Truck Bed Authority


August 23, 2025

Colorado Folding Covers: Quick Access Meets Tough Protection

Colorado roads amendment personalities with the seasons. One weekend you bounce up a rutted wooded area road to a campsite above treeline, a better you snake as a result of urban traffic with a mattress complete of tools and a mountain motorbike hanging off the hitch. A tonneau quilt that flourishes here wishes to do three issues well: lock out prying arms, seal opposed to the variety of sideways rain the Front Range focuses on, and open speedy in case you desire the complete bed. That is the candy spot for a Colorado folding hide, and why such a lot of truck house owners, from Chevy Colorado to Ford F-150 and Tacoma drivers, grow to be leaning on a folding layout.

I even have hooked up more tonneau covers than I can count, from vinyl roll-usato aluminum plank retractables. The styles repeat: employees prefer safeguard with out sacrificing the talent to haul a washing machine on short observe. They would like much less wind drag, fewer moist cardboard boxes, and a cleaner look. The distinctions come all the way down to material, hinge layout, clamping platforms, and how nicely the duvet plays together with your culture. The relax of this piece explores the ones alternate-offs, using precise important points that count number whilst you stay with a truck, now not just admire it inside the driveway.

Why a folding tonneau earns its keep

A folding tonneau cowl is a series of panels that hinge forward. Tri-fold is the normal structure, however quad-fold and coffee-profile multi-panel designs exist. The magic lies in get entry to. You can flip one phase to seize a trucks with bed covers instrument box close the tailgate. If you desire 0.5 the bed, stack two panels. For that occasional run to decide upon up a snow blower or load a dirt motorcycle, fold it your entire method forward and relaxed it upright. It’s quicker than a mushy roll-up and less demanding than a retractable. When performed perfect, it sits low, seals tight, and locks with the tailgate.

On trucks like the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon, the mattress size and cab-to-axle proportions make a Colorado folding disguise enormously life like. You get factual climate resistance devoid of adding lots weight, and also you avert the fee and complexity of a canister-based mostly retractable. Owners of extensive rigs see the similar blessings. Whether you’re searching for a Ford F-a hundred and fifty tonneau disguise, a Ram 1500 tonneau cover, or a Toyota Tacoma tonneau disguise, folding designs provide a constant blend of swift get entry to and powerful insurance plan.

Materials topic more than marketing

Walk the aisle of Tonneau Covers for sale and you will see a handful of components show up persistently. The middle choices pressure durability, weight, and price, and that they identify how the canopy behaves after a iciness hurricane or a summer time of UV exposure.

Aluminum panels dominate the difficult folding type. Think powder-coated aluminum skins around a inflexible core. They resist dents from hail bigger than fiberglass and weigh much less than you may be expecting. An aluminum tonneau canopy quite often slide and lock bed cover supports 300 to four hundred kilos of disbursed weight. That doesn’t imply you must always sit on it at a tailgate party, however it would shrug off a heavy snow load, which issues at 8,000 feet in January. If you need a Silverado tough hide or a Super Duty truck bed conceal that stands up to ladders sliding across the appropriate, aluminum is a sturdy bet.

Fiberglass has a devoted following for one-piece tonneau covers, in which the entire mattress gets a unmarried, sculpted lid. Fiberglass tonneau cover alternatives carry paint-matched aesthetics and a sleek, automobile-like end. They additionally add factual weight. A one-piece tonneau hide looks desirable on a Tundra truck mattress disguise or a Sierra, however it kills the quick-get entry to competencies. You get a vast-open mattress or a closed mattress, not equally within the comparable afternoon with no lifting a heavy lid. If your truck lives a convey life, fiberglass works. For mixed-use hauling, folding aluminum wins.

Vinyl and cloth-situated tops define the delicate folding and roll-up class. A Ford F-150 tender hide in exceptional vinyl resists UV cracking for years, offered you shop it sparkling and conditioned. Soft folding types weigh very little and expense much less than arduous opposite numbers. The flip part is puncture resistance and security. A box cutter beats any vinyl tonneau, so for those who park in a single day with equipment internal, a tender tonneau canopy can think like a guideline in place of a lock. For many vendors, certainly on a Ranger bed conceal or Tacoma mattress disguise, the goal is weather protection and bigger aerodynamics, no longer complete protection, which makes tender covers a fee play.

