2013 GMC Canyon
Bed Covers

Finding Bed Covers During the Canyon Production Gap

While GMC did not produce a Canyon in 2013, hundreds of thousands of first-generation Canyons remained on the road. These trucks, built between 2004 and 2012, continued to serve their owners faithfully, and the aftermarket accessory industry had no intention of abandoning them. In fact, the production pause created an interesting dynamic: with no new models to engineer for, manufacturers could focus on refining their existing cover designs for the first-generation platform.

If you own a first-generation GMC Canyon and are searching for a tonneau cover during this period, the good news is that your options are extensive. Every cover designed for the 2004 through 2012 Canyon fits your truck. The first-generation platform remained unchanged throughout its entire production run, which means a nine-year catalog of covers is at your disposal. Whether your Canyon rolled off the assembly line in 2004 or 2012, the bed dimensions are identical.

The Canyon's sibling truck, the Chevrolet Colorado, shares the same platform and bed specifications. This doubles the available cover selection, as manufacturers market covers for both the Canyon and Colorado interchangeably. When shopping, look for covers listed as compatible with the "2004-2012 GMC Canyon" or "2004-2012 Chevrolet Colorado" to access the full range of options.

First-Generation Canyon Bed Dimensions Reference

Since all first-generation Canyons share the same bed specifications, these measurements apply regardless of which year your truck was built.

Aftermarket Support for Aging First-Gen Canyons

One concern Canyon owners often have during a production gap is whether aftermarket companies will continue supporting their trucks. The answer is an emphatic yes, and here is why the first-generation Canyon enjoys robust aftermarket coverage even without new production.

Large Installed Base

GMC sold hundreds of thousands of Canyons over nine production years. Combined with the nearly identical Chevrolet Colorado, the installed base of these mid-size trucks is enormous. Manufacturers recognize the continued demand from this substantial owner pool and maintain active product lines for the platform. Covers for first-gen Canyons are not going away anytime soon.

Mature Product Designs

With no annual design changes to accommodate, tonneau cover manufacturers have had time to perfect their fit and finish for the first-generation Canyon. The covers available today represent years of refinement, customer feedback, and engineering improvements. Seals are tighter, frames are lighter, and latching mechanisms are smoother than the covers sold when these trucks were new. Check our hard bed covers guide for the latest refined designs.

Competitive Pricing

Competition among cover manufacturers drives prices down over time. Because the first-generation Canyon market is well-established, you can find quality covers at every price point. Budget soft roll-ups start under $200, while premium retractable covers offer top-tier convenience and security for owners willing to invest more. The lack of annual model changes means manufacturers do not need to retool, keeping production costs and retail prices lower.

Maintaining an Older Canyon with the Right Cover

If your Canyon was built in the mid-2000s, it may be approaching or exceeding 150,000 miles. At this stage, preventive maintenance becomes even more important, and a tonneau cover plays a key role in preservation strategy.

• ✓ Rust prevention: An exposed truck bed accumulates moisture that promotes rust, especially around bolt holes, wheel wells, and the tailgate hinge area. A tonneau cover drastically reduces direct water contact with the bed surface, slowing oxidation.
• ✓ Bed liner protection: Even spray-in bed liners deteriorate with prolonged UV exposure. A cover blocks sunlight, preserving the liner's texture and adhesion. Drop-in liners benefit similarly, staying flexible and crack-free under a cover.
• ✓ Seal and gasket longevity: The rubber seals around the tailgate and bed rails degrade with sun and heat exposure. Covering the bed reduces thermal cycling on these components, helping them maintain their sealing ability longer.
• ✓ Paint preservation: On trucks without a bed liner, the factory paint inside the bed fades and chips from UV exposure and cargo abrasion. A cover provides an additional layer of protection beyond the paint itself.

Installation on High-Mileage Canyons

Installing a tonneau cover on an older Canyon requires a few extra considerations compared to a brand-new truck. Years of use may have introduced minor issues that affect how well the cover fits and seals.

1. Inspect bed rail condition carefully before installation. Look for dents, rust, or bent edges that could prevent the clamps from seating properly. Minor dents can often be straightened with a rubber mallet and a flat piece of steel as a backing plate.
2. Address existing rust on the bed rails by sanding down surface corrosion and applying a rust-inhibiting primer. This creates a clean, solid surface for the cover clamps and prevents rust from spreading underneath the mounting hardware.
3. Verify tailgate alignment by observing the gap around the tailgate when closed. Worn hinges can cause the tailgate to sag, creating an uneven gap that prevents a proper seal. Replacing worn hinge bushings is an affordable fix that improves both cover fit and daily tailgate operation.
4. Clean the bulkhead area where the front of the cover rests. Accumulated dirt and debris behind the cab can prevent the cover from sitting flush. A thorough cleaning with a degreaser ensures maximum seal contact.
5. Apply bed rail protector tape before clamping the cover. This adhesive foam tape (included with many covers) prevents the clamps from scratching the rail finish and adds a slight cushion that compensates for minor rail irregularities on older trucks.

Benefits for Existing Canyon Owners

Even though no new Canyons were built in 2013, the trucks already on the road continue to benefit from quality accessories. Explore the final production year options in our 2012 Canyon bed cover guide, or see what was happening in 2014 as the production gap continued.