Tonneau Cover flew off today - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Justification · 05-13-2012, 06:08 PM

We had taken the boss out for Mothers day, with the top down and tonneau cover installed. About 40 miles out and 40 miles back cruising at 73 MPH on the HUD. Couple acceletion runs up to 85 with no problems.
Approaching our exit we passed between a Subaru sedan and a LandCruiser at 72 MPH when I heard a whoosh and saw a black flash in my mirror. Sure enough the cover was gone in that flash.
12 mile round trip back to the previous on ramp so I could double back to pick it up on the side of the freeway. No one hit it, and the cover is good except one big tear on the leading edge of the right side. Unacceptable condition of the tonneau. I can't have it installed with that tear.
Is GM warranteeing these things due to the design flaw? I never noticed any rippling of the cover before it let go. Almost lost it about a year ago when I went to pick up a buddy whose suitcase was too big to fit in the trunk, but other than that it seemed good.

babaron · 05-13-2012, 07:37 PM

Assuming you have a 2011 model vert, did you have the 2 "bolts" installed where the front of the cover snaps on?

Falundir · 05-13-2012, 08:36 PM

If there are no bolts the dealer is liable.

boxmonkeyracing · 05-13-2012, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Falundir

If there are no bolts the dealer is liable.

one could make that argument. and another could counter with the did you read your owners manual? I installed the cover with out the bolts once and it didn't even make it up to 40 before I noticed it wasn't secured. If he didn't have the bolts I'm sure it would have been gone before 70. and definitely before 80.

Justification · 05-13-2012, 09:21 PM

Bolts installed thanks to this site. I did it myself using Dragos (I think) link.
Dealer wasn't aware of them since it was a Feb 2011 build and one of the first Vert's to arrive in state.
Guess I'll be calling the dealer in the AM.
Sad thing is I had no warning that anything was about to happen, just the wooshing sound as it departed the car. My pride wasn't helped by the fact there was some idjut in a WRX who was speeding up and slowing down, falling back a bit then pulling up along side me, while I had the cruise engaged. He had to see it fly off.. Makes you feel great about your car

.

Drago77 · 05-13-2012, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Justification

Bolts installed thanks to this site. I did it myself using Dragos (I think) link.
Dealer wasn't aware of them since it was a Feb 2011 build and one of the first Vert's to arrive in state.
Guess I'll be calling the dealer in the AM.
Sad thing is I had no warning that anything was about to happen, just the wooshing sound as it departed the car. My pride wasn't helped by the fact there was some idjut in a WRX who was speeding up and slowing down, falling back a bit then pulling up along side me, while I had the cruise engaged. He had to see it fly off.. Makes you feel great about your car

.

Its warrantied. I had my original replaced (went from the original "snap" w no blocks, to "snap" with blocks) because of it coming lose.

The newer "bungee" style covers don't seem to have as many problems; but until absolutely necessary, I prefer to stick with the snaps... seems like less of a hassle.

I also have a 2/11 delivery- I've posted some detailed info on the "tanneau cover almost took flight today" thread on how ive successfully secured mine. Costs less than $5 in fabric and washers, 10 minutes to install and cured the issue of coming lose while driving. Fabric may not even be necessary any longer either- blocks may have cured that..

habit now

Falundir · 05-14-2012, 01:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boxmonkeyracing

one could make that argument. and another could counter with the did you read your owners manual? I installed the cover with out the bolts once and it didn't even make it up to 40 before I noticed it wasn't secured. If he didn't have the bolts I'm sure it would have been gone before 70. and definitely before 80.

Actually it is the dealers responsibility to install them, this is how I lost my first cover as well.

Augie1978 · 05-14-2012, 07:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drago77

Its warrantied. I had my original replaced (went from the original "snap" w no blocks, to "snap" with blocks) because of it coming lose.

The newer "bungee" style covers don't seem to have as many problems; but until absolutely necessary, I prefer to stick with the snaps... seems like less of a hassle.