Hard vs. comfortable, tri-fold vs. roll-up, retractable vs. one-piece

This is in which true-international use trumps the spec sheet. I’ve noticed folk purchase a retractable tonneau disguise for their Ram 1500 since it seemed slick, then lose 5 inches of mattress period to the canister and comprehend their ATV not fits with the tailgate closed. I’ve also viewed tradespeople grasp a soft roll-up as it’s low-cost, then get frustrated after they desire to re-anxiety it after each and every temperature swing.

Hard tonneau cover designs in tri-fold form hit a candy spot. You get locking defense when paired with a locking tailgate, first rate snow load skill, and the capacity to fold ahead in seconds. A Ford pickup tonneau disguise in laborious tri-fold style most commonly installs with clamps and calls for no drilling. Same goes for a Ram truck bed cowl or a Silverado truck mattress duvet. The money sits midrange as compared to a retractable, and upkeep is minimal.

Soft folding tonneau covers shine on rate and weight. A Dodge Ram gentle conceal or Sierra smooth tonneau cowl installs in mins, might possibly be removed through one man or women, and doesn’t crowd the bed. If you generally haul tall gifts and you don’t leave valuables in the bed, gentle folding makes experience. Keep in thoughts that tender seals rely upon rigidity. After a cold the front, assume to tweak the latches to stay issues cushty.

Roll-up tonneau hide designs offer complete-mattress get entry to with out stacking panels in opposition to the rear window. On lengthy road journeys wherein you desire the bed clean for motorcycles and coolers, a roll-up is unobtrusive. The greatest examples use aluminum slats wrapped in a vinyl skin. Fully delicate roll-ups value less, however they require extra fuss to align and safe. If your truck is a every day hauler, a roll-up can feel like a further step on every occasion you would like to load a cooler.

Retractable tonneau disguise methods blend protection and ease. Slide open a locked aluminum plank canopy, quit it anywhere alongside the rails, and have fun with partial get right of entry to. For those that load and sell off all day, like contractors in a Super Duty or Ram 2500 tonneau hide setup, retractables are helpful. The industry-offs are payment, further bed bulk from the canister, and extra transferring ingredients to protect. Ice can lock them up after a storm. If one could park in a garage otherwise you live in milder climate, retractable makes a superior argument.

One-piece tonneau covers take a seat on any other conclusion of the spectrum. They glance faultless on a exhibit-waiting F-one hundred fifty bed canopy or Tundra mushy hide competitor’s slot, assuming paint-event and fitment are on level. Gas struts make lifting more convenient, yet you still decide to all-or-nothing get admission to. Loading a stack of lumber with a canopy overhead turns into a puzzle. I basically recommend one-piece lids when the owner values aesthetics and weatherproofing over flexible hauling.

Weather, wind, and water: how nicely do they seal?

No tonneau is surely water resistant. The ideal that you may hope for is a waterproof tonneau quilt inside the marketing experience, which mostly approach water-resistant with careful set up. Expect just a few tablespoons of water after a force wash, or for the duration of a wind-pushed hurricane, rather close the tailgate. Folding tonneau hide designs with built-in perimeter seals and gasketed hinges practice more effective in sideways rain.

On a Chevy Colorado tonneau canopy, I’ve seen challenging folding approaches with EPDM compression seals retailer equipment dry because of spring downpours. The secret's guidance. Clean the bed rails absolutely, cast off vintage adhesive from earlier equipment, and observe the covered foam or rubber shims the place the rails step down. If your truck has a sprig-in liner that’s thick close the tailgate, you might want a further shim. The hole between tailgate and mattress is the same old leak course. Some brands embody a tailgate seal. If now not, a customary tailgate seal kit is affordable and helps on any Ford Ranger tonneau canopy, GMC Sierra mattress cowl, or Ram 1500 exhausting disguise.

Wind noise varies with profile and pressure. Low-profile, flush-mount tough covers sit down in the rails and in most cases trip quiet at toll road speeds. Top-mount soft covers can hum if the canvas loosens. After every week of thermal cycles, recheck clamps. A exact tensioned Ford F-150 laborious tonneau conceal runs quiet even at 80 mph, whilst a unfastened vinyl major will flap like a sail.

