Rough Country vs Gator Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover

Hello,

Trying to decide on a Tonneau cover for my Taco. I have been researching and I came accross these two:

http://www.roughcountry.com/toyota-soft-tri-fold-bed-cover-44716c.html

Gator ETX Soft Tri-Fold Truck Bed Tonneau Cover | 59404 | Fits 2005 - 2015 Toyota Tacoma 5' 1" Bed (60.5")

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I11U3D4/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I3AYJA4X4X0N1M&colid=3920P20CB8EEC

What do you guys think? Are either of these worth it? Or should I look elsewhere? If so, would you please point me in the right direction?

Thanks in advance.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/tonneau-covers-caps-and-shells.198/

 

I have the rough country trifold cover. I bought it off of Amazon it took a total of 15 minutes to install and I love it. It's been through 2 rain storms And I have hit multiple times with my pressure washer no leaks. It was 249.99 On Amazon but I did not pay the price. I had give cards which paid for it

 

My two cents as I went with the Gator - quick easy install, works with the utility rails (came with the brackets) and haven't had any issues with leaks or anything like that; but it's only been a couple months, and it seems like the vinyl has already sagged some. No flapping issues or anything like that, just that you can now clearly see the outlines of the bows. Not really a functionality problem, more like at first it looked like a high quality cover, now it looks like a cheap cover (of course, it was a cheap cover).

 

Looks like your going cheap. I started out the same way but ended up with the Extang Encore at 899.

 

I appreciate all the information guys, ill keep researching and make an educated decision.

 

I have the Tuxedo Lo Pro QT cover and like it I roll it up and use it when needed.
https://www.realtruck.com/truxedo-l...bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=tonneaucover

 

I've had the Gator installed for about 4 months. No complaints here. This is my first truck so I don't have much to compare to. It does seem to flap quite a bit at 45mph and above. It's not distracting and I can't hear it but I don't know if other soft tonneaus do the same since this is the only one I've ever had. Very easy to install and quick to take down if need be. Water seems to stay out pretty well. For the price, it's great.

 

A recurring theme I've always found with tonneau covers is that, while they are all extraordinarily overpriced, you get what you pay for. Might be smart to spend a little more for a higher-quality design.

Also - security, price, user friendly, bed space when open. Pick any 3.

 

I have a BAK Revolver X2 on my 17' OR Access Cab. It's a hard roll up like the Truxedo tonneau, but it uses all edpm rubber seals and doesn't use Velcro like the Truxedo version does. It keeps everything dry, no holes to drill and just drops the factory rail down a couple of inches with new brackets which are included. Very easy install. You can operate the tailgate with the cover closed, and since the sides of the cover lock down as well it keeps the stuff in your bed very secure. It's also super low profile which makes it look even better. Best part is that it doesn't block your rear window when it's rolled up like the trifolds do. It's not cheap at around $850 bucks, but the quality, ease of use and looks of this cover are worth the price tag. I got mine at Tonneaucoversworld.com and you can haggle the price down with them. It's easy and shipping is free.

 

These cheap versions will last years. How many depends on your environment. I have a Gator tri fold pro which I did a write up on with some pictures. Easy to install but I will be honest, most soft trifold install the exact same. If you are set on a soft tonneau like I was don't spend too much money. They are not as durable as a hard one by no means but they do the same job. I am extremely satisfied with mine. The customer service was great. If you have any questions about gator hit me up.

 

Thanks for the info man. I take you have the Gator. You stated that I should hit you up, do you sell them or just for information?
Thanks

 

We don't sell the Rough country Tonneau but we are sister companies with Gator. They are under are umbrella. I won't give you a biased review they will be nearly identical covers. They are both considered entry level soft tri-fold covers. If you are looking to separate differences then the Gator Tri-fold Pro would be a better choice between the two. It has a Matte finish, more durable frame, and the rear clamps are cam lock style so they detach easier than the standard tri-fold.

As others have said you can't go wrong with any of the soft folding covers. They will all be relatively similar in design, with a few upgrades as you go from $240ish to $400 range.

If you have questions regarding any type of Tonneaus please let me know. I've had every type on my vehicle at some point.

 

@Zach.RealTruck do you have a recommendation on a vinyl roll up ... since I have a 5' bed I'd like the minimum intrusion into the bed length when it's rolled up, but of course, I want it leakproof, no flapping or sagging, and good security. Considering Truxedo or Access low profile tonneaus. Thanks ...

 

So with the soft roll ups, you will have "out of sight out of mind security". Whether you go with a soft cover or hard cover when driving at high speeds you will get some bounce due to the wind shearing off the top of the cab and slamming into the bed, this is normal and you can expect it of just about every cover unless you have a solid one piece. As far as soft roll ups go Truxedo or Access would be the leaders in this category. It would come down to budget and what upgrade you deem necessary. The LO pro from Truxedo is going to be the top of the standard for the roll up covers. If you have more of a budget in mind and want to get something less expensive the Truxport works really well on our trucks. This is because it actually sits on top of the bed rail and still allows us to use most of our deck rail.

Let me know if you have any more questions.

 

OP, did you pull the trigger on any of these? I find myself in the same position - new truck, need a tonneau, don't want to spend too much ...

 

just look for a factory tonneau off craigslist, you can probably find one for a few hundred dollars and you get the security, and locking features of a hard tonneau with the price of a soft.

 

Not so easy in the Bay Area, apparently.

 

Found an open box Gator tonneau for about 1/3 retail. Arrived today ... no one told me that it needs a special clamp bracket system to work with the factory cargo rails. Maybe they should have been supplied and were missing because "open box". Digging around the web for the supplied part number, I get pointed to "American Tonneau" and "Extang", who seem to provide exactly the same tonneaus, exactly the same install instructions, as Gator - except for the logo. It's possible that these are all subsidiaries or associated with "Truck Hero".

For whatever that's worth.

Now I have to wait two more days for the bracket kit. Sigh.

 

i have the same one, but i get leaks at the foam pads when it rains. I think it has something to do with the pads lining up with the gaps on the bed trim, but not sure. i'm not talking a lot, just small trickles. have you seen anything like that?