Transporting cargo at the back of your truck? Going camping with family or friends? Engaged for a sport event and you need your play tools dry and safe from harsh weather?
Delivering goodies to a client using your truck yet you are worried of theft and any other form of insecurity while at it? Are you dissatisfied with the kind of cover that you are currently using? Find the best model in our Gator Tonneau cover review.
Gator Tonneau Cover Review 2023
Gator  | SRX Roll Up
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Gator  | SR1 Pro
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Gator  | SR2 Premium
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Gator  | HR1
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Gator  | SFX Tri-Fold
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Gator  | Tri-Fold Pro
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Gator  | FX
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Gator  | FX3
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Gator  | Hybrid
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Gator  | Evo
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Gator  | EFX
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Gator  | Tailback
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Gator  | Gatortrax
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Gator  | Gatortrax MX
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Gator  | Recoil
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Gator  | Electric
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Gator  | Electric MX
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These are the ultimate questions that come into mind, when one wants to get a package of convenience, security, durability, easy to install mechanisms and efficiency all stuffed in one. This in turn, you will agree with me that it guarantees you peace of mind, both on and off the road.
When it comes to Gator Tonneau covers, such considerations have been perfectly put into place, as we shall witness in the various subcategories, they have to offer for their cover products. Here I am to take you through detailed explanation about Gator Tonneau Cover.
Tonneau Cover Types
There are different types of the Tonneau covers as we’ll be looking at them one by one. Keep reading to learn more.
- Roll Up Covers
Just like the name goes, these are the types of covers that are rolled up off the tailgate of your truck, whenever you need the back open.
They are safely latched onto the head rail using efficient yet simple hook and strap designs.
Final outlook is simple and flat. - Soft Folding Covers
These covers are made out of soft leather and light aluminum frames, such that the back truck, if needed open, are folded back at different specified locations and eventually tied back onto the head rail via assorted fastening techniques. These include straps and hooks. - Hard Folding Covers
With the hard-folding covers, the most common feature of their property is that upon folding them back off the tailgate of your track, they can either be propped up using rods onto the rails or gently laid at the back of the truck and fastened with assorted straps and hooks.
They are all weather, made from assorted durable materials like augmented aluminum, polycarbon and also fiberglass. - Retractable Covers
These are advanced technology type of covers from the Gator Tonneau, that are very efficient in terms of functionality since in this category of covers, we find the remotely controlled types that include non touch mechanisms for both the cover and tailgates, whenever you want to open either.
They are additionally super strong, durable, all weather; yet still maintain an impeccable classy, simple and stylish look.
Let us delve more into the sub types of covers from Gator Tonneau, so as to see various specifications available for each.
Roll Up Covers
Gator SRX Roll Up Tonneau Cover Review
This cover is easily installed without any drill mechanisms involved, which means that installation time is quite short. Some clients have confessed of this having taken them less than 10 minutes if done right.
With rails on both sides that are simply attached using three clamps on either side, and safely fastened with bolts.
- Fits 2015 - 2020 Ford F-150 5' 7" Bed (67.1")
- MADE IN THE USA | made in the USA with globally sourced materials and supported by our USA-based customer service team!
- FAST & EASY INSTALL | Simply clamp the rails on without the use of a drill. Cover assembly comes with everything you need for a simple install
- 100% TRUCK BED ACCESS | Roll the cover towards the cab and secure with the storage strap for full access to your bed.
- LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY | The Gator ETX Soft Roll Up is backed by a Lifetime Warranty on the frame and a 10-year warranty on the tarp
Gator SR1 Pro
This cover boasts of its lightweight design. In case of no luggage on the back truck, or in case of need for aeration, it can be efficiently rolled up and strapped on to the head rail.
Another functionality of the Gator SR1 PRO cover is its tight tension system that relieves you of the worry about the need to adjust the tension with the spring-loaded tension control. This, in simple terms, means that fastening of the cover during harsh weather ensures 100% protection since the cover fits tight and securely.
It has a very simple installation mechanism, depending on the truck model. There are some perforated end seals that are attached onto either side of the rails, which are then placed onto the longer edges of the truck. Upon which the head rail is put onto both ends of the side rails.
At this point, the cover is ready to be rolled over and fastened onto the tailgate. To open it, you either lodge or dislodge the latch after opening the tailgate. Again, self installation time here varies between half an hour to one hour.
Non drill technology is evident here too. Suffice to mention, the end result here is a tight, fastened look with a sleek finish that is both stylish and functional.
- Fits Only - Gator SR1 Premium Roll Up Tonneau Truck Bed Cover 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 6.4 FT Bed w/o RamBox
- Mounts on top of bed caps for superior seal
- Made with Commerical Grade Vinyl
- Spring loaded tension keeps cover at proper tension in all climates
- Made in the USA - 5 Year Warranty
Gator SR2 Premium
An additional quality to the already described features of the Gator SR1 PRO is its simple trigger latch release technology.
