I am sick of taking my sports master cover off every time someone needs help moving something in my family, which is a pain in the *** with my 8 foot bed. If I leave the support frame on over the winter will it cause any damage? Its the snap on style, so I am wondering if it will be harmful if exposed to snow or cold conditions. Any input would be great...Thanks

 

Should not hurt, but I would take the back rail (one over the gate) out. It could come loose and fall off.

 

I have had mine for about three years now and take it off when it forecasts heavy snow! I leave the fixed brackets (button rails down the side and on the back adjacent to your rear window) but remove the cover support braces. The cover support braces are thin ally tubes and will bend under real heavy snow if you leave the cover on! I know as I had to straighten mine when I forgot to remove mine in a snowstorm! Plus I like the bed full of snow as it weighs it down and I don't have to put it 4x4 no where near as much. Oh and dont forget to remove the brace over the tail gate or you will loose it!

 

I've driven with all of the rails still on even the tailgate rail. It clicks into place. I don't do it often and only short trips and I've never had a problem.

 

mine above the tailgate would fall right off. hell, it comes off when i close the gate if the cover isn't attached.

 

What brand cover do you have?

 

just put Vaseline on the snaps and you will be all set. OR buy a NON snap cover so you can keep the snow out of your bed and not have to worry about it. That is the point of a tonneau, to keep the weather out, Isnt it?