Security that on the contrary deters

Locking tonneau duvet claims should be would becould very well be confusing. Many folding covers don’t have a separate key. They place confidence in the verifiable truth that when the quilt is closed and latched, and the tailgate is locked, the latches are shielded. That creates a protected formula with out the limitation of an additional key, supplied your tailgate locks. If your truck has remote locking, you get the convenience of 1-click safety.

Hard folding covers crafted from aluminum with inner support beams resist prying. Mounting things here. Rails that clamp below the mattress lip and interact in multiple issues close to the tailgate lessen flex. I’ve obvious more cost-effective covers in which a thief pried up a corner close the tailgate with a screwdriver. With heavier hardware and a stronger latch layout, that trick fails. Soft covers, regardless of a locking tailgate, remain effortless to reduce. If you carry work methods or camera gear, opt a rough panel system. Owners of Silverado laborious cover setups or Ram 1500 difficult quilt builds traditionally pair the canopy with a locking toolbox in entrance of the wheel wells for layered defense.

Real-global fitment notes from the deploy bay

Measure your truck’s mattress twice, then check the brand’s fitment chart. Sounds noticeable except you uncover your Tacoma has a composite mattress with unique clamp zones, or your F-one hundred fifty has a manufacturing facility mattress rail leadership device that conflicts with traditional clamps. Ford, GM, Ram, and Toyota every single be offering accessory rails and tie-down tracks that once in a while require exclusive brackets. A Toyota Tundra tonneau cover would want T-slot adapters, when a GMC Canyon bed duvet might also require low-profile clamps to clear a ladder rack.

Bed liners complicate things. Drop-in liners add thickness lower than the rails and might make clamp jaws take a seat on plastic rather then steel. Always lower liner notches or use spacers so the clamp bites the metal bed lip. Spray-in liners are simpler. A Ram 2500 tonneau hide with a thick spray-in close the tailgate could need a tailgate seal to near the distance. On older trucks, rust or bent rails can save you a super seal, and no volume of weatherstripping will beat a warped mattress rail.

If you run a motorcycle rack that clamps to the tailgate or a mattress-hooked up tent, think ofyou've got how the tonneau opens. A tri-fold that stacks opposed to the cab can intervene with a cab-over tent annex. Retractable covers forestall any place, which plays enhanced with quick lots. A Tri-fold tonneau conceal nevertheless wins for simplicity, yet part circumstances exist, and it’s easier to devise now than to change covers later.

How a folding duvet ameliorations on a daily basis life

The first factor you detect is purifier air within the bed. Without a duvet, turbulence whips dust far and wide, in particular on dirt roads. Close the quilt and the airflow smooths out. That capacity less fantastic grime on tenting gear and fewer soaked tarps. Aerodynamics beef up too. The honestly gas economic climate advantage varies, however on a V8 Sierra I carrier, the owner sees a constant 0.five to at least one.0 mpg benefit at street speeds with the canopy closed. On a midsize Colorado or Tacoma, the bump is an identical or relatively bigger in view that the relative drag discount is a bigger percent.

A arduous folding cover additionally turns the bed right into a locked trunk. Stash mountain climbing ropes, a transportable grill, or instruments with no dragging a cab organizer in every single place. I stay a long shovel, a tow strap, and a collection of traction boards lower than a difficult folding hide by myself truck all wintry weather. They dwell clear and well prepared, and I don’t worry approximately them jogging away once I run into a grocery save.

The flip edge is top. If you incessantly hold tall hundreds, you are going to open and shut the cover quite a bit. Good latches make that trivial. Poor latches turn it into a nuisance. This is why I decide on designs the place you would pop the rear panel with a unmarried pull wire near the tailgate and fold forward devoid of walking round the truck. Equally terrific is the skill to put off the accomplished hide with no resources. Some brands help you loosen two entrance knobs and raise the assembly off. If you circulation furnishings on weekends, that subjects.

Specific truck notes: Ford, GM, Ram, Toyota

Ford F-a hundred and fifty vehicles converted mattress stamping in contemporary edition years. When purchasing for a Ford F-a hundred and fifty tonneau quilt, make certain the style 12 months and whether you've got the Pro Power Onboard outlets, which is able to influence the more healthy across the front wall of the mattress. An F-a hundred and fifty bed disguise that sits low seems fine with the truck’s chamfered mattress caps, and maximum principal brands healthy cleanly with or without the factory tie-down method. If you prefer a Ford F-150 tender canopy for value and weight, trust a mannequin with a immediate-clamp tensioner to deal with temperature shifts.

