Will a Folding Tonneau Cover Obstruct a 3rd Brake Light Mounted Backup Camera

Question:

Do they make a tri fold tonneau cover for a f250 2020 short bed that when folded I can still use my center high mt camera n see my 5th wheel hitch. Camera is in the third brake light on rear of cab

asked by: Paul

Helpful Expert Reply:

I have a solution for you and can give you a general idea, but this isn't something that is tested for because of the differences between tonneaus, trucks and 5th wheel hitch placements. Generally speaking, most tri-fold covers are going to fold over on top of the panel closest to the cab and lay flat without any obstruction to your 3rd brake light; the Lomax Hard Tonneau Cover - Folding - Aluminum - Matte Black # AB1010049 is a good example of this. However, the issue is when you start folding them up flat against the cab so that the truck bed is completely uncovered-you're going to obstruct the view of the camera in most cases. The only way to know for sure is to measure from the top of the bed to the camera location; if it's higher than 2-1/2 feet it should mean that it's high enough to allow you to see most hitches- this isn't a fail safe numbers and it will depend on the thickness of the panels.

With all of that said, you can still get the security of a hard tonneau cover with the flexibility of a fold up tonneau by going with the BAK Revolver X4s Hard Tonneau Cover - Roll Up - Aluminum and Vinyl - Matte Black # BAK99ZR. This is a roll up tonneau, so it will completely get out of the way of your hitch and not be in the way of your 3rd brake light mounted camera. This tonneau is vinyl backed by aluminum, so it provides you with the best of both worlds and really is the ideal solution for someone who wants to tow a 5th wheel, keep their truck bed secure and still keep the use of their 3rd brake light mounted backup camera.

expert reply by: Erik B