I also have a 2/11 delivery- I've posted some detailed info on the "tanneau cover almost took flight today" thread on how ive successfully secured mine. Costs less than $5 in fabric and washers, 10 minutes to install and cured the issue of coming lose while driving. Fabric may not even be necessary any longer either- blocks may have cured that..

habit now

What are the snaps with blocks? Do you have a pic?

Baba · 05-14-2012, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Augie1978

What are the snaps with blocks? Do you have a pic?

Pic of new style Tonneau Cover design with elastic "bungee" cord with foam blocks.
http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showpo...3&postcount=31

Instructions on installing the new style tonneau cover
http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=199764

http://www.archivedsites.com/techlin...operation.html

The 1st issue tonneau for the 2011 'verts had the "clips" instead of the elastic / bungee.

linc400 · 05-14-2012, 11:40 AM

When the dealer was showing me how to install the tonneau cover I had 3 thoughts.

1. That doesn't look very secure.

2. This is a pain to install and then put away later.

3. The top looks clean enough top down that I don't think I will ever put this thing on unless it is sitting stationary at a show.

After reading this, my decision has been confirmed.

Justification · 05-15-2012, 12:42 PM

Just got back from the dealer. New cover ordered, but I don't know how long before it shows up.
No one there claims to have heard of this happening before, and the Tech could find nothing in their literature about it so they just warranteed it with no balking.
Even talked with the owner of the dealership who got the 2nd Convertible they got in (I got the first0, and let him know to watch it closely. He admitted to not even putting the cover on, and usually only drives the car home at about 40 MPH.

Chevrolet Customer Svc · 05-15-2012, 01:44 PM

Justification,

That is great to hear that your dealership has taken care of this issue for you. Let us know how everything goes once you receive the new one.

Regards,

Brandon
Chevrolet Customer Service

Hitman31 · 05-15-2012, 03:55 PM

Just got my Vert back after the dealer installed the pins to hold the cover on. Also had the top adjusted to control the wind noise. Got a letter from GM about that and the possible wear that might happen. Nice to see they are on top of it. Seems like the dealerships are in the dark about the pins for the top cover though.

Baba · 05-16-2012, 01:38 PM

I'm ebarrassed to ask this but are the guys having their tonneaus fly off making CERTAIN you're clipping the "tab" on correctly and firmly?

I always make sure it's clipped in properly by giving the "tab" a tug to ensure it's not loose. It is a little bit of a challenge for me to get the darned thing clipped in sometimes - I'll have to slide my fingers down to the "pin" to feel for the little gap between the head of the "pin" and the spacer (and even try to visualize it). That's where my tonneau clips on. I've had her up to 90 a few times and she stays on - with just the ever so slightest "flutter" every once in a while on the center back of the tonneau where she's tucked under the trunk lip.

05-13-2012, 06:08 PM	#1
Justification Drives: Red 2SS/RS Convertible Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Utah Posts: 254 View My Garage	Tonneau Cover flew off today We had taken the boss out for Mothers day, with the top down and tonneau cover installed. About 40 miles out and 40 miles back cruising at 73 MPH on the HUD. Couple acceletion runs up to 85 with no problems. Approaching our exit we passed between a Subaru sedan and a LandCruiser at 72 MPH when I heard a whoosh and saw a black flash in my mirror. Sure enough the cover was gone in that flash. 12 mile round trip back to the previous on ramp so I could double back to pick it up on the side of the freeway. No one hit it, and the cover is good except one big tear on the leading edge of the right side. Unacceptable condition of the tonneau. I can't have it installed with that tear. Is GM warranteeing these things due to the design flaw? I never noticed any rippling of the cover before it let go. Almost lost it about a year ago when I went to pick up a buddy whose suitcase was too big to fit in the trunk, but other than that it seemed good.

