Diamondback Owners, what up?

I’ve received the go ahead from my better half to purchase a tonneau cover and am pretty set on the SE model. I don’t see much benefit to the HD for my use case since I don’t have an ATV and would be more likely to haul a trailer than go the RTT route.

That said, curious what gems of advice or knowledge you can impart before I take the plunge.

Specifically:
Was there anything specific you wish you knew going in that only became apparent after owning?

Do you have any advice before purchasing? I’ve watched countless videos

Does the DB attract attention in your experience?

How about the bins? Must have or not? If so, what model?

anything else?

thanks y’all

 

Love mine! Bought the SE. No point in Getting the HD for a Tacoma. If you were to put that much weight on it, you’d likely damage the bed. I get compliments on mine all the time. It’s not going to be 100% waterproof without some work sealing beneath the bed caps, etc. I get a small amount of water that runs down the inside walls of the bed but if you have a bet mat you’re gear will stay dry unless it’s against the sides. I’ve seen the newer smooth Diamondback on a truck locally and don’t like it. Because it’s flat, I could see slight bows in the cover that you wouldn’t see on the diamond plate one. Install couldn’t be easier. You’ll love it. I’ve done a lot of mods on my truck and the Diamondback is probably my favorite. It’s definitely the most useful mod.

 

Thanks! This is just the feedback I am looking for. I have the bed mat and really can’t recommend it enough as a first mod!
As for waterproofing, it seems like the effort may be worth it but probably ok without. Good to know about the placement of stuff in the bed to avoid water.

I was actually leaning towards the flat black and found your observation interesting. Wonder if that local guy picked it up off the outlet, I missed one a few months ago! Seems odd that one model would actually be slightly bowed in based on finish, unless they both are and the plated one just obscures it better?

Curious if the diamond plate is any grippier for standing on but figure a quick call to DB tomorrow could sort that out.

 

I didn’t consider that he may have gotten it from the outlet. That’s entirely possible. It was very noticeable how warped looking it was while mine is perfectly flat. As far as the texture, the diamond tread one is super grippy. No chance of slipping on it even when wet. Id imagine the flat one has some grip to it but not as much if that’s a concern for you. The SE is plenty solid too, I’m about 190lbs and there’s no flex when I stand on it. Also, I’ve seen a few guys here spend the time to remove the bed caps and seal everything up just to still have small leaks. There’s quite a few places for water to sneak in on the Tacoma bed. My personal opinion is it’s not worth the hassle. Keeping water out 100% usually ends in frustration. Also, this is completely personal opinion but I remember thinking the flat one just looked “cheaper” if that makes sense.

 

what up??????
is this a Budweiser commercial?

 

I have the SE… love it … spend the extra $80 and order the led light. It is awesome

 

I have the HD: moderation is for cowards. All kidding aside I couldnt decide on SE versus HD so just went HD. I have the underside tool attachments. I'm running an axe and shovel on it. I am soon going to install the DB Forerunner track mounts and then will put a Forerunner rack on it.

I got the cab guard. I was back and forth on that too but on its maiden campout a friend loading wood onto my DB would have sent a log right through my rear window without it.

I have occasionally gotten questions on it from other pickup owners. Its always kind of funny the look on their face when I invite them to climb up on it and jump around if they want.

Install is easy.

It is pretty secure. You could get in but it wouldnt be easy.

Its a solid system.

 

One thing with the DB is I would get bed stiffeners with it, even the SE

And if you do get bed stiffeners and live near central NC let me know: it pisses me off that I have never again had occasion to use one of the huge assed torx bits I bought for the install.

 

Oh and per waterproofing it in my case it just required plugging a bit in the bed near the cab. I used this stuff:

Sugru Moldable Glue - Original Formula - All-Purpose Adhesive, Advanced Silicone Technology - Holds up to 4.4 lb - Black 8-Pack

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007VXJM58?ie=UTF8

 

bed stiffeners are a must, I got the Rago fab ones as blems. I have the HD because the SE was only rated for 400lbs and the price difference was like $200, I would never try to put anything over 600lbs on the cover on a tacoma. My 2 gripes are:

1. the reduced bed capacity in terms of height: i think the height is like 19-3/8"
2. the center crossmember makes using the bed without the cover an inconvenience, there is another company that makes a cover that seemed to eliminate this issue called renegade covers. and if I were in the market today I would probably pick them over diamondback for this reason alone.

