Undercover flex Review

So I finally got around to installing my Undercover Flex on my Tacoma. I like the theory behind the functionality, and think it is one of the best, if not the best tri-fold toneau cover out there. It does not rest on the cab like the others do, and is simple to install, fold up and fold flat.


Let me start by saying I got this cover for free from the dealership I was working at because it was used for display, and we have others used for that now. I only had to buy the install kit and replacement prop-rods. I know I can't really complain, but had I paid money for this, I would have returned it. But then again, I have seen the other products out there and would have settled for a vinyl roll up type. But they wear out after a while.

My main concern/gripe is that I believe Undercover dropped the ball when it comes to fit and finish. I know their hard covers have finished ends and corners, and I believe they could incorporate the front of the bed on this type. The instructions say it is water resistant, not waterproof. That is why they give us drain hoses. But the water gets in through other places and does not drain through the hoses, but rather leak inside the bed.


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In these first two pictures, you can see good coverage and it looks good.

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This is where I think they could have made the cover a little longer and wider, and possibly had corners like the original Undercover toneau. It would make the water resistance better.

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In these pictures is where Undercover could definitely improve. Since this is the front of the bed, the cover could be wider as well as incorporate the rounded edges.

After it rains, water builds up not only inside the bed, but also right under the window. As I drive down the road, little droplets fly up and get all over the back window, making it dirty. I'll have to figure out how to remedy that.

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These two pictures you can see that is folds up nicely, allowing you to use your bed if you are out and about and need to carry a large piece of equipment, or if you need to use almost all of your bed, you can fold it one more time and have the prop rods hold the entire cover out of the way.


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Here you can see that by using the prop rods, the cover does not rest on your cab, causing damage to the cab, and possibly the cover.


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Here you can see the larger bolts and hand cranks that hold the front of the cover to the rails. If you look close, you may be able to make out the drain tube connectors. I have not attached the hose yet.


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In these pictures, you can see that there is a major gap that lets water in. There is also the rail that drains the water into the drain tube.

Undercover does supply the rubber gasket that you have to trim to fit as I did. But the gasket is too narrow as you can see. It should cover both the top of the bed rail and the tie down rail. I believe if the gasket was wide enough, I could have trimmed it to cover most, if not all of the gaps. No gaps, no/less water leaking.


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In these two pictures you can see that the cover rests on about 3/4" of the side rails. I believe the cover should be at least two inches wider on both sides to give a better seal. But this is ok as it is, since there is a drip rail to collect the water that gets in and channel it toward the drain tubes.

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In these two pictures you can see the gap when it is all tightened down, but I have lifted the end of the outer rubber edge seal.

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In these final two pictures you can see the tail gate end of the cover. Here you can see a better picture of how the edge only hangs over the side about 3/4", as well as the drain channel.

You can also see the areas that don't catch the water.

I think that if the cover was a little longer, wider and had rounded corners similar to the Undercover hard toneau here as well, this would be a drier cover.

But as I said, all in all this is an 8 out of 10.

 

Sorry I couldn't get the pictures to show up in the main body.

 

I also have a slight issue with the fact that the rails connect to and cover the side tie down rails.

 

Nice review. I've had mine for 2 1/2years and it has held up great.

 

Yeah, I've sold many of them on both Tacomas and Tundras and haven't had anyone complain about it holding up. I've just never had the time or interest to study it as close as now because I never owned one.

 

Don't waste the money. I have the exact same truck that is in this picture, down to the color and trim, and installed the undercover 2 weeks ago. Every time I wash the truck or it rains there is water in my bed. No sense in covering the bed if it is going to get wet anyways. I am in the process of returning mine. Gonna go with a one piece with no seams.

 

You only need to use the drain tubes and simply fill in the small holes in the front corners with a little bit of foam or cylicone. I did that and my bed is completely dry, and I live in New Orleans, where it rains a lot.

 

What are you going to do when you neet to use your bed?

 

Exactly. That is not a bad idea if you never take the cover off. I think at the price point the money is better spent on an extang solid fold. I can break into the undercover in less than 20 seconds with the bed locked and a coat hanger. The latch is right there if you pull the weatherstripping back. Terrible design.

 

Sorry for waking up an old thread, but I'm looking at this cover con a 2015 and would like to know if the stock rails are accessible after installation. Or maybe even if you could add a cleat or tiedown?