Owners Nissan Navara They know: this pickup truck is designed for serious loads, but even its body needs protection. A cargo compartment cover is not just an accessory, but a necessary element that extends the life of the metal, protects the cargo from the weather and gives the car a finished look. However, choosing a model among dozens of proposals can turn into a headache: aluminum or fiberglass? Hard or soft? Brand solutions or universal ones?

In this article we will look at all criteria for choosing a cover for Navara - from compatibility with generations D40 And NP300 to the nuances of do-it-yourself installation. We’ll also tell you how to avoid typical operating mistakes that shorten the service life of the accessory by 2–3 times. For example, did you know that 90% of cracks in plastic covers are caused by improper fastening when driving off-road?

Which covers are suitable for Nissan Navara: types and materials

The first thing the owner faces Navara - a variety of types of lids. They can be divided into three main categories:

  • 🔹 Hard caps - made of aluminum, fiberglass or ABS plastic. They provide maximum cargo and body protection, but weigh more and cost more.
  • 🔹 Soft (awning) - made of rubberized fabric or vinyl. Lightweight, inexpensive, but inferior in strength and sound insulation.
  • 🔹 Roll tops - a type of soft lid with a twisting mechanism. Convenient for frequent access to the cargo compartment.

The material directly affects price, weight and durability. Let's look at the pros and cons of each:

Material Benefits Disadvantages Average service life
Aluminum Durable, corrosion resistant, premium look High price, weight, risk of dents due to impacts 10+ years
Fiberglass Lightweight, UV resistant, does not rust May crack in the cold, more expensive than plastic 7–12 years
ABS plastic Low price, light weight, easy installation Fades in the sun, brittle at sub-zero temperatures 3–5 years
Vinyl/awning The most budget option, lightweight, does not scratch the body Poor sound insulation, wears out from load friction 2–4 years

For Nissan Navara D40 (2004–2014) and NP300 (2015–present) the same types of caps are suitable, but it is important to consider body length: King Cab (extended cab) or Double Cab (double cabin). For example, hard covers from ARB or Tuff-Top are produced for specific sizes - an error in selection will lead to a loose fit and vibrations at speed.

⚠️ Attention: Covers for Navara with factory Utilitrack (body mounting system) require special adapters. Without them, the fixation will be unreliable, and during sudden braking the cover may move.

Top 5 brands of covers for Nissan Navara: comparison and reviews

The market offers dozens of manufacturers, but only a few have earned the trust of their owners Navara. We analyzed reviews on forums (including NavaraClub.ru And Drive2) and compiled the rating:

  1. ARB (Australia) is the leader in strength. Powder coated aluminum lids, compatible with Utilitrack. Price: from 80,000 ₽.
  2. Tuff-Top (South Africa) - fiberglass with reinforced stiffeners. Popular models Tuff-Top Hardtop for NP300.
  3. Canopy Centre (South Africa) - budget options made of ABS plastic. Suitable for temporary use.
  4. Front Runner — modular systems with the ability to install a roof rack on the lid.
  5. Domestic brands (Autostyle, Tunnel) - inexpensive tent covers, but the quality of the seams is often poor.

According to reviews, best price/quality ratio at Tuff-Top: their fiberglass models weigh 30% less than aluminum ones, but can withstand loads of up to 100 kg (for example, for carrying luggage on the roof). But with Canopy Centre owners are faced with a problem yellowing of plastic after 2-3 years - this is a consequence of low-quality UV stabilizers.

📊 Which cover do you prefer for your pickup truck?
  • Rigid (aluminium/fiberglass)
  • Soft (awning/vinyl)
  • Roll top
  • I haven't decided yet
  • I don't have a lid

How to choose a cover for a specific Navara model

Even knowing the brand, it is easy to make a mistake with compatibility. Here key parametersthings to consider:

  • 📏 Body length: for Double Cab (NP300) standard cover length is 1520 mm, for King Cab - 1800 mm.
  • 🔧 Mounting type: clips, latches or bolts. For off-road use, bolt-on mounting is more reliable (for example, ARB).
  • 🔄 Access to cargo: covers with gas shock absorbers (Tuff-Top) open easier, but cost 15–20% more.
  • 🎨 Color: Most brands offer body color painting (KH3 - black, QAB - silver for NP300).

For Nissan Navara D40 (2004–2014) covers with fastening under Sports Bar (roll bar), and for NP300 (2015+) - models with integration into Utilitrack. For example, ARB Deluxe for NP300 has cutouts for factory fasteners, eliminating the need to drill the body.

⚠️ Attention: If your Navara equipped Bedliner (factory body protection cover), make sure the cover does not block the drainage holes. Otherwise, water will accumulate under the cover, causing corrosion.

Find out the exact model and year of manufacture of the Navara

Measure the length of the cargo compartment (from side to side)

Check compatibility with Utilitrack/Sports Bar

Estimate the weight of the cover (important for load capacity)

Check the warranty for the material (minimum 2 years) -->

Step-by-step instructions for installing the cover on Navara

Installation of a hard cover takes 2–3 hours and does not require special skills. The main thing is to follow the algorithm and not skip steps. Let's look at the installation using an example Tuff-Top Hardtop for NP300 Double Cab:

  1. Body preparation: remove dirt and dust from the mounting points, if necessary, treat the surface with a degreaser.
  2. Installation of seals: glue the rubber gaskets around the perimeter of the body (included in the kit). They prevent vibrations and water ingress.
  3. Attaching the brackets: fix the metal plates on the sides of the body. For NP300 use standard holes Utilitrack.
  4. Cover installation: Carefully lower the cover onto the body, aligning the fasteners with the brackets. Tighten the bolts crosswise to avoid distortion.
  5. Adjusting the locks: Calibrate the latches so that the lid closes easily but does not wobble.

