Is Diamondback SE Worth the PriceTag?

Cons: you lose capability with the bed in some ways. Taking the cover off to access the bed would be a pain. Or actually putting it back on really. But the security of the setup out weighs this in my opinion since I live inMemphis aka Detroit of the South.

 

I often haul large coolers. What’s the clearance from bottom of bed to underneath of the cover? I am assuming the locking rods hang down a bit. I do realize that I may need to just remove the cover anytime I need to haul coolers.

 

Holy fawk. You claim to have read all the posts and done all the research. Buy the damn thing already or walk away. Static vs dynamic loads. Are you serious? If you are putting this much effort into debating every single spec either you don’t have the money to blow or are so anal you will never be happy no matter your decision.

Diamondback covers are EXPENSIVE. Diamondback covers are unlike every other product on the market. If you are debating the load capacity of the SE then get the HD. It really is that simple. If you don’t want to spend more money for the HD get the SE. You can’t get the HD capacity for the SE price so choose one or the other or stick with your tonneau.

People have raved about their experiences buying and owning this product. The ONLY thing to complain about is the price. So buy in to the price or walk away.

 

Woah slow down there, Batman lol

 

Anyways to address your concerns.

I like to make informed decisions. I will never hit the 1600 lbs limit or come anywhere near it. So if I can do the RTT set up while saving $400? Then yeah I’m all for it.

Front runner quoted the setup at $400, so that pays for itself right there if I go with the SE.

Its not about having money to blow, it’s about making the best decisions with my money. When I have RTT, Prinsu, Suspension, etc all planned.

Thank you for your input.

 

Well I would look at the diamondback outlet section. Sometimes they have great deals on them. They might be slightly scratched but who cares. You can save 25 to 50%.

Just an option to think about.

 

Some people just apparently have more money than brains and think other people do or should! I definitely research the crap out of something this expensive too!

 

It's actually not that hard to take on or off the cover. I've taken off my cover more than 4 times since owning it less than a year. Took me roughly 15 minutes to take off and another 15 minutes to put back on.

There have been plenty of times where I would take off the gas springs and flip it completely over and have it resting on the other side. I would secure the two panels with a small rope. That would allow me to transport bikes or tires.

 

I do wish they linex

That’s a good point. Didn’t think about disconnecting the shocks!

 

I stand on my oem cover all the time to get stuff out of the ceiling rack over it in the garage. I'm 200 lbs. How much you guys stacking on your cover?

 

In same boat as slim. When making my decision was not even looking at the DB covers as removable and made sure I could do everything I wanted it to do with a cover while not taking it on an off. But one day when someone had borrowed my trailer I volunteered to haul a refrigerator. As noted it really was very quick to take off and not much longer to align and put back on. My favorite attribute of these covers is not the security but ability to put items/tools/whatever on top of the cover. When doing projects it is so nice to set saws, drills, air compressor etc. on top. Often use a a medium sized heavy duty container to secure on back for easy access and not taking hauling space.

 

I’ve honestly have never tried to stand on it. Would suck if it accidentally broke then was forced to get a new diamondback hmmmm lol

 

I research everything to death as well. I hope no one jumps on me.

As far as static or dynamic, that is very important. I am curious as well.

 

Agreed. For me that top load capacity, and ability with the tie downs, was a real selling point! I used to put stuff on top of my other cover all the time, not for hauling but just to set it up there temporarily, but of course had to keep it to light stuff. I love that I can even jump up there and walk around on top of this thing if I need to. Like changing the light bulbs in my garage since there are 2 and they are about 5 feet apart! Perfect! lol

 

I'd check for ya but mines on a 1st gen and I know my bed is a bit shallower than yours-often to my dismay. But I'd say you gain a couple inches over the top of your bed rails in the "hollow" spaces between the support frames and the locking hardware. Can't remember if he covers that specifically but Last Line of Defense on youtube does a pretty extensive review on the Diamondback and he has a 3rd gen Taco if you haven't checked that video out.

 

As an Unfinished SE owner, I would like to add my two cents on the topic. I live in FL and do a lot of scuba trips. So, security that DB provides is awesome, I don't have to worry about my expensive scuba equipment when I am away from the truck. I am around 200# and can stand on it w/o problem. The reason I got bare aluminum is the temperature. I really like the black with line X but I heard it cooks everything in the bed. I have not used my cover in hot FL summer yet but if it still gets too hot, I might shoot the cover with bed liner in the future myself (have 11 years fiberglass/gelcoating experience). Another thing with bare aluminum is that DaimondBlack lettering in the back just a flat plate not like raised on black covers. Of course, this is just a cosmetic and nothing to do with function. I got mine from Leonard Truck Accessories with free shipping.

 

The value of a diamondback cover is subjective. Biggest benefit IMO is security. It’s awesome for long distance hunting trips. With the cover and tailgate locked, I can sleep comfortably knowing my gear is safe and sound.

The load carrying capacity of the cover and tie downs allow for hauling most light / medium loads. Bulk aggregates (stone, mulch, etc.) are a no go without removing the cover.

Other big consideration is how long you plan to keep the truck. If you’re planning to trade in after a few years, probably not worth the investment. If you plan on driving your truck for the next decade, the investment will be well worth it.

 

I agree with several comments here.

• The quality is top notch
• Mine froze shut and it took a some work to get it open.
• 10% off for Veterans was greatly appreciated
• If you bought your tacoma to keep for awhile, it's likely worth it
• I have tied down several items on top. (Picnic tables, barn door project, etc) and it works great. Especially for long items that hang over.
• I wish I would have added the additional tie downs. Will likely be adding them

 

One big advantage is the Lifetime Warranty on everything minus the black coating. I purchased my first in 2005, then we only had a three year warranty but well worth it for security. I notice another said they too live in Florida. One drawback with the cover and the Florida Sun...HOT! The cover gets very hot on top; took notice more than a few times. Just a FYI.

 

Sometimes we call them Caja China here in Florida.