You simply open the tailgate and pull the side latch that is located on the driver’s side of the truck. This ensures that you can easily and in a very fast mode, access the cargo at the back of your truck. If you are serially delivering cargo to clients, then this is a feature that comes in handy, you know.
This cover also sails in the same boat of non drill technique of installation. Tension control: there is a tension adjustor just next to the head rail. Depending on the prevailing weather conditions, adjust this to a perfect fit or let loose.
Again, once the cover is rolled up and fastened by use of straps, maximum access to the back of the truck is thus attained. As easy as ABC.
Gator HR1
This type of cover boasts of the functionality of having manufactured using a soft yet heavy duty, luxurious and sleek leather vinyl roll up cover as well as the security benefits of a hard cover.
In addition to a hook and loop fastening mechanism, it also has a seal that locks well into the tailgate. Its hinges are well covered in vinyl. This power combination bit ensures that cargo and the back truck is well protected against all forms of harsh weather.
The cover can be neither lifted from the sides nor cut using a knife. No professional help is needed for installation. When in a rolled-up position, the back side is sleek and still looks appealing in this state.
Soft Folding Covers
Gator SFX Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover Review
This here is an improved gator version. Made out of heavy-duty leather grain vinyl foam that is soft wrapped around a ragged light weight aluminum frame. And weather seals made out of rubber.
Just like the name goes, it folds into three and you get it already assembled. This means that, if done right, installation can be over in a matter of minutes. Note that, to ensure the cargo at the back of the truck is 100%, it has an important feature whereby, all the four sides’ seal.
Security is further ensured once the tailgate is locked, as there are two speed clamps that hold it down. These fit so well and prevent noise from moving air while the truck is in fast motion. Needless to mention, noiselessness means peace.
In case of large cargo, the trifold cover can be folded back and secured at the head rail. Alternatively, the clamps at the back can be removed so that it is completely detached off the truck.
An added bonus to the Tri is a free universal tailgate seal; this one protects the truck back from all manner of debris, mud and dust included.
- Fits 2015 - 2020 Ford F-150 5' 7" Bed (67.1")
- FAST & EASY NO-TOOL INSTALL | The Gator ETX Tri-Fold can be installed in about 10 minutes by simply clamping the rails on without the use of a drill, providing quick, convenient cargo protection.
- ELIMINATE THE ELEMENTS | This cover’s heavy-duty aluminum frame, industrial-strength vinyl and superior perimeter sealing keep rain, snow and dust out of the bed of your truck bed and protect your cargo in any weather condition.
- SIMPLE OPERATIONS | To open the cover, simply fold the panels towards the cab and secure into place with the integrated buckling system. Drive with the cover in the 2/3 open position when you need bed access for hauling large loads.
- SLEEK & DURABLE DESIGN | The Gator ETX mounts on top of your truck bed rails providing a clean, low-profile appearance that enhances the appearance of your truck. Each cover is custom fit to your truck’s year, make and model
Gator Tri-Fold Pro
Manufactured using industrial grade vinyl, which is meant to be resistant to both tear and punctures.
Similarly, installation is easy, done by either engaging or disengaging the clamps on either side of the tailgate.
Have I mentioned that a special feature here is the possibility of opening the cover without necessarily opening the tailgate?
Hard Folding Covers
Gator FX Tonneau Cover Review
A notable difference in this type of cover, from the earlier ones discussed is its ability to be folded up and allowed to rest against the back of the truck.
Firm as it is, made out of aluminum panels that have been powder coated, it is all weather and thus very protective of your cargo.
It has rubber seals that are made out of Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM), which is a type of a synthetic rubber that is both durable and flexible; well withstands temperature variations and therefore is all weather. This definitely ensures great water resistance.
- Fits 2009 - 2018, 2019/20 Classic Dodge Ram w/o RamBox 5' 7" Bed (67.4")
- ENHANCED SECURITY & TRUCK BED PROTECTION | Provides the most advanced truck bed protection available, with heavy-duty aluminum panels that automatically lock into place as you close the cover
- 100% BED ACCESS | The Gator FX provides full bed protection when you need it, and folds completely up against the rear window, providing total bed access for loading your truck bed larger items
- 2 YEAR WARRANTY | Backed by a 2-year warranty, made in the USA, and supported by our US-based customer service team. If anything goes wrong on your adventure
- EASY TO INSTALL | Installation can be completed within 20-30 minutes, without any tools or drilling. The inside mount design allows a this cover to sit flush, without stake pocket interference
Gator FX3 Tonneau Cover Review
The GATOR FX3 is a versatile hardy cover with a fine glossy finish as it is made of fiberglass reinforcement polymer (FNP). Due to this notable manufacturing quality, it is all weather and impact resistant. An Additional quality that cannot go without mentioning is its ability to channel out excess water using drain tubes.