 

there is an extensive Diamondback thread, do a search. Putting my smooth SE on this weekend, can't wait.

 

Smooth SE owner here. Love it. Looks good and performs well and its secure. Like others have said its not 100% waterproof but close enough for government work. We just had 10-12" of rain and I had some drips inside but it works down under the bed mat and drains out. I have the tool bar attachment and I could take it or leave it. Just have to be mindful of the clearance to objects in the bed.

 

I have the smooth black HD and love it. The only thing better than the actual cover is their customer service. I went with the HD because I have a bed rack and RTT.
I am curious why people are saying bed stiffeners are a must? I considered it but didn’t feel like drilling into the bed and I figured the clamps for the cover would act as a bed stiffener. Granted the clamps are at the center rather than at the tailgate like a stiffener would be.

 

I love the se db have it mounted with my kb voodoo rack so the only thing is it leaks a little where the seal goes over the rack mounts. Sealed the head board area with silicone.
It attracts the right attention as people love it. I dont store anything in my cab cause of thieving crack heads in vancouver.

crossboxes are useless, i installed this in my friends truck and its easier to have a nice movable storage bin instead for the cost.

In other worda love the db and its a great tool to keep stuff safe and out of sight.

dont have the bed stiffeners so that’s something i may do as i have the rack tent and bikes on the outriggers

 

Love my diamondback. I put one on my diesel truck too. Great product and great customer service.
I have the HD but it's overkill. Although the extra tie-downs are nice.
FYI you can install the toolbox at the back, near the tailgate. Super easy to haul groceries or smaller items while still keeping ladders and larger tools underneath.

 

I have SE and love it. Looks great, offers security, and easy enough to remove if needed (I sometimes remove the back panel when needing to carry something tall). The attraction it gets is being impressed with it.

I also have the Crossbin 8 ... can still slide stuff under it.




Also, added Front Runner's racks on the center and back, so I can still open the front to access the Crossbin.

 

Another DB Fan Boy here! Mine's been on for almost a year, works great especially when I'm traveling and just making an overnight stop at a Hotel. No need to un-load the entire bed, just grab what you need for the night, lock it up and you're good to go!

I don't get a lot of attention about mine. No one has ever walked-up and had a conversation with me about it. I like that though, means it must be stealth LOL!

I have the SE, diamond plate with the texture coating, no cleats installed (but I have them). The only issues I've had with mine is it leaks a little (both dust and water) but not enough of either to be a problem, especially since just about everything I carry in my bed is in crates. Also getting it delivered was a bit of a hassle. It has to be signed for so I arranged to have it shipped to a retired friend who is home a lot. Delivery date got changed twice then it ended-up getting delivered a day before it was supposed to. Annoying but things happen.

Last note, a couple of times a year DB has sales. I bought mine at a bit of a discount by waiting for their 'Black Friday' sale.

 

So they do have sales!? haha
How much did you get it for?

 

I had the 270 before I got my RLD canopy and I gotta say that I loved the access the 270 afforded. Tip: remove plastic side rail caps along the top of the bed and throw some clear silicone under there to help with water intrusion.

 

Yo!

I love my SE. I was unsure if the Bakflip would be better, as I did the sleek design, but I’m glad the SE was the final outcome.

Man… where to begin?

Secure as well, easy to remove if full bed access is needed, no need to drill into your bed (like the Bakflip) and I personally love the taco fold system.

I think it certainly gives an off-road, rugged look to the truck. Which I dig.

So far.. I have nothing negative to say about mine!

I personally didn’t need any added bed storage. I do however use this little net system, holds loose tools, etc without them sliding all over the place. Can check it out

$17 Three Pocket Pickup Truck Cargo Net Fit for Toyota Tacoma 2013-2019 Cargo Organizer Storage Net

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JD945LY

I have the net at the front of the bed, which again.. is why I love the way the SE opens.