Lomax or Diamondback HD

First post here! Just took delivery on a new Lunar Rock TRDOR long bed and am trying to make the bed cover decision. My previous Taco (from many years ago, a 93 model) had a one piece color matching Leer fiberglass cap. While the cover looked great on the truck and was also fairly weatherproof, I'd probably not opt for this one again (limited front bed access and it was a complete PIA to take off).

A guy local to me has a used Diamondback HD in what appears to be really great condition. I realize the HD is overkill, and I'd certainly never be carrying an ATV or stacking 1500 pounds on top of the cover to haul, but the price is most definitely right - less than half the cost of a new one. But as the Diamondback warranty sadly only applies to the original purchaser, in the event something ever went wrong I'd be SOL and have zero support from the company.

I've read many positive reviews about the Lomax tri-fold cover. Of course it isn't as overbuilt or rugged, but the ability to take it off quickly and easily if the full bed was needed would be nice. I can pick up a brand new Lomax for approximately the same as the used DB, and would hopefully have support for a few years to boot if needed.

Something important to me is a reasonably weatherproof cover to keep my tools/equipment dry. I know none of them are 100% weatherproof, but I've read threads where some people have struggled with water intrusion on the Diamondback, and even with company support haven't really been able to effectively solve the issue.

So based on your experience, between these two choices, which way would you go? Used Diamondback HD or a new Lomax tri-fold? Sincere thanks in advance!

 

Good question!


As someone who is looking to buy the lower-priced version DB...I'd be all over a used higher end version for half the price!

It may be heavier but then I'd buy Bed Stiffeners to support the weight.

Figuring out proper sealing would be an afterthought for me...

But, you do what you feel is right for you.

 

Do you ever plan to put any load on the cover, I see that the lomax says 400lbs OF EVENLY DISTRIBUTED WEIGHT. I got the diamondback because I know I can jump on any point of it and not worry about damaging it. The tie downs on top are a nice bonus and I’ve found ways to make use of the the voids between the support ribs.

 

re: water intrusion - the Tacoma bed is inherently flawed w.r.t. keeping water out due to the design of the front bed.

You can use butyl tape to seal the cavities at front, which you'll likely do as well with the Lomax. I'd personally go with whoever will provide better (read: lifetime, hassle free) warranty.

You could also check the Diamondback outlet site and see what they have in stock.

 

another thing to consider: the Tacoma box is fairly shallow, so when you add a tri-fold that fits in to the top of the box, your space becomes very tight. I had a tri-fold and went to a fiberglass topper for this reason. Just thought I would mention this, as it is something I didn't consider,, luckily I got the tri-fold for free from a friend who got new one due to hail damage. I had to pull my bed mat, and perfectly space my coolers in the bed to get the tri-fold to close. If this may be an issue for you, the Diamondback appears to sit on top of the box and has a void to further increase that dimension.

GL
I'd go with the Diamondback, I have replaced many tri-folds on my work trucks as inevitably, they tend to leak and soak water making them useless,,, oh and they freeze shut at times in the winter.

 

So I have the Lomax and really like it. It's pretty easy to install as it bolts to the existing rails on the bed sides. It does a pretty good job at keeping the water out. I bought it for road trips so we can store our luggage in the back and it's worked really well. Everything in the bed stays dry, though there has been some water dripping in near the tailgate - but not enough that it's ever been a concern. I bought this model because I like that you can fold it up out of the way or take it off completely in less than 30-seconds. I didn't want anything more permanent than that.

I should also point out that I was rear-ended this past weekend (by a sedan) and while he crushed the side of my bed, somehow the Lomax stayed intact. At least, I think it's fine -- I guess I'll find out more when I try to reinstall it after the truck is repaired.

A couple things I'll suggest:
- If you search the forum there were a few dealers selling the Lomax tri-fold at a pretty decent discount. I think it was in the $600-700 range when I got mine.
- Another popular trifold is the Bakflip MX4. It has the advantage of folding all the way up to where it leans against the back of the cab.