For the Ford Ranger tonneau quilt, the shorter bed and tapered rails suggest clamp positioning is tight. I counsel test-installing the rail quit caps prior to sticking any adhesive weatherstrip so you can alter for a uniform gap along the tailgate. Most Ranger mattress disguise customers lean exhausting folding for safety, because the Ranger traditionally serves double obligation as a piece and weekend truck.

Chevy Silverado tonneau cowl traders have extra length choices. Long-mattress vans get advantages from low-profile designs to keep away from a “sail” look. A Silverado truck mattress hide paired with stake pocket covers keeps water from sneaking in simply by the rear pockets. GMC Sierra mattress hide selections reflect Silverado, and a Silverado onerous duvet or Sierra difficult components with matte black panels pairs properly with modern day trim. If you need a Sierra mushy tonneau hide for occasional use, ensure that the bows arc top satisfactory to shed snow.

Chevy Colorado tonneau duvet owners primarily want midweight strategies. A Colorado folding duvet in not easy tri-fold variety suits the truck’s project: agile, competent, no longer overbuilt. For a GMC Canyon mattress conceal, the similar applies. Watch for mattress lights kits that run along the rail. Route the clamp places to sidestep pinching wires.

Ram 1500 tonneau duvet decisions embody alternatives that integrate with the RamBox bedside storage. If you could have RamBox, you want a specific rail shape. A Ram 1500 demanding hide with low profile seals cleanly along the RamBox lids, but no longer every manufacturer fits. For a well-liked bed, a Dodge Ram mattress cover in tri-fold style affords the most fulfilling everyday combination. The Ram 2500 tonneau hide crowd normally runs bigger tires and lifts, which raises wind publicity. A laborious folding conceal with strong rear latches resists lift at interstate speeds. If you adore the proposal of a Ram retractable hide, verify the canister size and how it influences fifth-wheel or gooseneck use.

Toyota Tacoma demanding tonneau canopy purchasers must take care of the composite bed and deck rail system. The adapter equipment isn't always elective. Done accurate, a Tacoma mattress conceal seals well and still lets you use the sliding cleats. For the Toyota Tundra tonneau canopy, the new new release’s bed dimensions differ, so mannequin-year accuracy things. A Tundra tender conceal is a good short-time period solution, however householders who keep gear quite often step up to a hard folding design. Any Toyota pickup mattress cowl could account for the tailgate help dampers while putting in seals.

On installation, maintenance, and winter survival

Covers ship with clamps, rails, seals, and the panel assembly. A generic set up takes 30 to 90 minutes. Two individuals make alignment easier, notably after you flow the panel over the rails and midsection it. Before tightening clamps, shut the duvet and tailgate to allow the seals settle, then tighten. If your truck has a sprig-in liner, take a look at the tailgate shut with a dollar invoice at quite a few aspects. If the bill slides actually, you want additional tailgate seal.

Winter exposes weaknesses. Ice forms in hinge gaps and alongside seals. The first time you attempt to open a frozen disguise, face up to the urge to force it. Use a plastic trim software to lift the the front fringe of the seal and wreck the bond. A little silicone-trustworthy rubber conditioner wiped alongside the seals in the fall reduces freeze adhesion. For a retractable cowl, save the canister clear of leaves and grit. For a folding duvet, rinse road salt out of the hinge location whilst the climate breaks. Aluminum holds up, but the hardware continues to be metal. A rapid mist of corrosion inhibitor on clamp bolts in October will pay off in March.

Maintenance is straightforward. Wash with motor vehicle cleaning soap, avoid harsh solvents, and when you have a vinyl ideal, use a UV protectant about a times a 12 months. Check clamp torque two times a year, especially after a protracted grime-road season. If you notice water creeping in more than long-established, look into the tailgate seal first. It’s almost perpetually the tailgate.

