Is Diamondback SE Worth the PriceTag?

I have hauled stuff on top of my Diamond Back Se cover a few times. I have also stood on it a few times. In my opinion worth every penny. Also the customer service is awesome. They had an issue with some of the bolts and hinges getting surface rust so they sent out new ones and a $50 visa card for having to reinstall them.

 

I have the DB HD for the Tacoma Gen 3 DCSB. I am 260lbs...yeah big guy right now. The HD holds me just fine walking around on it. One reason I went with the HD versus the SE. I was a bit nervous using 75% of its load limit if I stood on it. I would think that I might stand in the wrong place and bend the aluminum. So...I got the HD. Still loving mine. Security is the main aspect. Which has been said over and over.

 

Worth it for me. I have the HD and have hauled things on top. I've removed it twice within a year and the removal and reinstall is painless. I can fit a Dobinsons 4x4 refrigerator under the cover. With an OEM bed mat, I have about 18" of clearance. I've mounted fridge and a standard 5 gal jerry can standing upright with no problems closing/locking the cover. Their service is excellent as well.

 

Here's a more definitive answer regarding the dynamic vs static rating of the SE (specifically if you're looking to mount a roof top tent later). I ended up ordering the SE and love it, though I haven't found a tent that suits me yet. Also, Diamondback's customer service is absolutely amazing.

 

DB is one of the best covers out there. No regrets whatsoever!!!

 

Thanks so much for sharing. I might go SE.

 

I'm looking into the same truck, exactly. Also the Diamondback cover. Does it stand taller than other covers? Cover part of the window or your view?

 

My thoughts as well. With a load + me walking on it or having a tent, with me, wife... Must be over 400 lbs.

 

This is my exact concern and situation.
Thanks for ask and share response.

Best go with strong of HD. Never worry after and not afraid to fall through in night when sleep on SE...

 

I'm almost certain that other covers are lower profile; part of owning a Diamondback is committing to the stronger (but slightly bulkier) design. The top of my SE sits about 2.5 inches above the frame rails and poses no issues for seeing out the rear window.

 

^ Same idea of the response above mine. You'll see the bed anyway within the rear view mirror, and the cover will add a few inches. It's not drastic and doesn't affect my line of sight.

Now, this is just my opinion, but let's logic this a bit (keep in mind I'm not an engineer or "pro" when it comes to this).

The HD cover is primarily meant for putting an ATV/motorcycle on it for hauling purposes. The panels themselves have a few more cross sections and are about .2 inches thicker. Other than the additional bed cleats, the covers are the same. Beyond that, the HD is $400 more and 35 lbs heavier than the SE. Lastly, the 1,600lb load rating (as well as the 400lb load rating on the SE) is meant for hauling, i.e. dynamic ratings (while moving).

With these in mind, the SE is great for our Tacomas. I personally would not want to haul anywhere near the 1,175lb payload rating of the truck, let alone on top of a bed cover - so the HD is a bit overkill in my view.

Others have also discussed mounting a tent on top of the cover. If you were to do this, you would need a rack system that is drilled through the cover. Now think a moment, where is the weight of the tent (and its occupants when at rest) transferred to? Some of it will be transferred through the bed racks and onto the cover, yes, but the majority will be transferred through the cover and onto the bed sides, which are much stronger and sit on top of the frame of the vehicle. Plus, the load rating of these covers at a static position is usually 1.5-2x higher than dynamic, which coincides with the load rating of most RTTs at around 600-700lbs.

Diamondback recommends the HD for the setup above - why? It's a great foundation, sure, and you won't have to worry about it. But there's also legal and revenue reasons for saying so, too.

Just my .02 here, but I feel the SE is more than capable for the applications of a Tacoma, outside of transporting an ATV on it. Plus, the difference of $400 could go towards other mods, which are ever-present here on TW.

 

I have walked on my SE cover a few times to trim tree's when I was too lazy to use a ladder. Darwin award...yep, even put a step ladder on the cover. DO NOT RECOMMEND!!
I was always careful to step on the supports as it felt sturdy.



FYI I now use a ladder from the ground...

 

Did the cover fail or did you fall? I don't see any obvious damage in your pic.

 

Thank you.. Great insight. I agree.

 

You could also not get black and save $320. I have to admit though the bare diamondback is more industrial looking and not really the look I want for my tacoma. I have painted bumpers and the blackout package. A bare cover would stand out in the wrong way on my truck. I thought about buying a bare cover and spraying it with raptor liner. The prep on a new diamondback would be way less than an older truck bed. I sprayed my last 2 truck beds with raptor and they came out really nice and never faded. I prepped them really well prior to spraying them though.

$140 U-POL Products 0820 Raptor Black Truck Bed Liner Kit - 4 Liter

https://www.amazon.com/U-Pol-Produc...=raptor+liner&qid=1562303055&s=gateway&sr=8-9


Can it be Used on aluminum?

asked on April 10, 2018

Showing 1-3 of 3 answers

We have used it on aluminum acid wash and scuff prior.

Pinnacle V.
· April 10, 2018
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Yes

Will
· April 10, 2018
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This product can be used on any surface that will accept paint. I sprayed wooden blocks used as a base surface for my camper jacks. They don't absorb moisture and are tough. I use this product on bare metal, steel and aluminum without primer in automotive restorations/restomods. It sticks that good. If you want it to feel a smoother texture move the spray gun closer, or for a rougher texture back the spray gun up until you see the desire impact. DO NOT get it on your skin and let it dry. It will take weeks for it to go away. No amount of scrubbing will remove it. Great product.

 

Another thing to consider is the total bweight of the HD is about 40 more pounds over the SE

 

You make a valid point to consider but I doubt anyone wanting something that will withstand a 1600 lb load is too concerned about an extra 35 lbs.

 

True. However for me I will not be carrying loads heavier than 400lb on top. Wanted something strong enough to stand on, which the SE is more than capable for that. The SE being lighter is a little easier to disassemble if needed and less weight to lug around if not needed