Trying to decide on hard cover tonneau

‘23 Short-bed OR…

Was going to get Diamondback but now I’m undecided. Anyone like the Backflip and which version…they sell a couple of them.

My wants/needs-
Waterproof-ish or much as possible
Hard cover
Easy access
Ability to keep it on while open/hauling taller items (something I like about backflip)
Supports my weight on top (165lbs)

been going nuts looking at reviews and specs…I’m even more undecided now lol

 

10 pages within this thread, I’m sure there’s some good recommendations.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/best-tonneau-cover.767513/

 

Thanks, I did a search and didn’t see this thread.

 

I'm in the same boat. I've totally 100% decided on a cover several times now... all different covers.

I was all set for the Bak x4s until I saw they make you remove the factory accessory rail to install their accessory rail and you mount the factory one below it. Same issue with the bakflip.

I was offered a killer deal on the factory tonneau cover but nixed that idea when I saw I had to remove plastic from the top of the bed.

I briefly looked at the diamond back in natural aluminum color but the weird dual open design doesn't give easy access to the entire bed. I loved the security though. Probably the most secure of all of them.

Avoid Renegade covers. They are literal garbage.

The Lomax has a design flaw with the hinge seals. The weather tech suffers the same problem. They simply fail.

I'm sort of leaning towards the Leer HF650m but on one of the install videos the guy broke some major parts just trying to install it. I question the longevity now.

I'm leaning towards one of the $300 cheapo hard covers that utilize the factory rails to get me through the winter and give me time to make a decision on something more permanent.

 

Dude, seriously it’s so confusing with the options and limitation/benefits of each. I didn’t know that about the backflip, I really don’t want to have to remove any of my OEM parts to install it. To be honest, the only reason I want one is to keep a few things dry, or to avoid things easily being stolen out of my bed. Otherwise, I prefer the look of the truck without one.

 

It’s a bit pricey, but maybe take a look at Diamondback covers? The HD let’s you haul stuff on top (I’ve done that before) and their new Switchback allows hauling stuff on top as well as more bed space access folded compared to their original SE/HD tonneau cover models.

Edit: saw you considered Diamondback, didn’t read. But I do recommend their covers

 

Personally love my trifold "soft top" cover. No need to stand on it. Removes in literally minutes if I'm on the road, and fits in the back seat if it's in the way.

Different needs for different folks....

 

Diamondback makes a GREAT cover. I really can't shit on it's quality. If I wasn't constantly loading bicycles and motorcycles in the back of the truck, I'd probably get the diamondback. If you ever see a tonneau cover thread here on TW and you see me ask how difficult it is to remove the entire cover, this is why. Once I get my truck (any day now, cross your fingers) I have to go pick up a John Deere snowblower and a rototiller. I need a cover with easy access to the whole bed way too often.

 

As an FYI, if you search on Amazon or ebay and find a dozen companies you've never heard of selling hard tri-fold covers from $300 to like $700, they are ALL identical to this one. This is the 6' that I would need for my truck.

Tyger Auto T5 Alloy Hardtop Truck Bed Tonneau Cover Compatible with 2016-2018 Toyota Tacoma | 6' (74") Bed | TG-BC5T1531

https://www.amazon.com/Tyger-Auto-TG-BC5T1531-2016-2018-Fleetside/dp/B078TRRY5Y

Quality? Probably a 7 out of 10. I expect the plastic handles to break every couple of years but you can buy replacements super cheap. Like I said, this would make a good cheap alternative while you figure out a "good" cover to buy.

 

Why on earth would you waste $300 on a cheapo cover while searching for your forever cover? This is not that difficult of a decision.

 

If you can tell me which one will work for me I'll buy it. Winter is coming and I need a cover and I don't want to spend $1200 on the wrong cover.

Requirements:
1. Full bed access in a hurry. (limits to tri-fold and rollup - can't block the header rail)
2. Uses factory rail.
3. Lockable and secure
4. No modifications to the truck or that require mounting anything to the roof.
5. Somewhat weather resistant.
6. No cheap/breakable parts (I'm looking at you Leer).

BONUS: NOT BLACK.

 

I’m just lost in the number of options…decision paralysis per say

 

Lomax >

 

I've seen multiple reports of the same issue on the seams (Weathertech suffers the same):

https://youtu.be/hwrwaqQPHnc?t=186

 

I was in the same analysis loop. Just pulled the trigger in the Bak F1. We shall see. It is en route now. There is not one of these covers without some form of risk attached. Several are just poor designs. Bak seemed to be the least worrisome. Lets see how it goes. It will be here on Saturday. I will report back with my experiences. Good luck to you.

 

I agree about the Diamondback. I had no interest in tonneau covers until I saw Diamondbacks. Very versatile, strong and easy to remove and install. Well worth the money in my opinion.

 

If it wasn't for their dual rail design I'd have the x4s or even the bak MX4 waiting at the house for the truck to show up. I just can't get over that hang up. Quality-wise they are up there and they've been in the game a long time. I'm sure you're going to love it.

 

You can find cons on literally every product if you go looking for them. He also wrapped this and did not install on a Tacoma. This review is pretty useless IMO. It's still my tonneau of choice for my needs, which seem similar to what the OP wants. Definitely get whatever works best for you though.

That said I have been less than impressed with any WeatherTech product I've used, however they do have good customer service for when their products prematurely fail.

 

FYI, you don’t have to remove any plastic from the top of the bed if you get the seller of the OEM tonneau to trade you out his notched bed rail cover for your unnotched one. They just pull off and snap on. Also the OEM tonneau comes off by removing one single 12mm bolt. It is a bit heavy, but I’m a smaller guy and I do it myself. I love mine.

 

I can't tell if the Weathertech is a rip-off of the lomax or lomax makes them for weathertech. I've had no issues with WT stuff. Been using their floor liners for multiple vehicles for years. That's really all I buy from them.

if you have the lomax, how long have you had it? Any issues?