Pace-Edwards SWITCHBLADE Tundra User Manual

RETRACTABLE TRUCK BED COVERS

TUNDRA INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

[phone]

www.paceedwards.com

(TUNDRA1)

Pace Edwards Company

2400 Commercial Blvd.

Centralia WA 98531

Tools Required for Assembly .......................................2

Before Y ou Start ...........................................................2

Drain Hole Locations.....................................................2

STEP 1: Remove From Packaging, and

Hardware and Packaging Contents ..............................2

STEP 2: Positioning Canister ......................................3

STEP 3: Installing Rails ...............................................3

STEP 4: Installing Clamps............................................3

STEP 5: Attaching the Pull Strap..................................4

STEP 6: Lubricating & Placing Sweep Seals ..............5

STEP 7: Installing Drain Tubes.....................................5

STEP 8: Install Top Cover & Velcro .............................5

Operating Instructions ...................................................6

Helpful Maintenance Hints ...........................................6

Warranty Statement.......................................................7

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Part #: SW_TUNDRA1_INSTRUCTIONS_1310

TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY:

7/16” wrench or socket
#2 Phillips screwdriver

Tape measure
Utility Knife

Side Cut or Needle Nose Pliers

Note: There should be no drilling into the truck body needed on most standard or full-size trucks .

BEFORE YOU START:

Read the instructions carefully before you start. If you have questions regarding the installation please visit our
website www.paceedwards.com or call our Technical Support Line at [phone].

DRAIN HOLE LOCATIONS:

The Switchblade is designed to carry rainwater from the cover into
the canister and then out through the drains. Most truck models
have standard OE drain holes or plastic/rubber access ports in the
front of the truck bed. Check to make sure your truck has the OE
drain holes so that drilling into the sheet metal is not required. If
drilling is necessary , be sure to check the underside of the truck bed
for the best location. The holes should be located near the side and
as far forward as possible. Use a drill bit suitable for sheet metal
(such as a taper drill or step drill). Drill drain tube clearance holes at
3/4” (19mm). This will need to be done before installing the cover.

FIG. 1

Drain Tube Holes

STEP 1: REMOVE FROM PACKAGING AND REVIEW CONTENTS

A complete unit will consist of one canister box (marked box 1 of 2) and one rail box (marked box 2 of 2). Remove
the Top Cover , Canister, Clamp pack, hardware pack, and drain tubes from the canister box. Remove the rails from
the rail box (see caution below). Perform a quick inventory of the packaging contents to insure all parts are there.

TO AVOID SCRATCHING THE SURFACE OF THE RAILS, DO NOT SLIDE THEM

CAUTION! CAUTION!

OUT THE END OF THE BOX. OPEN THE BOX ALONG THE LENGTH, USE
PLIERS TO PULL THE STAPLES, LIFT THE RAILS OUT. DO NOT USE A KNIFE
TO CUT THE BOX OPEN.

PACKAGING CONTENTS:

Complete Canister
Assembly

Top Cover

Drain Tubes

Clamp Pack

Hardware Pack

t

a

i

b

R

c

a

J

b

k

6

3

3

3

7

-

-

0

0

8

9

8

Rails (Left
and Right) - In

t

a

i

b

R

c

a

J

b

k

6

3

3

3

7

-

-

0

0

8

9

8

separate Rail
Box box

2

SWITCHBLADE

®

SERIES

STEP 2: POSITIONING CANISTER

Use the Pull Strap and one canister fl ange to
lift and steady the unit. Wrap the Pull Strap
around the center of the canister a couple
times and
double it
up in your
hand.

STEP 3: INSTALLING RAILS

HARDWARE USED:

1/4-20 x 1”
RAIL BOLT x 2

Remove the protective paper on the underside of the Rail fl anges. This for packaging
purposes only.

Identify the left and right side rails. The plastic rail endcap should be towards the tailgate
while the rail fl ange should be towards the outside of the truck bed.

Identify the appropriate Clamp Grip for your application based on whether you have the
Deck Rail Track System or not (Fig 4B and 4C). Slide the Rail Grip components onto rail.
Place the forward clamp 8-10 inches from the canister and rear clamp about 8-10 inches
from the tailgate.