Latches are automatic, and upon attaching or detaching the cover, it can be propped up using a prop rod. Cover also seals very tightly with EPDM rubber seals and the entire truck can as well be accessed by simply folding it up and propped up against the truck back, and then fastened by straps.
Last but not the least, is a highly admirable feature, in which the cover together with the tailgate form an in formidable lock that renders the back truck very secure than the lock. It is boasted that it the truck contents are at this point safer than any cargo in the cub.
Installation, needless to mention, is again drill free. Only encompasses a simple wrench and socket.
- 5.5 ft Bed; New Body Style
- Fiberglass Reinforced Polymer Top Panel with Aluminum underside
- Aircraft Grade Aluminum Panel Frames
- UV Protected Black Finish
- Cover is Flush with the Bed Rails; 300 lb weight rating; 2 Year Warranty
Gator Hybrid
Comes fully assembled, is easy to install using the non drill technique. When folded allows for three quarter truck access.
The cover, made out of ABS panel, offers a smooth soft look yet strong and hardy thus ensuring security and total lock together with the tailgate.
Gator Evo Tonneau Cover Review
Folds in a double fashion, made out of aluminum panels, nicely finished with a glossy black powder coat.
It is not easily noticeable otherwise termed as a low-profile cover since it fits onto the back of your truck with ease, yet still stylish. Cargo security is also assured since it fastens into the tailgate.
Upon opening, it is easily propped onto a rod on the side rails and then you can enjoy full access to the back truck. Again, a non drill technique of installation is used, lasting up to and not more than 20 minutes if done right.
Gator EFX Hard Fold Tonneau Cover Review
This cover is made out of aircraft grade aluminum with EPDM rubber seals. It automatically latches onto the rails and has a stylish black powder coat finish.
Works both ways to lock, in which case, you can either close the cover onto the tailgate or vice versa.
- Fits 2015 - 2020 Ford F-150 5' 7" Bed (67.1")
- TOUGH TRUCK BED PROTECTION | The Gator EFX Hard Tri-Fold is constructed of heavy-duty aluminum panels that automatically lock when closed. Panels are coated with a scratch-resistant, UV-protective, black powder coat finish.
- EASY INSTALL & LOW-PROFILE DESIGN | The EFX tonneau cover can easily be installed in less than 30 minutes, without the use of tools or need for drilling. EFX sits flush with your truck bed, providing a stylish low-profile look.
- WEATHER PROTECTION | Gator EFX provides an integrated water management system to keep the rain, snow, dirt and dust out of your truck bed. EFX's unique seal design channels the element out of your truck bed, providing superior bed protection
- 3-YEAR WARRANTY | The Gator EFX Hard Folding cover is backed by a 3-year warranty, and is supported by our US-based customer service team. If anything goes wrong with your cover, our tonneau cover experts are at your service and ready to help!
Gator Tailback
Made of polymer, the Gator tailback offers only two thirds truck access but with great durability due to its thick panels that resist most forms of impact.
It is deemed the ultimate protection for your truck as it locks on all four sides, has powder coated hinges and an aluminum frame.
Retractable Covers
Gatortrax Tonneau Cover Review
Manufactured from rigid polycarbonate and well reinforced with aluminum H- beams every 4 inches. Has either a beautiful black matte finish or a gloss finish.
The track cover, upon opening, dutifully slides into the spiral canister via free ball bearings thus the rails need no lubrication.
Excess water drains to the sides via drain tubes. It also locks automatically to the tail gate. This cover can be locked at different points on the rails, thus making it easy to cargo large or overlapping cargo.
Both the cover and the tailgate operate independently. In which case, you can either open the cover by releasing gauges underneath it, or release the latch to open the tailgate.
- Fits 2007 - 2013 Chevy/GMC Silverado/Sierra 1500 5' 9" Bed (69.3")
- PRECISE PROTECTION | Safeguard your precious cargo. Gator Recoil was specifically engineered with strong, aluminum slats and a matte black textured powder-coat finish
- VERSATILE CARGO HAULING | Carry various sized cargo with ease. This retractable cover provides custom locking capabilities, allowing you to securely stop and lock your cover along your truck bed
- NO DRILL INSTALLATION | Installing the Gator Recoil retractable bed cover takes 30 minutes from box to truck bed. Simply clamp the rails onto the bed without any need for drilling or special tools
- GATOR GUARANTEE | The Gator Recoil retractable truck bed cover is backed by a two-year guarantee. Whether you’re carrying construction equipment, golf clubs, dirt bikes or anything in between
Gatortrax MX
Similar to the gatotrax, this type of cover retracts into a low profile spiral canister to ensure space is preserved to the maximum.
