Body cover for Nissan Navara: how to choose, install and operate

Why is the body cover a critical element for the Nissan Navara?

Body cover (or hardtop) for Nissan Navara is not just an accessory, but a functional element that protects cargo from weather conditions, improves aerodynamics and even affects fuel consumption. Pickup truck owners often face a dilemma: buy a factory cover from Nissan or choose an analogue from third-party manufacturers? Original solutions, as a rule, are ideal in geometry, but their price may exceed 150,000 rubles - an amount comparable to the cost of a used car B.

In this article we will look at all the nuances: from manufacturing materials (aluminum, fiberglass, ABS plastic) to the details of installation on the model NP300 And D23. You will learn how to avoid mistakes when choosing, which fastenings are more reliable - clamp-on or rail-mounted, and why cheap Chinese covers can result in body corrosion after a year of use. And also - TOP 5 manufacturers with a comparison table of prices and guarantees.

Types of body covers for Nissan Navara: pros and cons of each

There are five main types of lids on the market, and the choice depends on your priorities: budget, weight, durability or versatility. Let's consider each option taking into account its features Navara (For example, extended base version King Cab requires special solutions).

• 🔹 Hard tops (hardtops): made of aluminum or fiberglass. Weight - from 30 to 60 kg, but provide maximum protection and tightness. Suitable for continuous use.
• 🔹 Soft roll tops: Vinyl or fabric with aluminum frame. Lightweight (5–10 kg), but vulnerable to cuts and frost. Ideal for seasonal use.
• 🔹 Folding lids: usually 3–5 sections, folded like an accordion. A compromise between protection and ease of cargo access.
• 🔹 Folding (tilt): mounted on hinges, opens backwards. Popular with hunters and fishermen for quick access.
• 🔹 Inflatable: budget option (from 8,000 rubles), but they last no more than 2-3 seasons.

For Nissan Navara D23 (2020+) with system Utili-track It is better to choose hardtops with integrated roof rails - they do not block cargo mounts. But for NP300 (2014–2019) universal models with side-rail fastening.

Cover materials: what to choose for Russian conditions?

The Russian climate dictates strict requirements for materials. For example, aluminum caps from ARB or TruXedo They do not rust, but in winter they can freeze from the inside if they are not treated with an anti-condensation compound. Fiberglass (for example, at Fiberline) is 30% lighter, but less resistant to impacts at −30°C. Let's take a closer look:

Material	Strength	Weight (using Navara as an example)	Cost (RUB)	Service life
ABS plastic	Medium (afraid of UV)	25–35 kg	20 000–45 000	3–5 years
Fiberglass	High (but fragile in cold)	30–40 kg	50 000–90 000	7–10 years
Aluminum	Maximum	45–60 kg	80 000–150 000	10+ years
Vinyl (soft covers)	Low	5–10 kg	8 000–25 000	2–4 years

Critical nuance: If you frequently transport heavy loads (like an ATV), an aluminum ribbed cover is the only option. For light loads (tools, luggage), fiberglass with UV protection.

⚠️ Attention: Cheap aluminum lids (for example, from AliExpress) are often powder coated without a primer. After a year, corrosion appears at the joints, which spreads to the body Navara. Check availability zinc soil in the product passport!

How to properly install the cover on a Nissan Navara: step-by-step instructions

Installing a hardtop on Navara takes 2–4 hours and requires a minimum set of tools: 10 and 13 socket wrenches, silicone sealant, and necessarily - assistant (lid weighs from 30 kg). Errors at this stage lead to leaks or damage to the paintwork. Follow the algorithm:

Sweep and wash the cargo bed (sand and dirt will scratch the seals)

Check the integrity of the fasteners Utili-track (for D23)

Apply protective tape to the edges of the body where it contacts the cover.

Prepare keys and a torque wrench (tightening torque - 8–10 Nm) -->

Step 1: Attaching the Rails. On the model NP300 use original brackets Nissan 999T5-VN000 (about 5,000 rubles/set). For D23 universal fit Thule TracOne. Fasten them at a distance of 120–150 mm from the edges of the body to avoid deformation.

Step 2: Installing Seals. Use 3M Scotch-Weld for gluing joints. On Navara with factory protection Spray-on Bedliner seals must be attached to liquid nails — adhesion to rubber is weaker.

Step 3: Cover Installation. Start at the back, then align to the center. Check the gaps: they should be the same (1–2 mm) around the entire perimeter. If the cover not originalmay require adjustment with a file.

What to do if the lid does not close?

If after installation the cover touches the rear lights Navara, check:

1) Correct installation of the front brackets (they often move when tightened).

2) Body geometry - after an accident or overload, the platform may be deformed.