Place the Canister in truck bed just behind the cab and center it
from side to side. Ensuring that the canister is centered in the bed
will help assemble the rails to canister in the next step.

1/4” LOCK WASHER x 2

1/4” FLAT W ASHER x 2

Install the rails by fi rst guiding Handle Assembly into the open channel of the rail and then
sliding the rail against the blanket guide on the canister. Attach the rail to the canister using
the rail bolt, lock washer and fl at washer throught the blanket guide and into the bottom of the
rail.

Guide Handle Assembly
in here

Left Rail

Clamp Relief

Rail Bracket
and shim

Flat Washer

Lock Washer

Rail Bolt

Canister

FIG. 3A

Blanket

Guide

STEP 4: REPOSITIONING CANISTER

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

3

STEP 4: INSTALLING CLAMPS

The Tundra bed is square and the clamps have been designed to fi t without shimming.
Close the tailgate and position the rails with a 1/16” gap from the tailgate.
If you have the Deck Rail Track System slide track nuts into the track system and use attachment hardware (Flat

washer, Lock washer & Bolt) to secure clamps in place per FIG 4B. Tighten and secure all the clamps at this time.
Install and tighten the cone point set screws using the 1/8” Allen Wrench.

If the bed does not have the deck rail track system you will use the pinch clamp in place of the track nut. (Fig 4C)

TRACK NUT

DECK RAIL
TRACK SYSTEM

FIG. 4B

RAIL

SET
SCREW

HARDWARE
(Flat washer, Lock
washer, & Bolt)

CLAMP RAIL GRIP

FIG. 4C

PINCH
CLAMP
(used if the
Deck Rail
System
Track is not
installed)

HARDWARE
(Flat washer, Lock
washer, & Bolt)

PINCH CLAMP
RAIL GRIP

RAIL

SET
SCREW

Measure the distance between the rails at the canister and tailgate ends. Compare this distance after clamping it
should be 58-13/16” to allow your cover to operate properly. A slightly tighter fi t (but NOT Dragging) is better than a
slightly loose fi t.

The Rail Brackets and Shims have been pre-installed to achieve the proper Between the Rail dimension (BR) when
placed on an average factory truck bed. However, not all truck beds are average dimensionally and some have
optional plastic caps or over the rail spray-in liners

BR

FIG. 4A

Another way to assure proper fi tment is to check the side to side play of the handle assembly at the canister and at
the tailgate end of the rails. There should be, at the minimum enough play to allow the cover to move freely and at
maximum 1/8 inch per side. Too much may result in the cover coming open unintentionally and in severe cases it
may fall between the rail tracks and damage the cover. There are shims on the brackets that can be removed if

the unit is too tight and shims in the hardware pack that can be added if too loose.

Once everything is correct tighten the Rail clamps completely.

DO NOT TIGHTEN OVER 120-INCH POUNDS!

STEP 5: ATTACH THE PULL STRAP

Attach your pull strap to either of the clamps (right or lefthand side) at the tailgate end of the rails by looping it
through the assembly and pressing the two velcro strips together. This will ensure you it is always in easy reach
when trying to close the cover.

4

SWITCHBLADE® SERIES

STEP 6: LUBRICATING & PLACING THE SWEEP SEALS

Locate the sweep seals (rubber weather strips) on the rails.
Open the provided 303 brand protectant sponge pack (fi nd
it adhered to the underside of the top cover) and wipe the

RAIL

underside of the sweep seal and the top of the wear strip.
Extend the cover to the tailgate. Use an Allen wrench if

needed to carefully draw out the sweep seal (seal should be
angled outwards toward the cover – not rolled in toward the
bed rail). (Fig. 6A)

Proper care and placement of the sweep seal will ensure the
smooth operation of the cover. Alcohol, petroleum based or

®

silicon-based UV Protectants such as Armor-All

should be

FIG.6A

avoided and ARE NOT recommended for our covers.