It also locks at different rail positions and has a matte black finish onto the aluminum. It however is very strong and supports up to 500lbs of weight on top, if evenly distributed.
Gator Recoil Tonneau Cover Review
Low profile cover made of black powder coated aluminum panels meant to offer long-lasting protective qualities.
A grip latch on the cover allows for adjusting it at three different levels that locks on the rails. Cargo is very safe and secure and the truck is as well protected from all forms of debris.
- Fits 2009 - 2018, 2019 - 2020 Classic Dodge Ram 6' 4" Bed (76.3")
- PRECISE PROTECTION | Safeguard your precious cargo. Gator Recoil was specifically engineered with strong, aluminum slats and a matte black textured powder-coat finish
- VERSATILE CARGO HAULING | Carry various sized cargo with ease. This retractable cover provides custom locking capabilities, allowing you to securely stop and lock your cover along your truck bed
- NO DRILL INSTALLATION | Installing the Gator Recoil retractable bed cover takes 30 minutes from box to truck bed. Simply clamp the rails onto the bed without any need for drilling or special tools
- GATOR GUARANTEE | The Gator Recoil retractable truck bed cover is backed by a two-year guarantee. Whether you’re carrying construction equipment, golf clubs, dirt bikes or anything in between
Gatortrax Electric
This one encompasses functionality with effectiveness and ease of operation. Electronically operated the gatotrax electric, made from polycarbonate and strengthened with aluminum reinforcement, with a glossy finish, ensures that either the cover or the tailgate opens without necessarily touching the other.
Gatortrax Electric MX
Similar features to the Gatotrax electric, on top of which, the remote-controlled cover can stop at any given point at the release of the button.
Has also drain tubes for excess water. Is stylish with a flush fit and matte look. It is strong enough to support 500lbs.
- Fits Only - GatorTrax Retractable MX Electric Tonneau Truck Bed Cover 2015-2018 Ford F150 6.5 ft Bed
- Opens easily with the key fob remote. An electromagnetic brake allows you to lock the cover in any position
- Made out of heavy duty aluminum that will support 500 lbs
- Sealed Ball Bearings require Zero Maintenance and will never freeze.
- Made in the USA - Limited Lifetime Warranty
Product Review
Generally, it is evident that the Gator Tonneau covers are functional, classy and durable. A few mentionable technicalities as evidenced from reviews reveal incidences of minimal leakages on the Gator SRX roll up. These were however as result of installation deficiencies by the respective users and thus not considered a manufacturing defect.
In cases where the roll up was well installed, the reviews were perfect and highly recommended. Installation process is fairly easy and no drill techniques are employed in all the reviewed cover types, thus renders all the covers user friendly with absolutely no need to employ professional help during installation. Installation time is between 10 minutes to an hour for the more advanced versions of Gator covers.
- The Gator Tonneau covers seem to be made out of high quality, well thought of-materials that are both durable, efficient, light weight and classy
- High tech technology has well been implemented to improve functionality. To mention some are the fiberglass and Lexin layered polycarbon that are light yet strong
- Instead of plain rubber, EPDM rubber has been used for the seals, thus ensuring all weather resistance and durability
- They are easy to install and use
- Are secure and scratch resistance
- They have a UV- Protective and waterproof
- The only noted one is the fact that they are not very easy to latch or unlatch
- Hot temperatures during summer may affect the rubber material that seals the outer edges
How To Pick The Right Gator Tonneau Cover – Buyer’s Guide
Settling on the favorable type of Gator cover will depend on the specific need for individual buyers. These needs include functionality, durability, efficiency and added advantages. For fast action mechanisms and efficiency, the electric types of retractable covers would be a go for choice.
Harsh and extreme weather conditions will have the foldable hardy types favoring such individual buyers and light weather with non bulky kind of cargo may definitely augur well with the soft folding or roll up types of the Gator Tonneau covers.
FAQ’s
What is the Gator Tonneau covers made of?
Commonly, aluminum for the rails, leather, fiber glass and polycarbon reinforcement for the covers, and EPDM rubber for the seals.
How long does it take to install a tonneau cover?
Minimum of 10 minutes to a maximum of an hour, depending on the type of cover.
Will the tonneau cover protect the cargo from rain and snow?
Yes. Definitely with the perfect edge fit and slide lock, together with the strength and ability to sustain up to 500lbs of weight, the cargo is perfectly protected from rain water and snow.
Conclusion
Cargo damage by elements due to harsh weather is also curtailed. You definitely achieve peace of mind with the Gator Tonnneau covers, with a wide range to choose from. From a personal perspective, these covers come highly recommended for any user who wishes for value, durability, efficiency and all rolled up into one.
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