and durable watertight construction. Any issues seem to be rare exceptions.

Finding Truxedo TonneauMate Discounts

The TonneauMate is very fairly priced, but who doesn’t like saving money? Here are some tips for finding potential savings:

• Check Truxedo’s website for any promotions, coupon codes or sales
• Sign up for Truxedo’s email newsletter for discount alerts
• See if free shipping is offered directly through Truxedo
• Look for special holiday sales around major events
• Compare prices on Amazon and other 3rd party sellers
• Ask about a multi-item discount if adding other accessories

With a little searching, you may be able to find a TonneauMate deal and save $20-50 off retail pricing. Every bit of savings helps maximize value.

Securing Your Cargo Inside the TonneauMate

To prevent your gear from shifting around inside the Truxedo TonneauMate, I recommend:

• Use tie-down anchors or hooks to secure larger items
• Divide space with cargo organizers and bin dividers
• Fill empty space with foam blocks to keep items snug
• Use non-slip mats/netting to help stabilize cargo
• Pack items carefully to distribute weight evenly

Taking some simple cargo securing steps will keep your stuff neatly stowed inside the TonneauMate and prevent it from sliding around during driving. This preserves both your gear and the interior of the truck bed box.

Fitting Under Different Tonneau Cover Designs

The versatile Truxedo TonneauMate is designed to work with most standard tonneau covers. But you may be wondering if it will fit under your specific tonneau’s design.

In most cases, clearance comes down to your cover’s underside fabric sagging a bit into the bed rather than sitting completely taut. As long as there’s at least 4 inches of space, the TonneauMate should have room.

Roll-up vinyl tonneaus offer plenty of underside depth for the low-profile box. Retractable and hinged covers work well too by nature of their designs.

Even most hard-shell tonneaus have adequate clearance from the bed, just measure first if concerned. The TonneauMate also comes in a 3 inch tall “low boy” model if you’re working with minimal headroom.

Keeping Your Truxedo TonneauMate Looking New

To help keep your Truxedo TonneauMate looking its best for years to come:

• Use automotive vinyl protectant on the lid covering
• Gently wash with mild soap and water only when needed
• Wipe the latches and hinges clean occasionally
• Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners
• Touch up any small scuffs with trim restorer
• Check and re-tighten the clamps if they become loose

With proper care and maintenance, the TonneauMate will continue looking great even with regular use. Keeping it clean maximizes durability.

Are There Any Recalls or Safety Concerns?

After thorough research, I couldn’t find any safety recalls or notices regarding the Truxedo TonneauMate.

Truxedo as a brand has a very good reputation for quality and reliability. Their products have many positive reviews overall.

As long as you take reasonable safety precautions, the TonneauMate appears to be a secure truck bed storage solution. Just be sure to:

• Check installation clamps frequently for tightness
• Load the box evenly and avoid overloaded weight
• Secure the lid properly when driving
• Lock valuables in truck cab when parked

By following the usage guidelines and being careful loading heavy items, the TonneauMate should provide excellent enclosed truck bed storage. But as always, inspect your own unit upon delivery.

Conclusion

After going over all these details, it’s clear why the Truxedo TonneauMate is my top recommendation for weatherproof and lockable truck bed storage. This integrated system maximizes your tonneau cover’s protection and security.

The TonneauMate proves itself with excellent construction, ample storage capacity, hassle-free installation, and seamless operation with your existing tonneau cover.

If you need enclosed, versatile and secure gear storage in your truck bed, the TonneauMate is easily one of the best solutions available today. Just be sure to measure for proper sizing and compatibility.

Hopefully this comprehensive buyer’s guide gives you all the key facts about the Truxedo TonneauMate. Let me know if you have any other questions! I’m happy to share my experience as an owner of this great truck accessory.