All that said, I've been really happy with the Lomax.

 

the locking rods are the only thing to consider that goes below the top of the bed for the DB.

 

The Diamondback locks are susceptible to freezing during winter as well. I carry a spray lock de-icer+lube for this reason.

As mentioned above, the locking rods could limit the space but it's also entirely avoidable by shifting your cargo around. I have a crossbin 8 with mine and the leftover bed space is workable.

I used to have a LEER HF350m and that cover needed to get replaced three times -- that's why I went with Diamondback. The option to carry heavy items in the future on top of the cover is just a bonus.

 

I had a cooler that just barely fit when pulled against the tailgate and centered between the rods. It’s definitely workable. The cover also makes a great recliner when going to the drive in.

 

I've had my Diamondback (SE) for about two years now. It's in the center where water can happen, although I have not had a problem with mine. Even going through a carwash I don't get water inside.

I love it! Secure, looks good, and easy enough to remove when needed. (I remove the back on occasion for tall items.)






I'd also suggest getting the Crossbin 8 for a nice storage tray, yet still allows long items to slide underneath.

 

My biggest concern purchasing the used Diamondback is the lack of the normally provided bed rail cap shims. Of course the gentleman selling the cover already sold the truck and doesn't have these. I'd sure hate to put the nice Diamondback cover on and then promptly crack or warp my bed rail caps. I've wondered if maybe skipping this step is why people have water intrusion issues.

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1...-installation-guide.pdf?v=7815099303865958199

And for weatherproofing - I'd certainly also like do do the bulkhead prep.

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1...allation-guide-TA16.pdf?v=1413722884804903701

Maybe I need to give Diamondback a call and see if they'd sale these two pieces of install kit without a cover for a nominal fee. Although they aren't listed anywhere for sale on the website, maybe they would be kind enough to sell them separately with a phone call. If they tell me to buzz off and get lost, it might make my decision pretty easy. Haha!

 

I'm thinking the company would be helpful...give em' a call.

 

I’d think so, and if they won’t,,, F em! There’s your answer before you even buy. Calling a manufacturer to test the waters on support is always a good idea, before a large purchase.

 

+1 on all of the above owned my Lomax for 3 years and I love it I use the bed of my truck to haul stuff quite often and it takes me 1 minute to fold it up and place it in my garage. I also looked at the Diamond Back but ultimately didn’t want it because it takes too much effort to take it off and put it on again. If that is not a problem for you then if you can get one for half the price you better give that a serious look.

 

The diamondback is going to be overkill like you said. The lomax is quiet sleek and probably good for what you're going to use it for. Also it folds to the front of the bed which is a plus. You could also seal it well and put a drain somewhere.

 

If you add the DB tool bars then anything you attach to the tools bars is going to hang down as well. I've had to deal with this on occasion.

 

The way I sealed mine was after the install I got inside and had my neighbor close it using the locks. Then I got him to shine a light around he total perimeter of the cover. I used the bulkhead tape and the only place light shined through was the 2 front bed corners, which DB identified in the install documents that those were the problem areas. I used silicon caulk to 'plug' the corners and so far it is been working fine. The mating surfaces are pretty wide. I've looked inside after washing and rainstorms and if it is leaking I really haven't seen it.

 

DB LOVES selling add-ons. If what you need is in their inventory, I'm sure they will be glad to help. In their defense, I got big discounts using my veteran status at checkout. It only applies to certain items though. As far as tech/customer service, I had one instance that I wasn't completely satisfied with. So as usual, YMMV.

 

In practice it doesn’t seem wise to put much directly on top of the Lomax cover. Evenly distributed is important. Might consider tying a mattress down on top, but I wouldn’t be comfortable with much more.

The Lomax can be tight. Especially in the crossbar areas where the cover folds. I bought a mattress in a box and had to leave the Lomax open 2/3 to get the mattress home. I do like my Lomax, but unless you often require open bed access, a camper shell is probably the more useful option. That or a 4Runner!

 

I missed the shim step in my install I need to look into this.