Debating between Diamondback Cover vs ARE Z-series cap

Cant decide, I think that both have their advantages. I have never seen a Diamondback cover in person and nobody around me has one, they seem a little pricey for what they are but seem pretty stout. the ARE Z-series cap with roof rack is my other choice.

 

I love my Diamondback SE. Very Secure and great quality and excellent customer service. They do also sell an HD model if you something more durable. Mine is rated for 400lbs. HD I think is 1600 lbs. Mine is light weight and I can remove panels or the entire cover in less than 30 minutes if I need to. I decided it met my needs of keeping things secure in the bed and pretty much dry.

 

Diamondback all the way! My truck had a Leer when I first got it, sold it within a week! Here’s some pictures of my HD model I recently picked up, absolutely love it. As lag mentioned it’s super quick and easy to remove. And mostly water tight, I just get a hair of water in mine during bad storms.

 

another vote for the Diamondback. Found a used one that was a year old for 1K.

 

Diamondback. seriously stout! You'll like it.

 

I actually purchased mine from their "outlet" on line. Only thing "wrong" with it was some color variation in the black coating. Personally you can't really see it when the cab panel is shut and honestly for the huge discount they put on it I really didn't care. Fully functional and that is what I wanted. The other one they had discounted at the time just had extra cleats on it. If you keep an eye out on their outlet you might find a great deal like I did and they still are covered by their warranty.

 

It all comes down to your personal needs. I debated the same thing and ended up going with the Diamondback. I haven’t received it yet but I’ve spoken with their customer service people and they sure great. I’m sure I’ll love my Diamondback SE

 

Depends pm your needs. I initially bought an aluminum trifold cover, then decided I wanted a cap instead and bought an ARE and am very happy with my choice and get a lot more use out of the capo. I don't need to haul huge items in the truck though so YMMV.

 

Hold up...how do you fold your back hatch all the way back like that?!? Do you not have the hydraulic cylinders on yours?

 

Diamondback all the way. It takes me 5 minutes to take the cover off. It’s 4 9/16” bolts and it’s 3 pieces are light. Caps are fine of course but you cannot take one off very easily should you need to move a big item. Whereas I’ll put big items on top of my cover if need be and strap them down. Regarding price, they are all aluminum, rugged, and made in the USA. Made in the USA means American manufacturing which means Americans at work, which is great and it is priced accordingly. So for the cost you get a quality product that honestly will outlast the truck, you’ll look at with pride every time you walk up to your Tacoma. Those are important factors when considering price, and 2 years later I don’t think my DB was pricey at all.

I usually don’t move big items with my truck but I had to ship a kitchen and it took 5 minutes to get the cover off. This item would’ve fit easily under a cap but Ive moved other items that are too tall and would have never fit under a cap

 

The gas struts have quick releases so you can remove them allowing one to take a panel off or fold them back. I do it all the time

 

The PO of my truck installed Rotopax mounts on the front hatch. I need to just pull them off.

 

I have always run with a tonnau type cover, but went with cap this time around. Found one used and had it painted for less then a new one.

 

@Papadave418 hit it on the head. Just disconnect the struts and fold it over. I usually just run a strap from tie down cleat to tie down cleat and secure it down for hwy driving!

 

I'm so glad I clicked on this thread. I had no idea it could do this. There have been times when I was considering removing it since it limits the functionality of the bed some what. I love that it locks and with the OEM tail gate lock actuator that area is seriously secured.

 

On the gas struts there is a little lever that you swing to the middle and the strut will pull off easily, then I just let it rest against the bed and fold the section back. Like the previous poster said a tiedown strap across makes it really secure driving on the highway

 

I removed the back panel only by myself the other day so I could haul my push mower and it took all of about 5 minutes by myself (weak female here you know lol). Super easy and yes with the tailgate locked and cover locked my husband decided he could break into it.......I stopped him short of drilling the locks out lol.

 

I love the look and versatility of the Diamondback covers. I can securely keep my stuff in the bed locked and it is easy to remove when I need to. I had the SE on my Tundra and Diamondback was the only cover I considered when I got my Tacoma. It is interesting to see some of the design improvements they have made in the last 4 years.

 

Another vote for the diamondback. I got my HD on their Outlet store as well and I love it. I got about $600 off the retail of the HD.

 

Camper shell with windoors.

I sometimes carry a bunch of gear when going hunting or camping. A tonneau just about halves what I can carry.

I use a utility trailer to tow my ATV or when what I'm hauling won't fit.