Gator EFX Hard Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover stands out for its exceptional value, offering a durable and reliable option at a budget-friendly price point.
Its solid construction and ease of installation rival more expensive brands, ensuring your cargo stays secure without breaking the bank.
This cover is particularly praised for its sturdiness and straightforward functionality, making it an excellent choice for truck owners who want quality and affordability without compromising on the essential features of a hard tri-fold tonneau cover.
Gator EFX does a great job for the price, with the aesthetics and functionality standing out. However, if you’re in an area with heavy rainfall or need precise, watertight fitting, it might require some additional DIY adjustments to get it just right.
After having Gator EFX on my trucks, I’ve had a good chance to weigh out its good points and drawbacks.
The Good Points:
- The cover looks fantastic. It’s got a low profile that makes it almost blend into the truck, which I appreciate for its sleek appearance.
- Installation wasn’t too tricky. I managed it in a reasonable amount of time, even though the instructions could be clearer.
- I experienced no water leakage on the Chevy Silverado.
- It’s a sturdy piece of equipment. Despite its lightweight, it feels durable and reliable.
- The functionality is great. It folds easily, which is convenient when I need to access the truck bed.
- Price-wise, it is a pretty good deal. I am happy with what I got.
Area where it needs improvements:
- Water resistance isn’t perfect in some trucks. It’s alright for light rain, but during a good downpour, some water gets through, especially near the tailgate on the Ford F-150. I had to order new weather stripping from amazon.
- The inability to prop up the third section without complete removal is a bit of a design oversight. It limits the use of the truck’s full bed when needed.
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Latching | Pull Cord |
Panel Core | Extruded Polystyrene |
Frame Material | Aluminum |
Panel Exterior | Aircraft Grade Aluminum |
Seal Material | EPDM rubber seals |
Finish | Black Powdered Finish |
Installation | Clamp-on installation |
Weather Resistance | UV resistant Coating |
Security | Integrated Locking system |
Weight Capacity | Up to 300 lbs (evenly distributed) |
Cover Weight | Approximately 65 lbs |
Bed Access | 2/3 bed access |
Tailgate Seal | Dual action [can be locked whether tailgate is open or closed] |
Warranty | 3 years limited warranty |
Price | $699 |
Table of Contents
Design and Material
It has a three-segment design. One segment remains fixed, while the other two can be folded towards the cab of the truck and rest on the fixed segment.
And when these are fully extended, it becomes a reliable shield for your cargo maximizing the functionality of your truck bed.
It features a sleek powdered finish that enhances the overall look of the truck and it is also scratch-resistant.
It provides a chic and clean appearance to the truck and it will remain scratch-less and keep retaining its looks for a long period of time.
Additionally, it also has a UV-resistant coating, which ensures the color doesn’t fade away and the panels are not affected when exposed to sunlight.
Its low profile design reduces air turbulence. That means you can zoom through the streets with improved fuel efficiency and you can save some bucks!
BAKFlip MX4 is considered the best-looking tonneau cover, among all hard tri-fold tonneau covers.
These panels can withstand 300 lbs of evenly distributed weight. It is designed to withstand rigorous everyday challenges.
And speaking of the weather, let’s not forget about the high-quality seals. They’re made from durable EPDM rubber. These seals make Gator EFX airtight and help to keep out the water, dust, and anything Mother Nature throws your way.
Last but not least, the frame is also made with aluminum, coated matte black to compliment the panels and make its entire look subtle. This rigid frame also provides a good amount of support to the entire cover making it sturdy and robust.
Is Gator EFX secure?
Let’s face it, no tonneau cover is completely theft-proof! Professional thieves can always find a way to unlock them. That’s why it’s crucial to take extra precautions and be mindful of where you park your truck, especially if you’re carrying valuable cargo in the bed.
When it comes to security, EFX does its best to keep your truck bed and cargo protected. Its dual-action tailgate seal acts as a barrier, making it more difficult for unauthorized individuals to access the bed.
Furthermore, it offers the added advantage of 2/3 bed access. This means that you can securely store your valuable items under the fixed segment of the cover, keeping them out of sight and inaccessible to potential thieves.
Does Gator EFX lock?
It features a reliable locking mechanism. But it does not have an automatic lock. By closing the cover first and then securing the tailgate, you add an extra layer of security to deter potential thieves.
However, it’s important to use it with smart practices and awareness to minimize the risk of theft.
Everyday Use and Impact (on driving)
When it comes to the usage and impact on driving, it offers functionality and a positive influence on your overall driving experience.
First and foremost, its tri-fold design allows for easy access to your truck bed, making it convenient to load and unload items.
But that should not be a problem, because in most cases, you can simply slide the luggage inside. In case you really need full access, you can simply uninstall it by just removing 2 clamps and keeping your stuff inside.
In terms of driving impact, it’s low-profile design and lightweight construction help reduce wind resistance and maintain the aerodynamic efficiency of your truck. This can potentially result in improved fuel efficiency.
Does Gator EFX leak?
EFX does a pretty decent job of keeping the water out. It provides effective water resistance and keeps the truck beds dry in normal rain conditions. It comes with integrated tubes to drain the water.
However, it’s important to remember that no cover is completely immune to water intrusion, especially in extreme weather conditions.
So, there’s a chance that you may experience water leakage during heavy rain or stormy weather.
Do you wanna know the real reason why tonneau covers leak? Click to read our detailed article here https://toptonneaureview.com/do-all-tonneau-covers-leak/.
The installation quality can also play a role in the cover’s performance. So, overall Gator EFX generally holds up well. It’s always a good idea to exercise caution during severe weather events.
Furthermore, it’s recommended to inspect the seals regularly for any signs of wear or damage. If you notice any issues, it’s best to address them promptly by replacing the seals.
Is Gator EFX Durable?
The frame of Gator EFX is wrapped in a matte finish, it’s more than just visually appealing, it also offers a significant layer of anti-corrosion protection. The worry of rust eating into your tonneau cover? That’s a concern of the past!
Shifting the focus to the panels, a protective coating guards them against the elements of weather. Be it the blazing sun, a relentless downpour, or a snow flurry, these panels stand their ground, protecting your truck bed come what may.
Taking a closer look at the seals, they’re constructed from resilient EPDM rubber. Renowned for its superior weather resistance and endurance, these seals form a secure barrier against water, dust, and other environmental elements.
So yes! It is pretty much durable.
How much does Gator EFX cost?
Gator EFX is priced at $699 and backed up 3 year warranty. It’s actually quite reasonable and offers great value for the features and quality it brings to the table.
When you compare it to other tonneau covers on the market, you’ll find that it’s competitively priced and won’t burn a hole in your pocket.
And that’s the reason Gato EFX made it to my list of the best tri-fold hard tonneau covers. Click to see the list.
So, if you’re a truck owner looking for a reliable and functional tonneau cover without breaking the bank, the Gator EFX is definitely worth considering. It perfectly aligns with affordability and performance, giving you the best of both worlds.
Why should I go for Gator EFX?
In my books, Gator EFX is definitely worth a buy. It offers an excellent balance between affordability and quality, bringing all those key features you’d expect from a premium hard tonneau cover to the table.
Moreover, the robustness, resilience against weather, and ease of installation, it’s all there, making it a solid pick to keep your truck bed and cargo safe.
Also, it comes with a wallet-friendly price tag and a decent warranty, and you’ve got yourself a winner. So, why wait? Give your truck bed the security and style it deserves with the Gator EFX. Trust me, you won’t regret it!