Budgeting and the place to spend

Prices differ by means of company and materials. A solid tender folding tonneau begins in the low hundreds and hundreds. A mid-tier difficult tri-fold in aluminum in the main falls in the mid-enormous quantities to round 1000, based on truck measurement and beneficial properties. Retractable covers run upper, once in a while properly north of a grand, certainly for aluminum slat designs with integrated locks and faraway operation.

Where does the cash move? Panel stiffness, hinge layout, latch great, and seals. A cheap challenging cowl can flex and placed more strain on clamps. Better designs use internal ribs and thicker skins. Latches deserve to engage solidly with a metal strike, no longer a plastic tab. Seals should be replaceable. If you upgrade vans every two years, a price range cover makes feel. If you prevent a truck for a decade, invest once. When a customer with a 2016 Tacoma upgraded his gentle roll-as much as a challenging folding conceal after a theft, the rate change among mid-tier and appropriate-tier offered him more suitable latches and a nicer finish that still appears new after six winters.

When water-proof virtually matters

If you haul digicam tools, contraptions, or whatever that hates moisture, you can be tempted by the water-resistant label. Here’s the fair take: call it water resistant, even on prime-end covers. For exact waterproofing, positioned sensitive goods inner a dry field and then less than the duvet. With that strategy, a folding hard cover does colossal, even in the course of spring storms on I-70. You also scale down filth intrusion, which is a hidden enemy of electronics. In every day use, that you would be able to anticipate a good-established folding cowl on a Colorado or Canyon to avert luggage, groceries, and equipment dry simply by essentially something short of a vehicle wash blast promptly on the tailgate gap.

The small main points that separate keepers from headaches

Two elements always make life less difficult. First, slam latches on either facets of the rear panel, hooked up by an internal rod, so that you can open the quilt from both area with a unmarried pull. Second, prop rods or automobile-positions that dangle the stacked panels upright close the cab, paired with bumpers so that they don’t tap the glass. Magnetic or clip-in prop rods are advantageous. Elastic straps get historic swift and will slap the cab at velocity once you disregard to trustworthy them.

Low-profile rails that tuck throughout the bed caps look cleanser and acquire much less snow. Powder coat in matte black hides fingerprints and dust. Textured finishes face up to scratches from sliding boxes. If your truck sees lumber and stone, texture wins over gloss. LED rail lighting are a nice touch for night time loading, but which you can add them later with adhesive strips tied into the cargo faded circuit.

A quick, practical selection guide

  • If you choose optimum defense with out the can charge and complexity of a retractable, prefer a onerous folding aluminum tri-fold for your F-one hundred fifty, Ram 1500, Silverado, Sierra, Tacoma, Tundra, or Colorado.
  • If you often choose weather upkeep and more suitable mileage at the bottom settlement, settle upon a soft folding or roll-up vinyl tonneau for mild-duty use.
  • If you load and unload all day and prefer partial opening positions, evaluate a retractable duvet, yet investigate canister area within the mattress first.
  • If you care maximum approximately a modern, paint-matched seem to be and infrequently haul tall cargo, a one-piece fiberglass tonneau matches that purpose.
  • If you reside with heavy snow or park outside, prefer hard panels with strong seals and hinges, and plan for sensible winter renovation.

Final innovations from the field

Driver after driving force ends up in the identical place: a folding onerous disguise that locks with the tailgate and opens in seconds. On a Chevy Colorado, that option feels well-nigh objective constructed. The truck remains nimble, the mattress becomes a lockable trunk, and you don’t cease the capability to haul tall rather a lot on a random Saturday. The similar common sense holds for a Ford F-one hundred fifty, a Ram 1500, or a Toyota Tacoma. Different badges, equal practicality.

A tonneau canopy is one of the few components that adjustments how you use a truck daily. It encourages improved corporation, assists in keeping your apparatus cleaner, and quiets the bed at speed. The highest quality ones disappear into your pursuits, which is the highest locking pickup bed covers compliment a section of equipment can earn. Choose material that match your weather, opt for a design that respects how you simply haul, and be aware of the small hardware facts. Do that, and your folding disguise will believe much less like an accessory and greater like section of the truck.

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Tonneau Covers - Gexhaust Auto Parts

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Frequently Asked Questions About Tonneau Covers

What is a tonneau cover?

A tonneau cover is a hard or soft cover that fits over your truck bed to protect cargo from weather, theft, and UV damage. Unlike truck caps, tonneau covers are flush with your pickup bed and designed to fit perfectly, transforming your truck bed into a secure, trunk-like storage space.

