Diamondback Bed Covers

I just ran the wires under the bed along the frame, and came out a small hole where you would install bed stiffeners.
The brackets are from Cali raised.

 

Where at in S Texas?

 

I wish I would have gotten the 270. I keep my tools and straps in a shallow tool box behind the cab. I think the 270 would have provided better access to that stuff while still providing the security and sufficient load carrying capacity up top.

 

I heard a lot off good reviews of those dimondback covers thanks to this now i am definently getting one also look into the decked storage system to keep all your tools organized i know a buddy of mine has one he use it for work and also for hunting to put he's rifles

 

Corpus Christi

 

I have the HD. So far I am loving it. It is wicked strong and you can get a lot of weight on it so you might want to consider bed stiffeners as well (I have the Total Chaos ones installed).

For a while I thought the HD was overkill and maybe so were the stiffeners. Now on a couple of occasions I have hauled really heavy logs on it so I appreciate the peace of mind.

 

I've had mine for 6 months and love it. I put a small amount of silicone down and it's water tight. I did a lot of research beforehand and I gotta say I have no regrets. One thing you might be interested in looking into is they sell a storage bin that goes underneath the cab side opening (I have the SE). It's great because when I unlock and open that side up, I have a secure tray to put my tools in as well as slots to put other stuff. I can upload a picture of the tray tomorrow if you'd like.

 

That’d be great @Sandy94 i have plenty of hand tools that don’t need to be sliding around the bottom of the bed.

 

I’ve had mine for two weeks now. Went for the HD, and added the cargo bin. Easy install and easy to break down if the cargo can’t go on top.

OP you should also check this thread out: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/diamondback-modification-thread.553966/

 

Pictures pretty dark but the bin has the center area and then small compartments on each side. I went to home Depot and laid down some rubber matting so my toolbox doesnt slide around

 

Good idea on the rubber matting! Adding it to the list of things to do.

 

I can vouch for DB as well - had the SE on for about 6 months, from -20 to 100 degrees F.

The only con I've had is during freezing rain, the weather stripping froze to the bed and prevented me from access until I could heat it up. This may have been my error due to not forming a tight enough seal during install. That said, the actual locks also froze when water entered them, so this is something to be noted.

I was looking for a bomb proof, long-term cover and this fit the bill. The cover should outlast the truck itself, has lots of utility, and looks damn good at that.

 

DB-HD owner and I've been very happy with it. I've yet to load up any heavy cargo atop the cover, but it served as a nice, high perch for 4 of us plus a spotting-scope as we scanned Lamar Valley for some of Yellowstone's wolves.
I've also thrown a camping mattress and sleeping bag up there and slept on it.

 

I bought the SE for mine. Best thing I've done to the truck so far. Me and the wife used it as a platform to watch the Big Bend Open Road Race from walked around on it all day long no issues held up like a champ.

 

Here's my setup:


Another view with William the Conqueror on the Diamondback:


So, the cross-bar setup is from Mobtown. It is well worth it. I use it for all kinds of more stabilization options for stuff on the back. The bars are easily removable (takes about 60 seconds if I'm not being lazy). As you can see I got the cab guard/headache guard/whatever they call it as well. I recommend this (e.g. there has already been an "incident" where a buddy would have sent a log round we loaded for camping through my cab window but for that guard). This is a matter of preference and can be installed later.

I have seen people in other places (e.g. YouTube) say their Diamondback keeps the bed waterproof. This has not been my experience and I don't see how this could be the case bc the bed itself is not watertight. That said, I have to say I live in the Carolinas, where it has generally been unbelievably wet (most of the reports of dryness I have heard came from places like the Colorado Rockies which, though lovely, just don't get rain like the Southeast). So some water does come in but it is usually a little stream and predictable and so you can still protect your stuff under the Diamondback.

In terms of security, the Diamondback is ridiculously secure. I never worry about that.

 

Do you know where the water is coming in from? I'd imagine perhaps some comes in through the storage cubbies but that's just a guess. If so I replaced those almost immediately after I bought mine with the mobtown secured cubby doors. I also put a small amount of silicone on either side of the bulkhead crevaces. Just brain storming over here but I'm in Virginia and it's been watertight since those applications

 

The worst offender is the top of the seams that separate the cab and side sections of the bed. I have put some silicone and such in there and it attentuates it. Some seaps in here and there through the Diamondback seal but stuff like automotive weatherstrip seems to fix that. (I actually need to put some fresh weather strip down).

I do think I have to be fair though: when I say rain in the last year I am not playing around. We got pounded in 2018. It may be fine for, say, typical Rockies.

 

This is the primary area where water can leak in. I cut a couple pieces of rubber that fill this gap when folded in half. Worked well so far.

 

Has anyone tried filling the gaps with RTV and letting it set? I remember seeing somewhere where they used painters tape to dam off the area and filled it, haven't tried it yet but leaning that way.

 

It comes with a seal for the rear end, I haven't done the install on that part yet but from what it looks like with the mix of the provided tape, and adding some silicon, should be a pretty solid seal.