Gator SFX Detailed Review

The Gator SFX is a soft tri-fold tonneau cover that offers a one-piece look. It features a robust aluminum frame topped with durable vinyl.

Gator SFX Soft Trifold Cover
Gator SFX- Soft Trifold Tonneau Cover

Lightweight and sleek, it provides solid protection for your truck bed. This cover is an ideal choice for first-time buyers, offering a budget-friendly option without compromising on quality.

Its lightweight design also makes it a great option for female truck owners.

Highlights

Gator SFX excels in:

  • Easy Installation: Straightforward and quick to install, usually takes only about 5-10 minutes.
  • Good Fit: Fits well on a range of trucks.
  • Ease to use: It is a lightweight and low maintenance cover.
  • Lifetime Warranty It comes with a lifetime structural warranty and a 10-year trap warranty.

Areas for improvement:

  • Seal Quality: The seal around the tailgate, sometimes comes loose or doesn’t fit perfectly.
  • Flapping at High Speeds: There’s noticeable flapping when driving at highway speeds, which could be a distraction.

Let’s have a look at the specs.

SpecificationDetails
Cover TypeSoft Tri-Fold
Design1.5 cm above rails
LatchingSpeed Klamp
Panel CoreLightweight Yet Sturdy Vinyl
Frame MaterialAluminum
Panel ExteriorVinyl Material
Seal MaterialEPDM Rubber
FinishVinyl Grain finish
InstallationNo drill Setup
Weather ResistanceUV and Rust resistant
Cover Weight52 lbs
Bed Access2/3 Access
WarrantyLimited Lifetime (Structural) 10 Year (Tarp)
Table of Specs- Gator SFX

Construction and Material

SFX- Soft folding cover by Gator
Gator SFX Soft Cover

First off, it has a trifold design. The frame is built with sturdy aluminum, and the cover itself is made from reinforced vinyl.

Now, when it comes to keeping things dry, it’s got these EPDM seals to make sure rain and dew stay outside.

Safety-wise, it’s got a latching system that keeps your stuff secure. So, no worries about your cargo making an unexpected getaway.

The Gator SFX tonneau cover uses clamps as latches. They’re designed to secure the cover in place and keep it from flapping around while you’re driving.

These clamps are pretty simple to use – just unclip them on both sides to start opening the cover. And when you fold it back, they help hold the panels in position.

To sum it up, the Gator SFX’s design is simple and practical. It’s got everything you need. It has durable material frames that keep things safe and dry.

Gator SFX DIY Installation

pre assembled Gator SFX cover
Gator SFX Easy Installation

Alright, let’s break down how you can get that Gator SFX tonneau cover on your truck all by yourself. No rocket science here, just a bit of handy work.

So, this cover comes with three panels that fold easily. First, you gotta prep your truck bed. Give it a good cleaning and make sure it’s nice and dry. Then, slide those side rails into place.

Now, grab those clamps and attach them to the side rails.

Lay the cover on those rails, make sure it’s centered, and snap it into those clamps. It should click in.

Next up, that rear latch near the tailgate – it’s what’s gonna lock things down. Give it a test, and make sure it’s working smoothly.

Got it all locked and loaded? Time for a quick check. Open and close that cover a few times, just to make sure it’s playing nice.

Oh, and here’s the cool part – if you’re hauling something tall, you can fold those panels and buckle ’em up, so they don’t flap around while you’re cruising.

And that’s it!

User-Friendly Operation

Gator SFX soft trifold cover
Gator SFX One piece appearance

When it comes to keeping your stuff dry and secure, this cover provides pretty good protection against the elements. Rain or shine, its vinyl and tight seals team up to ensure your cargo stays protected and dry.

Lock those latches, and you’re good to go – your gear is in safe hands.

And let’s not forget about the wind. This cover doesn’t just hide your stuff; it also provides aerodynamic aid. It reduces wind resistance, giving you a smoother ride.

But here’s the icing on the cake – using this cover is a breeze. Locking and unlocking? No rocket science here, just flip those latches. When you need your whole bed, it’s as easy as unclamping both sides, and folding the panels, and you’re off. Got taller cargo?

Secure the panels partially with the built-in buckles. And guess what? It’s not making your journey noisy either – no flapping or rattling sounds.

So, in a nutshell, this cover’s got your cargo’s back, and it’s making your trucking life smoother. It’s easy to use, keeps things dry and secure, and even gives your ride a bit of an aerodynamic edge.

Your cargo rides in comfort, and you’re in for a hassle-free journey.

Is Gator SFX leakage proof and can it withstand bad weather?

gator sfx in rain
Gator SFX no leaks in rain

Gator SFX does a good job of keeping your cargo dry in regular rain. The seals and weather stripping do a great job of keeping the water out of your truck bed.

Curious if every tonneau cover truly keeps the water out? Read our detailed article here https://toptonneaureview.com/do-all-tonneau-covers-leak/.

It’s a trusty raincoat for your truck bed. When it comes to heavy storms, it holds up quite well.

As for hail, the cover can withstand small to moderate hail, but it might not be as effective against larger hailstones. For intense situations, parking in a sheltered area is your best bet.

Is Gator SFX secure?

Let’s have a look into the security aspect of this cover. Now, let’s be real, no cover is completely foolproof if you are expecting this, I would say don’t buy this thought. Gator SFX does a good job in the security department.

It’s all about sealing the deal. This cover is designed to keep prying eyes away from your cargo. So, even if someone’s curious, they won’t get a peek.

Speaking of the locking mechanism. The clamps ensure a tight grip, and trust me, these locks won’t budge without opening the tailgate. It’s like having a double-lock system.

And the tailgates, if yours is locked, this cover becomes even more secure. Think about it – 98% of thieves won’t even try to mess with it.

gator sfx clamps
Gator SFX Tailgate Clamp

While no cover is 100% invincible, my observation is that potential thieves with some special weapons can easily cut it open, because anything sharp can penetrate through the cover. But that’s very less likely because never heard anything like that before.

In the end, it all comes down to you! I would say don’t park your truck in a strange area for a long period of time, especially when you have kept something valuable in the bed.

Is Gator SFX value to money?

Let’s talk money for a moment. The Gator SFX comes at a price range of $299.00 to $319.00. Now, that’s not too heavy on the wallet, right?

Considering what it offers, it’s quite a bang for your buck. With a limited lifetime warranty on the structural part and a 10-year warranty on the tarp, you’re getting some good coverage.

When you look around, you’ll find covers in various price ranges. But if you’re after a balance between quality and affordability, the Gator SFX stands out as a worthy contender.

Final Word

In conclusion, I’d say if you’re eyeing a practical and affordable solution to keep your truck bed protected, this could be a winner.

With its reinforced vinyl material, decent water resistance, and straightforward installation, it’s a good option if you have a tight budget. Also, its easy installation and light weight is great for senior citizens and female truck owners.

Plus, with its limited lifetime structural warranty and 10-year tarp warranty, you’re getting a good deal in terms of coverage.

Gator also gives a 30 day cash back offer and after 30 days if you are not convinced, you can exchange it with other gator covers.

Now, that shows their confidence on this product and that’s the reason this is their best selling cover.