How do aftermarket tonneau covers compare to OEM?

Yes it utilizes the existing bed rails...This system comes with two rails that you have to attach to the existing rails. Super easy to install, with just 3 bolts on each side. No drilling at all. With that being said, if you’re wanting to use those bed rail cleats, you won’t be able to with this Gator cover. Unless you remove the entire tonneau system.

In my opinion its the best bang for the buck. Yes, there are others that are superior (Extang, Bakflip) but for my needs the Gator was perfect. And half the price might I add.

All depends on your preferences/needs and how much you’re willing to spend. The Gator cover itself is also completely removable in under 30 seconds if you need to utilize the entire bed. Hope this helps.

 

Will do. I couldn’t find any reviews of it anywhere, but ordered it directly from Amazon so return would be no hassle if it doesn’t work out. The reviews on the tyger soft version are overall really positive, so hopefully the poster above that is returning just got a bad one. Hopefully get a decent one. I’m guessing with harder seal material the gaskets will last longer but will require more force to get them to do the job. I don’t think any of them seal perfectly without some effort just due to the design of the top rail. I’d expect them to leak a little in a car wash, but remain relatively dry driving in a rain storm. That’s all I need, don’t need em air tight or anything. Should be here Wed, probably get around to those and installing running boards by the weekend.

 

Hopefully so. I am with you on that one, I don't need anything waterproof or air tight. Water resistant would certainly do the trick, especially on a $500 cover.

 

OEM.

 

I went with the MX4 as well. Great match for the truck. More access to the box when open than the Trifold versions. The flush fit is nicer IMO and if you need to remove it, 2 bolts at the front and off it comes.

 

I just ordered the Gator EFX. I figured if i needed the full bed, I would just remove the cover all together. For $400 less than the MX4, i didn't see much value and leaning the cover against by back window.

 

I have this one and really like it. IMO its the best looking cover out there. Has some small leaks in heavy rain but nothing that concerns me (mostly from the bed itself). Can remove it in less than a minute. Email them and you can get it well under 800.

http://www.truckalterations.com/LOM...TYLE%7C60.5%20in.%2F5%20ft.%200.5%20in.%20Bed

 

I recommend Diamondback Covers. They look awesome and are tough to handle anything you throw at them.

 

I bought this cover and it is supposed to be here Thursday. I like that this one uses strikers to latch it and that the front panel can be opened independently allowing access to the area in the front of the bed without having to fold the whole thing up. It seems to be a very secure design. I may have to wait a bit to install it because someone hit my truck in the parking lot at work with a roached out Honda Odyssey. It's going to the body shop today. 1400 miles on it...At least she had insurance.

 

I’m super happy with my Tyger soft rollup. Less than $200. You could buy a new one every 2 years, and spend less than some of the hard or tri-fold models. And, a rollup is the only option which provides 100% bed access plus rear vision. I know people worry about security, but it’s probably just as easy to pop open some of the hard covers as to cut a soft cover.

 

Take a look at this Lund tonneau: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Lund-95818...273958881931?fits=Model:Tacoma&epid=230378656
I have had one for a year and it's been great. $274.19 w/free shipping.

 

Having lots of experience with the ExTang V1 and now the Tyger T5, I was going to try to retro-fit ExTang rear clamps onto the Tyger T5 as they appear to latch pretty solid in the Tacoma side rails. But I decided to draw the line and purchase the cover I really wanted instead. For anyone interested, I think you could remove the flimsy rear Tyger clamps and use eye-bolts to fasten the ExTang clamps.

 

The Bakflip mX4 when in vertical folded up position does not lean against the back window as it is held upright by two rods that are tightened in place by hand turned knobs allowing operation at highway speeds. The middle cab mounted brake light also remains functional and so do those bed rail sliding knobby things.

 

I have the Extang 2.0 solid trifold. I had to have the front panel replaced under warranty because it developed divots where the clamps are located. Now the replacement panel is starting to do the same thing.

 

I appreciate all the feedback, will let you guys know which I one get, thanks!

 

The LoMax arrived today and is installed. I am very fussy and happy with this new cover.

 

That’s a clean looking lid. Nice job

 

Just ordered my Lomax bed cover today. It’s the exact same cover that’s sold by WeatherTech. $675 shipped to my door.

 

I'm'a get me an Undercover Ridgelander.

 

Have you looked at the DiamondBack cover? The price point is about the same and nothing but good reviews.