How much do tonneau covers cost?

Tonneau cover prices range from $160 to $4,200 depending on the type and features. Soft roll-up covers start around $250-$500, hard folding covers range from $800-$1,500, and premium retractable covers can cost $2,000-$4,200. The price varies based on materials, security features, and brand quality.

Are tonneau covers easy to install?

Yes, most tonneau covers are very easy to install and require no drilling. They typically come fully assembled with clamp-on mechanisms that attach to your truck bed rails. Installation usually takes 10-30 minutes with basic hand tools and can be done by one person following the included instructions.

What's the difference between hard and soft tonneau covers?

Hard tonneau covers are made of aluminum, fiberglass, or composite materials, offering superior security, weather resistance, and durability but cost more. Soft covers are made of vinyl or cloth, are more affordable and lightweight, but provide less security and weather protection. Hard covers are better for valuable cargo, while soft covers are ideal for basic weather protection.

Do tonneau covers improve gas mileage?

Yes, tonneau covers can improve gas mileage by up to 10% by reducing aerodynamic drag. They prevent air from flowing into your truck bed, which creates turbulence and resistance. Roll-up covers provide the best fuel economy benefits due to their lighter weight and streamlined design.

Are tonneau covers waterproof?

Most tonneau covers are water-resistant rather than completely waterproof. Premium models with quality seals minimize water intrusion significantly, but some moisture may still enter during heavy rain, especially around the tailgate area. Hard covers with overlapping designs typically offer better water resistance than soft covers.

How do I measure my truck bed for a tonneau cover?

Measure from the bulkhead (against the cab) to the inside of the tailgate. Tonneau covers are sized in feet, so a 62.7-inch measurement would be a 5'3" cover. There's typically 1-2 inches of wiggle room, so round to the nearest manufacturer size. Most covers are model-specific for the best fit.

Can I use my tailgate normally with a tonneau cover?

Yes, tonneau covers allow for normal tailgate operation when both open and closed. Quality covers are designed to accommodate tailgate movement without interference. Some electronic tailgates may require slightly higher rail mounting to eliminate interference, but functionality remains intact.

Do tonneau covers work with toolboxes?

Some tonneau covers are compatible with over-the-rail toolboxes (19-21 inches), while others are not. Toolbox edition covers are specifically designed to work with most standard toolboxes. Under-the-rail and in-bed toolboxes generally don't interfere with tonneau cover installation.

What's the best tonneau cover for security?

Hard covers offer the best security, especially one-piece hinged and retractable styles with locking mechanisms. Aluminum and fiberglass covers with integrated locks provide maximum protection for valuable tools and equipment. Soft vinyl covers can be cut and offer minimal security against theft.

How do I clean and maintain my tonneau cover?

Clean tonneau covers with mild liquid soap and water. For vinyl covers, use UV protectant products periodically to prevent fading and cracking. Avoid citrus or petroleum-based products. Lubricate hinges and moving parts with manufacturer-recommended lubricants, and inspect seals regularly for wear.

Can tonneau covers handle snow and cold weather?

Yes, quality tonneau covers can endure heavy snowfall and extreme cold. UV-protected vinyl stays flexible to -40°F, and covers are tested under all weather conditions. Remove snow loads carefully and avoid forcing mechanisms when frozen. Aluminum and fiberglass covers handle weather extremes particularly well.

What's the difference between tri-fold and quad-fold covers?

Tri-fold covers have 3 panels and when fully open, take up one-third of your truck bed space. Quad-fold covers have 4 panels, are more expensive, but provide more cargo space when opened since each panel is smaller. Quad-fold covers offer better access for larger items.

Are retractable tonneau covers worth the extra cost?

Retractable tonneau covers offer maximum convenience with quick bed access but cost significantly more ($2,000-$4,200). They're worth it for frequent users who need easy cargo access. The canister takes up bed space near the cab, and manual versions require more maintenance than folding covers.

Do I need professional installation for a tonneau cover?

Professional installation isn't necessary for most tonneau covers as they're designed for DIY installation. However, professional installation ensures proper fit, prevents damage, and may be required for warranty coverage on premium models. Complex retractable covers might benefit from professional installation.