STEP 7: INSTALLING DRAIN TUBES

First, ensure that the Foam Washer is in place on the Drain Fitting as this washer
will help prevent water leakage. Next, test fi t the drain tube to determine the length
you want to trim it. Always caution on the long side. Trim the end that will be inserted
through the truck bed using the wire cutters or a utility knife.

With the cover opened, insert the drain tube fi ttings into the pre-drilled holes on the
underside of the canister by pushing them in place from under the canister. Drain
Fitting should click into place.

Notch
Feature

SWEEP SEAL

COVER/
FABRIC PANEL

WEAR STRIP

Place the other end of the drain tube through the plastic/rubber access port or
through the pre-drilled holes in the fl oor or the front wall of the truck bed. If routing
through the front wall, ensure that the draintubes are inserted and directed down
so water fl ows out of the truck.

Foam Washer

Drain Fitting

To remove the drain tubes reach under the canister, grab the drain tube fi tting and
turn it while applying light downward pressure. When the retaining tabs align with
notches in the bottom of the canister the Drain Tube and Fitting will drop out.

Drain Tube

FIG.7A

STEP 8: ATTACHING TOP COVER & VELCRO TO PULL STRAP

HARDWARE USED:

4’ VELCRO STRIP

BLACK TOP COVER
SCREW x 4

Place the Top Cover on the canister and install
with the four black Top Cover screws through the
top cover endcaps and into the panel nuts on the
canister fl anges.

Retract the cover to the fully open position.
Attach the 4” Velcro strip onto the Velcro strip

already attached to the pull strap.
Pull the pull strap over to the driver’s side rail and

remove the tape from the 4” Velcro strip.
Then apply the Velcro strip onto the underside of

the rail at your desired position.
This will hold the pull strap off of the fl oor and out

of the way when cargo is being stored in the truck
bed.

You have now completed the installation of your Switchblade Retractable tonneau cover. If you have
any questions please do not hesitate to call us at: [phone] and ask for our technical service
department.

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

5

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

1. T o open the cover , open your tailgate and squeeze (pinch)

together the Handle Tabs in the center on the underside
of the cover. This retracts the latches and the cover is free
to roll open into the canister.

2. T o close the cover , pull on the strap to draw it back toward
the tailgate. When it is within easy reach, grasp the
handle by the hand grip and pull the cover to the latching
position against the tailgate.

3. To secure cargo under the cover in the bed simply lock
your tailgate

HELPFUL MAINTENANCE HINTS

Handle Tabs

To assure quiet, smooth operation, apply a small amount of

RAIL

SWEEP SEAL

Pace Edwards’ UV Protectant (or 303 brand protectant) to a
rag and wipe the underside of the sweep seal and the top of the
wear strip. Re-apply if the cover begins squeaking or sticking
during use. (Fig. 1)

COVER/
FABRIC PANEL

Proper care and placement of the sweep seal will ensure the
smooth operation of the cover.

It is important to open and close the cover regularly; the spring
that operates the cover is self-lubricated and regular use assures

FIG. 1

WEAR STRIP

that it stays in proper working condition.
Periodically remove the Top Cover and clean out the canister.
Drain tubes may become clogged over time and should be

Drain Tube Fitting

Retaining Tab

removed and cleaned. To remove the drain tubes reach under
the canister, grab the drain tube fi tting and turn it while applying

Canister

Washer

light downward pressure. When the retaining tabs align with
notches in the bottom of the canister the Drain Tube and Fitting

Drain Tube

will drop out. (Fig. 2 and/or Fig.7A)

FIG. 2

To help keep the SWITCHBLADE cover looking its best, we recommend washing it the same as caring for your
truck fi nish. However you should not wax your cover. Using a citrus-based vinyl cleaner and protectant such as
Pace Edwards Brand or the 303 brand will keep your cover looking like new. Alcohol, petroleum based or silicon­based UV Protectants such as Armor-All should be avoided and ARE NOT recommended for our covers. They will
cause the cover to fade more somtimes crack.

6

SWITCHBLADE® SERIES

CONGRATULATIONS!

On your purchase of a Pace Edwards Retractable Truck Bed
Cover. We are confi dent that you will get many years of trouble free service from this accessory to your truck. Please take a moment to
fi ll out the warranty registration form to activate warranty coverage of your truck bed cover.

