Diamondback Bed Covers

Hey there everyone, I did a search and didn’t find any dedicated forum for the Diamondback covers. I was wondering how many people have shelled out for one of these, and how long is the lead time to get one after purchase?
I just bought a 2019 taco, my first Toyota. So far I’m really loving it, but my job as a carpenter requires a lot of very secure, organized and hassle free storage space for my tools. I have a small tool box for now that does the job, but just barely.
For those of you that already have a Diamondback cover (I’m considering going big and getting the HD) What are your impressions so far and do you feel it was worth the price and wait?
Has anyone used the headache rack that Diamondback makes for the HD?

 

for me and my needs, Yes it's worth the price and the wait was only about 4 weeks. add in the power lock in your tail gate and what ever is in your bed stays there.

 

Good buy. Keeps everything dry and secure. The wait wasn’t long. 2-3 weeks. Comes off easily and quickly when you need to load up something large or awkwardly shaped

 

Found one on Craigslist this past summer for my dad. He absolutely loves having his hunting gear secure and enjoyed driving home opening day of deer season with his buck on top. He has strapped a lot of random stuff on top over the past year and it has held up well.

 

What are those racks and LEDs that you have installed on your diamondback? Looks awesome, I like that you have the light tucked under the rail, very clean.

 

I’ve seen people create hoists to lift theirs off of the bed easily and for storage purposes. Do you do the same?

 

No. I leave it permanently mounted. If I need the room I just take the doors off. I am working on a lift to take the RTT off though.

 

The racks are my own build using 120 wall steel, 1x4 cross tubes with 1x3 uprights welded to 3/16 plates with matching plates on the inside. the lights are from Amazon I have them switched independently so when the tent is on it I can just light up the side I want.

 

So the doors are removable? I didn’t know that, that’s pretty neat

 

Purchased mine at Harrisburg Sportsmen show. $400.00 off for show special. Since there factory is near Penn State drove up from Pittsburgh and had them due a free install which saved another $100.00. Did not feel the HD was worth the extra money because I do not believe sidewalls of the bed can hold that much weight. I used the savings to purchase the shallow tool box which I am in the process of turning into a 5 gun storage rack. I also purchased the 2 small storage boxes which sit up above the wheel wells. I use them for ratchet straps and various bungey cords which are easy to access when I need to secure anything to the top. I am very satisfied with the fit , finish and craftsmanship that goes into these hard tonneau's. I believe there has been problems with the front hatch coming unsecure because they have placed a locking device in the front that only allows it to open part way until you move the locking device to the side and release it. They have since sent me another device to add to the front to help secure it further. I have never experienced a problem. I keep it locked all the time and feel that may the problem that some are having. Once locked and with tailgate locked it is like a safe. Not saying it would be impossible to get in but it would be very difficult. I feel comfortable leaving my guns in there for a short stop for lunch or while out hunting.

 

I have the Diamondback HD. I needed a cover to keep gear out of the weather and security of hunting gear was what led me to the diamondback. I’ve tied a lot of items to the top of the cover this year without any issues. And the rear panel can be easily removed to haul taller items.

I do think the HD is overkill from a weight capacity standpoint. But I also have a utility trailer and so don’t have the need to put a quad on top of the cover. When I bought mine the difference between the regular cover with extra tie down cleats and the HD was negligible, which is why I went with the HD. Your mileage may vary.

 

I got the SE last year. Exactly what I was looking for, secure, dry, tough and looks good.

 

I have a few friends who have them for other trucks and the craftsmanship and service is second to none. I just ordered an SE last night and can confirm the lead time sits at about 4 weeks as each cover is custom made.

If you're looking for a bit of a price cut or a quicker turn around you can check at the bottom of their web page and find the outlet store (https://diamondbackcovers.com/collections/diamondback-outlet). There they list scratch/dent items that are functional. They list in great detail why the item wasn't sold as a full price item so you can decide if it matters to you. For example I saw one a month ago that had "an old style logo". Only issue with this is that Tacoma items are hard to come by due to it's popularity. They also offer a military discount.

 

Do you have any more pictures of the LED pod setup on the rear? I've been looking to do something similar as I want light on both sides of the truck but don't necessarily want to add a roof rack. I also like the set up @hawaii_dave has but don't have the fabrication skills to create my own cross bars. Also wondering how both of you routed the wires? (Through the cover, under the seal etc.)

 

I went with a cheating way for the wiring, I used a 20' extension cord because I needed 3 wires and it is also double insulated. I cut the male end off and then routed the cord thru a hole I drilled in the bed side above the wheel well. then up to the switch panel. then I used the male side of the cord to wire in the lights on the center panel. Yes I drilled holes in the center cover panel for the wires. that way I can remove it if needed, it can also will power two other lights as needed while camping i'll just wire up another extension cord that can power the other lights.

 

How did you seal the holes through the middle panel? I've been thinking of using cable glands but again I'd be worried they stick out. Also never thought of using an extension cord as it's a pre-packaged "harness", great ideal I'll be using in the future.

 

I do know the SE and HD are pretty popular. I actually decided to go a different route with it and got the 270. Lost some capacity for storing things on it but i like the look and ease of access to the boxes. It did force me to get more creative with how I mount the RTT though.

 

I just used silicone sealer, put a little extra and then pulled the harness down so it would bring some silicone down with it .

 

Want one very badly. Check out Mike's Tacoma on his YouTube channel - lastlineofdefense. It's where I first saw one and have lusted after one ever since.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VwZ5aKyNcXA&list=PLWyvMoH3QuwH0Ba8VyDGRms-4sKyUiy5e&index=26&t=0s

 

You guys have loaded quite a bit of stuff on top of the diamond back without issues?