3) The presence of additional elastic bands on the hinges (sometimes they forget to remove them after transportation).

TOP 5 manufacturers of covers for Nissan Navara: comparison and reviews

Five brands are leaders in the Russian market, but their products differ greatly in quality. For example, ARB (Australia) offers lids with built-in ventilation system, which is important for humid climates, and TruXedo (USA) specializes in soft roll tops with automatic tension. Let's compare them based on key parameters:

• 🏆 ARB: aluminum, weight 50 kg, price 120,000–150,000 rub. Plus - lifetime warranty for corrosion. The downside is long delivery (3-4 weeks).
• 💰 TruXedo Pro X15: soft cover with aluminum frame, 15 kg, 60,000–75,000 rub. Ideal for Navara Double Cab.
• 🔧 Fiberline: fiberglass, 35 kg, 70,000–90,000 rub. Popular in Siberia for its frost resistance.
• 🚗 Nissan Original: only for D23, 65 kg, 140,000–180,000 rub. Exact fit, but high price.
• ⚠️ No-Name (China): ABS plastic, 20 kg, 15,000–30,000 rub. Risk of body corrosion after 1–2 years.

Exceptional fact: covers ARB for Navara NP300 have a certificate IP67 - they can withstand immersion in water for 30 minutes. This is relevant for fishermen and hunters who cross fords.

⚠️ Attention: When purchasing a cover Nissan Original check the article! For Navara D23 2020–2023 fits 999T5-VN025, and for the restyled version of 2026 - 999T5-VN026. Installing the wrong model will result in mismatched fasteners.

Care and operation: how to extend the life of the body cover?

Even the most expensive cover will not last long if you do not follow simple rules. For example, high pressure washing (Kärcher) destroys the seals over time, and use of wax on plastic lids leads to clouding. Here is a care checklist:

• 🧼 Wash the lid once a month soft sponge with car shampoo (for example, Karcher RM 539). Avoid brushes!
• 🔧 Lubricate hinges and locks WD-40 every 3,000 km (especially before winter).
• ☀️ Apply UV protection spray on plastic lids every 6 months (e.g. 303 Aerospace Protectant).
• ❄️ Clear the snow in winter plastic spatulaso as not to scratch the coating.

For Navara with electric lock drive (optional on D23 Tekna) it is important to check the tightness of the connectors. Moisture getting into the control unit costs 20,000–30,000 rubles. repair.

Common problems and how to avoid them

Even original lids have “childhood diseases”. For example, at Nissan Navara D23 with factory hardtop sometimes tinting is peeling off on the rear window due to temperature changes. And for aluminum lids ARB maybe ice the castle in winter, if not treated defrost. Let's look at typical problems:

Problem	Reason	Solution
Leaks in corners	Worn seals or improper installation	Replace rubber bands with EPDM (For example, Metzger 6020)
Creak when moving	Friction of the cover on the body due to deformation	Adjust brackets or install spacers
Corrosion under the cover	Condensation due to lack of ventilation	Install valves ARB Vent Kit (3,500 rub.)
Cracked glass	Shock or overload (for example, snow in winter)	Replacement with tempered glass (from 12,000 rub.)

If you often drive off-road, install additional fasteners (For example, Raptor Series Straps). They will prevent the cover from moving due to strong vibrations.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions about covers for Nissan Navara

Is it possible to install the cover from NP300 on D23?

No, due to different body dimensions. NP300 has a platform width of 1,560 mm, and D23 — 1,580 mm. The fastenings are also different. Utili-track. The exception is universal soft lids (for example, TruXedo Lo Pro QT), but they require modification of the brackets.

How much weight can the aluminum lid support?

Depends on model: ARB — up to 200 kg of evenly distributed load, Nissan Original - up to 150 kg. Excessive load leads to deformation of the hinges. To transport motorcycles or ATVs, use additional racks (for example, Thule Xsporter Pro).

Do I need to register the cover with the traffic police?

Yes, if it changes the dimensions of the car (for example, it protrudes beyond the rear bumper). For Nissan Navara with a factory cover, registration is not required, since it is included in the title. Analogs from third-party manufacturers must be included in the documents if their height exceeds 200 mm from the body level.

How to deal with condensation inside the lid?

Install ventilation valves (For example, ARB Vent Kit) or use desiccants (silica gel). Treating the inside surface of the lid also helps. anti-condensation spray (For example, Liqui Moly Anti-Fog).

Can the cover be painted to match the body color?

Yes, but only in specialized centers. Plastic lids are painted acrylic paints with primer, aluminum - by powder method. The cost of painting is from 15,000 rubles. Important: after painting the cover loses its warranty (if it had one).