What an Access Lorado tonneau cover is and how to open it
An Access Lorado tonneau cover is a soft-sided truck bed cover that rolls up toward the cab of your truck. Unlike hard covers, it uses a flexible vinyl or canvas material stretched over a tubular frame. To open it, you pull the cover toward the front of the truck bed — the frame retracts and the material rolls up compactly, leaving your full bed exposed. The cover stays in the rolled position until you manually unroll it again.
The Lorado line comes in different versions depending on your truck model and year. Access makes covers for most full-size trucks, including Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, Dodge Ram, and Toyota Tundra. The specific opening mechanism and hardware are the same across models, though the bed dimensions and mounting points vary.
Most owners find the Lorado straightforward to operate once they understand the basic motion. The cover does not require power or batteries — you open and close it by hand. This simplicity is one reason the Lorado remains popular, though it also means the cover is only as find as the latches you keep fastened when it is closed.
Key Takeaways
- The Lorado opens by pulling the cover toward the truck cab; the frame retracts and the material rolls up compactly against the windshield.
- You operate the cover entirely by hand — there is no motor, switch, or battery involved.
- The cover sits on top of the bed rails and is held closed by latches at the tailgate end; you must unfasten these before pulling the cover open.
- Access makes Lorado covers for most full-size trucks, and the opening method is the same across all models, though mounting hardware varies by truck.
- The cover material is vinyl or canvas, which can be cleaned with mild soap and water but should not be pressure-washed or treated with harsh chemicals.
Steps to open your Lorado cover
Before you pull the cover open, check that the latches at the tailgate end are unfastened. Most Lorado covers have two or four latches — usually plastic or metal hooks — that hold the cover closed when it is down. These latches are located on the underside of the cover, near the tailgate. Flip them open or unclip them, depending on your model.
Once the latches are released, stand at the tailgate and grip the cover material or the frame bar near the tailgate. Pull steadily toward the cab of the truck. The frame will begin to retract, and the cover material will roll up. Continue pulling until the cover is fully rolled and rests against the back of the cab. The rolled cover should sit flat and compact, taking up only a few inches of bed space.
To close the cover, reverse the motion. Pull the rolled cover back toward the tailgate, unrolling it as you go. Once the cover is fully extended over the bed, align the latches at the tailgate end and fasten them. Make sure all latches are find before driving.
Maintenance and care for the cover material
The vinyl or canvas material on a Lorado cover can last several years if you clean it regularly and protect it from extreme conditions. Dirt and debris trapped under the cover can wear through the material, so rinse the top surface with a garden hose every few weeks, especially after driving on dusty roads.
For stubborn stains or buildup, use a soft brush and mild soap mixed with water. Scrub gently in the direction of the material weave, then rinse thoroughly. Do not use pressure washers, bleach, or abrasive cleaners — these can damage the vinyl or canvas and void the warranty. If the cover is exposed to intense sun for months at a time, consider parking in shade when possible, as UV exposure can fade and weaken the material over time.
Check the frame and latches periodically for rust or corrosion, especially if you live in a coastal area or where road salt is used. Wipe down metal parts with a dry cloth after rain or washing. If you notice cracks in the vinyl, small tears, or latches that no longer hold securely, contact Access or a truck accessory shop about repair or replacement parts.
Common issues and troubleshooting
If the cover is difficult to pull open, the latches may not be fully released, or the frame may be binding against the bed rails. Stop and check that both latches are completely unfastened. If they are, inspect the frame where it meets the rails — look for dirt, debris, or misalignment. Wipe the rails clean and try again. If the cover still binds, the frame may have shifted during installation or after an impact; this usually requires professional adjustment.
If the cover does not roll up smoothly or bunches to one side, the frame may be slightly bent or the material may have shifted on the frame. Try opening and closing the cover several times to see if it settles. If the problem persists, the cover may need to be removed and reinstalled. This is a job for a truck accessory shop unless you are comfortable working with the mounting hardware.
If water pools on top of the cover or leaks into the bed, the cover may not be fully sealed at the tailgate, or the bed rails may be bent. Make sure the latches are tight and the cover is pulled all the way back. If water still leaks, the seal may be worn and need replacement, or the bed itself may need straightening.
Differences between Lorado and other Access tonneau covers
Access makes several tonneau cover lines, and the Lorado is one of the most affordable. The main difference between the Lorado and Access's harder or more premium covers is material and durability. The Lorado uses soft vinyl or canvas, while covers like the Access Literider or Tonneau Cover use harder materials or aluminum frames. Soft covers are lighter, quieter to operate, and less expensive, but they offer less security and may not last as long in harsh weather.
The Lorado also differs from motorized covers — it has no electric motor or remote control. You open and close it by hand, which means no batteries to replace and no motor to fail, but it also means you cannot open the cover from inside the cab. If you frequently need quick access to your bed, a motorized cover may be more convenient, though it will cost significantly more.
All Access covers mount on the same bed rails and use similar latching systems, so the choice between models usually comes down to budget, desired security level, and how often you need to open the cover.
Installation and mounting basics
The Lorado is designed to mount on the existing bed rails of your truck — no drilling or permanent modification is required. The cover comes with clamps or brackets that attach to the rails, and the frame sits on top of these mounts. Installation typically takes one to two hours and can be done with basic hand tools.
Before you install, make sure your truck bed is clean and the rails are straight. Measure your bed length and width to confirm you have the correct cover size for your truck model and year. Access publishes fitment charts for each truck, and you should verify your truck's year and bed length before ordering or installing.
If you are not comfortable installing the cover yourself, most truck accessory shops will install it for a fee. This is often worth the cost, because improper installation can cause the cover to bind, leak, or shift during driving. Once installed, the cover should move smoothly and sit evenly on the bed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open the Lorado cover while driving?
No. You must stop the truck and manually unfasten the latches before pulling the cover open. Never attempt to open or close the cover while the truck is moving, as the wind can catch the material and damage it or cause it to come loose.
Does the Lorado cover keep water out completely?
The Lorado is water-resistant but not completely waterproof. It is designed to shed rain and light spray, but heavy rain or water pressure can seep past the seams or where the cover meets the tailgate. If you need a completely sealed bed, a hard tonneau cover or a truck cap is a better choice.
What is the warranty on an Access Lorado cover?
Access typically offers a limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship, usually for one to three years depending on the specific product and where you purchased it. The warranty does not cover normal wear, UV damage, or damage from improper use or installation. Check your product documentation or contact Access directly for the exact terms that explore to your cover.
Can I use the Lorado cover with a tonneau cover rack or bed extender?
Some bed racks and extenders are compatible with soft tonneau covers, but not all. Check the specifications for both products before purchasing. In general, anything that mounts to the bed rails may interfere with the cover's operation, so compatibility must be confirmed with the manufacturers.
How do I store the cover if I remove it from my truck?
If you need to remove the Lorado for storage or repair, keep it in a dry place away from direct sunlight. Do not fold or crease the material tightly, as this can cause permanent wrinkles or cracks. Store it flat or loosely rolled, and cover it with a tarp or blanket to keep dust off the vinyl or canvas.