DiamondBack Covers | Modifications

I have LED strips on the underside of the bed rails. Hardwired in with a button in the cab. Put them in there before I had the Diamondback but it works fantastic with the Diamondback on there. I'll see if I can get some pictures.

EDIT: My build thread (in signature) has a pic of the bedlights before I got the Diamondback.

 

A few quick impressions on the new cover (fyi this is for my tundra-i don't think the taco requires shims)

+overall quality is really good, solid built cover. Love the look and durability.

The underside of the cover had some light scratches on delivery. I think it was from the saftey latch during travel. Not sure why they didn't wrap that so metal on metal wouldn't scratch this premium cover. Not a huge issue but just not what i would expect to see at this price point.

I hauled probably 50 pounds of trash on my first drive with the cover. The rear definitely felt weighted. I can't tell if it was the new load with the cover or maybe the air resistance. But its definitely different.

-For some reason my safety latch decided not to work correctly after sitting over night, I cant get the cab side open all the way.

-For a premium cover, the lock cylinder and key seems really cheap to me. Im sure its fine and will do what its supposed to but it just gives a cheaper feel.

I definitely need to make some adjustments to it. The cab isn't as "tight" as the rear. The tailgate is much more difficult to open and close.

Edit: also wanted to comment about the instructions not being very clear. I had several issues that set me back. Part of the issue was probably my low blood sugar lol but specifically the following:
-the instructions mentioned installing shims before putting the cover on. I didn't realize there were shims included with their own separate instructions so I had to back track a little
-the brackets that hold the lock bars had 2 nuts that you adjust so that the bars lock into the rail system. I don't know if it was the way mine was put together at the factory or if the instructions were not clear but ultimately i had to remove one of the screws and readjust the angle of the bracket in order for the lock bar to line into the rail. I watched videos on the system in order to figure out why i couldn't get them to align correctly.
-the wire loop that attaches to the middle cover system also tripped me up. the instructions seemed vauge to me as far as placement. i watched several videos but no one really covered it. I finally figured out that it was supposed to go over the middle cover section after trial and error.

Pics to come later.

 

Just after I asked you guys about ship times, I got a notification mine will be delivered about 10 days before the estimate! Impatiently waiting!

 

Some pix

 

Are you guys running the pop and locks with your Diamondbacks? Is it a must have?

 

I'm not. Pop lock never really seemed like it was necessary for me

 

I have a 1st gen (2002) and for whatever reason my tailgate can't be opened (at least not without risking breaking the handle trying) when the lid is closed. Part of the reason I got the diamondback, after watching LLOD review, was that you could still access your bed with the lid closed. However, at least I don't have to worry about not having a locking tailgate. So far it hasn't been much of an issue thankfully.

 

Loosen the catches on each side. You probably have it too tight. Also, if it's new, it might take a sec to break in. Mine was tight for about 2 weeks then felt good.

If it's hard to twist the locking mechanism or you have to push down on the cover to do so, it's too tight as well.

 

Is anyone using a Diamondback SE with KB Voodoo bed and tailgate rail caps?

 

This is the exact combo of my truck and tonneau. Man I’m going scores to get it. Looks awesome, but I may bias!

 

$23 Motion Sensor Closet Light, Upgraded Rechargeable 39 LED Wardrobe Light Stick-on Anywhere Under Cabinet Lighting/Hallway/Closet/Night Light Bar, 2 Sensor Mode (Only Motion, Motion & Light)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07C6R95YJ/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_i_QyHTDb0ZSXAYY

Another option for consideration - these are motion sensor closet lights. Light is mounted to a base by magnets, and the based can be mounted to the diamondback cover by the provided 3M tape. Recharges by USB.

It's stayed on pretty well from daily driving and random pothole bumps. The sensor triggers the second I lift the diamondback cover.

 

Interesting. About how long do the batteries last on a recharge?

 

Batteries lasted me about 1 to 1.5 months. But I'm not opening the diamondback cover very frequently - maybe once every 2-3 days.

 

Be mindful of small batteries and heat. This cover doesn't create a ton of heat, but it is noticeable. I figured for being black and a large surface area that it would be terrible, but the linex and aluminum do pretty well at not absorbing and then dissipating.

Just a thought.

 

I have the KB bedrails installed in prep for my HD. I’ll be installing the HD after my last load of leaves for the season. Love the way they fit!

I didn’t get the KB tailgate cap because I didn’t think I needed it.

What’s your question? Feel free to PM if you want.

 

Hey thanks for the response.

I’m not able to get enough adjustment with the lock rod brackets to tightly compress weatherstripping and to secure cover.

I have an email in with DB in hopes I’ll get this ironed out though.

I basically need longer channel brackets.

 

You’re welcome!

I hadn’t thought about that.

I thought I read somewhere the KB rails were better than the plastic OEM ones due to lack of comprehension.... I’d be interested to hear what DB says.

 

It's really not that tight, I don't really need to push down on it to unlatch it I just do it so there's no drag on the bed/bar rubber caps. It's been on since last December. I do have the rhino liner put on up and over the top of the tailgate and it's a rough texture so I'm wondering if that's part of the "issue"-friction. Fortunately like I said, it kinda works out so I don't have to put a pop-n-lock on to lock the back. Would just be a problem if I had stuff loaded on top and needed to get in the bed-which so far I haven't had to do. Although, if there was weight on the back I imagine it would still push it down to the point that it would stop the tailgate from opening too.

 

Yeah, it sounds like friction might be your issue. I have had a fair amount of weight on the cover and that does keep me from easily opening the tailgate to the point that I didn't feel comfortable opening it. I figured closing it would be even more difficult.

 

Looking at some pics of at least the 3rd gens with the diamondback on, it appears that it doesn't sit back quite as far either. Mine is set far enough forward that I've probably only got about 1/4-1/2 inch of clearance from the cab when I'm opening it but it still looks like it almost goes over the top of the tailgate slightly. Maybe the tailgates are thicker on later gens?