For soft lids (Canopy Centre) the process is simpler: just attach the awning to the clips and adjust the tension of the straps. However, such models require monthly lift, especially after rain - the fabric tends to stretch.

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Before installation, apply silicone grease to the rubber seals - this will extend their service life and prevent squeaks when opening the lid.

If the cover is supplied gas shock absorbers (like Front Runner), they need to be adjusted so that the lid opens smoothly, but does not fall suddenly. To do this:

  1. Open the lid 90°.
  2. Release the shock absorber lock and set it to a position where the cover is held in place by itself.
  3. Attach the clamp and check the operation at different angles.

Typical operating mistakes and how to avoid them

Even the most expensive cover will not last long if you do not follow the operating instructions. Here 5 most common mistakes owners Navara:

  • 🚫 Ignoring drainage holes. If they are clogged with dirt, water will accumulate under the cap, causing rust. Clean them once every 3 months.
  • 🚫 Roof overload. The maximum load for most models is 50–70 kg. Excess leads to deformation.
  • 🚫 High pressure washing. A jet of water can damage the seals and penetrate into the body.
  • 🚫 Storing the lid folded (for roll tops). This leads to tissue creases.
  • 🚫 Using abrasive detergents. They scratch the surface and destroy the protective coating.

Pay special attention winter operation. At temperatures below -15°C, plastic lids become brittle. To avoid cracks:

  • Do not slam the lid when closing.
  • Use silicone grease for the seals (it won't freeze).
  • After washing, dry the lid so that the ice does not damage the locks.
⚠️ Attention: If microcracks appear on the lid (especially on ABS plastic), do not ignore them! Over time, they will grow and the lid will lose its seal. For temporary repairs, use epoxy glue 3M Scotch-Weld, but it’s better to contact the service immediately.
What to do if the lid starts to creak?

Creaking usually occurs due to friction of seals or corrosion of fasteners. Solution:

1. Treat the rubber gaskets with silicone spray (e.g. WD-40 Specialist Silicone).

2. Check the tightness of the bolts - loose fasteners cause vibrations.

3. If the squeak is metallic, apply graphite lubricant to the hinges.

Cover care: cleaning, storage and repair

Regular maintenance extends the life of the lid by 1.5–2 times. Here service checklist for different materials:

Material Cleaning Protection Storage
Aluminum Wash with car shampoo, without brushes Wax every 6 months In a dry room, without contact with other metals
Fiberglass Soft sponge + non-abrasive product Polish with UV filter Under cover, avoid direct sunlight
Vinyl/awning Soap solution, soft bristle brush Impregnate with water-repellent spray Fold without creases, in a case

To remove stubborn stains (for example, bitumen stains), use specialized products:

- For aluminum: Autoglym Metal Polish.

- For plastic: Meguiar’s PlastX.

- For the awning: 303 Fabric Guard.

If the lid has lost its shine, polishing will help restore it. Paste suitable for fiberglass Farecla G3, and for aluminum - Menzerna PO85RD. Before polishing, be sure to cover the seals with masking tape to avoid damaging them.

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Regular treatment of seals with silicone prevents them from cracking and keeps the lid sealed 30% longer.

Alternatives to covers: covers, tinting and other solutions

If a cover seems too expensive or inconvenient, consider alternative ways to protect the body:

  • 🛡️ Oxford covers — lightweight, breathable, protects from dust and small debris. Suitable for temporary use (price from 3,000 ₽).
  • 🖤 Tint film — sticks to the sides of the body, protects against scratches and chips. Minus: does not protect from rain.
  • 🚙 Hard visors — installed on the rear of the body, preventing dirt from entering when driving. Popular models from Dee Zee.
  • 🔄 Modular systems - for example, Front Runner Slimline II allows you to attach trunks, ladders and other accessories without a cover.

For owners Navarawho often transport large loads, the optimal solution would be combination of cover and tint. The cover protects against dust in the city, and the tint prevents chipping when traveling on gravel. For example, covers Covercraft made from Sunbrella - material resistant to UV rays and moisture.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about covers for Nissan Navara

Is it possible to install the cover from D40 on NP300?

No, due to different body sizes and mounting systems. Covers for D40 shorter by 50–70 mm, and the holes for Utilitrack in NP300 located differently. The exception is universal soft covers, but they require modification of the fasteners.

How much weight can a fiberglass lid support?

Most models (eg Tuff-Top) are designed for static load up to 100 kg (evenly distributed). However, dynamic loads (for example, when driving off-road) reduce this figure to 50–70 kg. To transport cargo on the roof, it is better to use special roof rails.

Do I need to remove the cover in winter?

It depends on the material:

- Aluminum and fiberglass the covers can be left for the winter, but they must be regularly cleared of snow (a load of more than 20 kg/m² is dangerous).

- Soft (awning) It is better to remove at temperatures below –20°C - the fabric becomes brittle.

- Plastic (ABS) can crack due to frost, so it is recommended to store them in the garage.

How to deal with condensation under the lid?

Condensation forms due to temperature differences. To reduce it:

- Drill additional drainage holes (5–6 mm in diameter) in the lower part of the body.

- Use desiccant agents (eg Silica Gel).

- Ventilate the body regularly by opening the lid for 10–15 minutes.

- Apply an anti-condensation coating to the inside of the lid (NoDrip).

Is it possible to paint the cover in the body color yourself?

Yes, but different materials require different approaches:

- Aluminum: Requires anodizing or powder coating (difficult to do at home).

- Fiberglass/plastic: Can be painted with acrylic paint after priming (3M Scotch-Weld DP8005).

- Awning: cannot be painted, but you can order a cover in the desired color.


Important: before painting, degrease the surface and use plastic primer (Plasti Dip).