Can Westin Power Tonneau Cover Be Opened If Truck Battery Dies

Updated 10/02/2026 | Published 10/01/2026

Question:

What happens if the truck battery dies? Since the cover is powered I don't want to end up locked out of the bed somewhere. This would be for a 2026 Ford F-150.

asked by: Jason R

Expert Reply:

Hey Jason, great question! You won't be stuck with the cover closed if your battery dies. The Westin Power Retractable Tonneau Cover # W52YH has an override that lets you switch to manual operation if your F-150 loses power. For normal operation it wires to the truck battery and opens and closes using the included key fob.

What are you planning to keep in the bed?

expert reply by: Robin H

W52YH
(click to enlarge)

Jason

10/2/2026

Good to know. Does having the manual override make it possible for someone to open the cover from outside when the tailgate is locked?

Robin H.

10/2/2026

@Jason no, the manual override is accessed from inside the bed, so with the cover closed and your tailgate locked it will still keep the bed secure.