PACE EDWARDS PRODUCT WARRANTY

PACE EDWARDS (hereinafter referred to as the MFG.) warrants each new Pace Edwards
Switchblade® retractable truck bed cover to the original owner as follows:

FOR A PERIOD OF ONE (1) YEAR FROM THE DATE THE UNIT IS DELIVERED
TO THE FIRST PURCHASER OR PLACED INTO SERVICE AS A DEMONSTRATOR
OR COMPANY UNIT:

• Delamination of the ArmorTek deck

• Failure of the Continuous Tension Spring

• All hardware and components

ITEMS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY FOR ANY PERIOD OF TIME:

• Rips, tears, or discoloration of the ArmorTek deck material

• Seals and gaskets

• Water intrusion from any source

• Dealer and/or purchaser installed parts and accessories

CERTAIN CONDITIONS WILL VOID ALL WARRANTY.

These conditions include:

• Use for any purpose other than normal private use including rental and
promotion

• Altering the retractable truck bed cover in any manner without written
approval of the MFG

• Misuse, negligence or accident

• Installation of any part or accessory without written approval from the MFG

• Failure to register this warranty with the MFG within fourteen (14) days from
date of delivery

CONDITIONS AND LIMITATIONS

This warranty is subject to certain conditions and limitations including, but not
limited to, the following:

• Any part of a Pace Edwards retractable truck bed cover that is found to be
defective under the terms of this warranty will be repaired or replaced
using either new or reconditioned parts at the discretion of the MFG.

• In determining what constitutes a failure under the terms of this warranty
the decision of the MFG shall be fi nal.

• This warranty is extended to the original purchaser only and is not
transferable to subsequent purchasers.

• The MFG does not accept any responsibility in connection with the
installation of any of its products by its dealers or agents.

• The MFG does not undertake responsibility to any purchaser for warranty
express or implied by any of its dealers, distributors or agents beyond that
which is contained herein.

• Without regard to an alleged defect of its products the MFG under
any circumstances does not assume responsibility for loss of time,
inconvenience, revenue, or other consequential damage including, but not
limited to, expenses for telephone, food, lodging, travel, loss or damage
to the vehicle the products are installed on or loss or damage to personal
property of the purchaser or user of the products.

• The MFG reserves the right to make changes in the design of, improvements
to, or warranty of its products without imposing any obligation upon itself
to provide the same for any products theretofore manufactured.

Some jurisdictions do not allow limitations on or exclusions to warranties, therefore
some of the exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty affords you specifi c legal
rights. You may have other legal rights that may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.

CLAIM PROCEDURE

If a part fails, the purchaser should return to the selling dealer to determine if the failed part is covered under the terms of this warranty. If a Warranty Claim is necessary, the dealer
will contact Pace Edwards to obtain A Return Goods Authorization. If it is impractical for the purchaser to return to the selling dealer, then the purchaser may contact the Pace Edwards
Technical Assistance Help Desk at 1-800-338-3697 to determine warranty eligibility. In either event, it is the responsibility of the purchaser to obtain a Return Goods Authorization
prior to returning the defective part to the MFG. The defective part, along with a copy of the original Bill of Sale and the Pace Edwards issued RGA #, must be returned PREPAID to Pace
Edwards Co. 2400 Commercial Blvd. Centralia, WA 98531. After determining the validity of the warranty claim, PACE EDWARDS will ship a replacement part prepaid to the customer. Labor
costs to replace defective parts are the responsibility of the purchaser.

WARRANTY REGISTRATION

Please return this completed warranty registration within 14-days to:
Or go online and register your warranty at:

www.pace-edwards.com/Warranty-Care

NAME:

ADDRESS:

CITY: PROV./STATE: PC/ZIP:

MODEL #: SERIAL #:

DATE OF PURCHASE: PURCHASED FROM: PRICE PAID:

Pace Edwards
Attn: Warranty Dept.
2400 Commercial Blvd.
Centralia, WA 98531

CUSTOMER SIGNATURE:

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

7

2400 Commercial Blvd, Centralia, WA 98531 USA Thank you for choosing products by…
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