05-13-2012, 07:37 PM	#2
babaron Totally into it Drives: '67 427vette/'11 Pacecar/'02 BMW ci Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: SW Ohio Posts: 653 View My Garage	Assuming you have a 2011 model vert, did you have the 2 "bolts" installed where the front of the cover snaps on? __________________ ____________________________________THERE MUST BE A SUPPORT GROUP FOR THIS ADDICTION. AM I IN THE RIGHT PLACE?

05-13-2012, 09:21 PM	#5
Justification Drives: Red 2SS/RS Convertible Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Utah Posts: 254 View My Garage	Bolts installed thanks to this site. I did it myself using Dragos (I think) link. Dealer wasn't aware of them since it was a Feb 2011 build and one of the first Vert's to arrive in state. Guess I'll be calling the dealer in the AM. Sad thing is I had no warning that anything was about to happen, just the wooshing sound as it departed the car. My pride wasn't helped by the fact there was some idjut in a WRX who was speeding up and slowing down, falling back a bit then pulling up along side me, while I had the cruise engaged. He had to see it fly off.. Makes you feel great about your car.

05-16-2012, 01:38 PM	#14
Baba Drives: 2011 Camaro 2LT RS Convertible Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: USAREUR, CONUS/DOD-A, VA Posts: 1,745	I'm ebarrassed to ask this but are the guys having their tonneaus fly off making CERTAIN you're clipping the "tab" on correctly and firmly? I always make sure it's clipped in properly by giving the "tab" a tug to ensure it's not loose. It is a little bit of a challenge for me to get the darned thing clipped in sometimes - I'll have to slide my fingers down to the "pin" to feel for the little gap between the head of the "pin" and the spacer (and even try to visualize it). That's where my tonneau clips on. I've had her up to 90 a few times and she stays on - with just the ever so slightest "flutter" every once in a while on the center back of the tonneau where she's tucked under the trunk lip. __________________ 2011 Camaro 2LT RS Convertible Summit White Black Leather 3 Pedals Build Date: 06/27/2011 Purchased: 07/30/2011 Title Received: 08/15/2011 1984 Camaro (3rd Gen.): Traded: 1987 "Meet the new boss. Same as the old boss."

05-13-2012, 08:36 PM	#3
Falundir Drives: 2017 1SS 1LE - Hyper Blue, P85DL Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: East Bay Posts: 2,189 View My Garage	If there are no bolts the dealer is liable.

05-14-2012, 11:40 AM	#10
linc400 Drives: 2012 2LT 45th anniversary convert Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Chicago Posts: 265	When the dealer was showing me how to install the tonneau cover I had 3 thoughts. 1. That doesn't look very secure. 2. This is a pain to install and then put away later. 3. The top looks clean enough top down that I don't think I will ever put this thing on unless it is sitting stationary at a show. After reading this, my decision has been confirmed.

05-15-2012, 12:42 PM	#11
Justification Drives: Red 2SS/RS Convertible Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Utah Posts: 254 View My Garage	Just got back from the dealer. New cover ordered, but I don't know how long before it shows up. No one there claims to have heard of this happening before, and the Tech could find nothing in their literature about it so they just warranteed it with no balking. Even talked with the owner of the dealership who got the 2nd Convertible they got in (I got the first0, and let him know to watch it closely. He admitted to not even putting the cover on, and usually only drives the car home at about 40 MPH.

05-15-2012, 01:44 PM	#12
Chevrolet Customer Svc Drives: GM Vehicles Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Michigan Posts: 9,328	Justification, That is great to hear that your dealership has taken care of this issue for you. Let us know how everything goes once you receive the new one. Regards, Brandon Chevrolet Customer Service

05-15-2012, 03:55 PM	#13
Hitman31 Drives: 2011 SS/RS Convertible Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Fernandina Beach Florida Posts: 5 View My Garage	Just got my Vert back after the dealer installed the pins to hold the cover on. Also had the top adjusted to control the wind noise. Got a letter from GM about that and the possible wear that might happen. Nice to see they are on top of it. Seems like the dealerships are in the dark about the pins for the top cover though.