Gator EFX vs FX Tonneau Cover
Gator has been present in the tonneau cover market for a while and is winning the customers’ hearts with some high-quality products for the trucks. Regardless of your truck bed cover usage, Gator produces tonneau covers that meet almost every client’s requirement.
This Gator EFX and Gator FX comparison content will give the readers a brief idea about the fundamental differences between these two lines.
Why Compare?
Gator has probably five different series of products aimed to meet different needs. Gator simply has it all, from a primary, budget-friendly series to the most premium and advanced series. The Gator EFX and the Gator FX are more excellent and hardcovers.
Let’s consider the quality and the purpose of the covers. The Gator FX series is more luxurious and can be regarded as the updated version of the Gator EFX cover. There are some fundamental differences between these two lines. Before buying any of them, buyers must know the differences for a better understanding.
Material
The Gator EFX is structured to be extremely sturdy and strong and is built with heavy-duty aluminum material. The aluminum panels are so strong that they can hold up to 300 lbs. of weight. Most essential covers may have simple aluminum panels, leading to corrosion and less durability.
But this series stands out as the aluminum panels come with a black powder coat finish. This ultimately means the panels are scratch-resistant and UV protective and prevent any type of corrosion. Gator FX uses aircraft-grade aluminum panels, the upgraded version of the Gator EFX series.
Aircraft-grade aluminum panels are way stronger and ensure trouble-free durability. It is coated with a black finish and prevents scuff and scratch. The structure is corrosion resistant and thus is excellent for the long run. It also can carry up to 300 lbs. of weight and is distributed evenly.
Exterior Design
Gator EFX comes with a flush-mount design that ultimately complements the truck’s overall look and looks incredibly sleek. Moreover, the black coat finish adds extra glamor to the exterior of the truck bed. It folds up to 2/3 of the way toward the truck cab and does not provide full bed access. Users can drive keeping this cover both opened and closed.
Gator FX beats its competitor by providing complete bed access; it is undoubtedly one of the most desired features for anyone who needs more cargo space. The flush mount design seems the cover a part of the truck bed and looks gorgeous on any truck. It features a low profile which ultimately looks great on trucks.
Weather Protection
Gator EFX swears by presenting utmost weather protection to cargo; from UV rays to water intrusion, it prevents everything literally. It features EPDM rubber seals, ensuring the truck bed cover is tightly adjusted to the truck bed rail and keeps the cargo safe from water, snow, dust, and temperature.
Also, the aluminum panels are UV resistant; thus, users can also carry sensitive goods. Again, the drain tubes keep the truck bed dry by diverting the water away. Therefore even if there is the slightest water leakage, the drain tubes provide necessary backup.
Gator FX is also UV resistant and includes EPDM seals for better weather protection. The flush mount design keeps it attached to the truck bed rails and prevents any possible water leakage. The structure is strong enough to protect the cargo from heavy rain or snowfall.
Fit bed Size
While buying a tonneau cover, a buyer must be careful of the fit-bed size; it indicates the actual size of the truck bed cover and the models that are suitable for the tonneau cover. The Gator EFX supports a 2021 Ford F-150 5′ 7″ Bed (67.1″). Gators FX fits 2009 – 2018, 2019/20 Classic Dodge Ram w/o RamBox 5′ 7″ Bed (67.4″).
Ease of Use
Gator EFX is pretty easygoing when opening or closing the tonneau cover. Most of the time, we know how hard it can be to open or close a tonneau cover but with Gator, no chance on that. This cover is straightforward to operate and requires minimal manual effort. It provides enough bed access to carry whatever the users want. It can also be kept open or closed while driving without any safety issues.
Gator FX comes with buckle straps that keep the cover secured in a 2/3 open position, which can be opened or closed while driving without any disturbance. It also keeps the 3rd brake light visible. This truck bed cover provides full bed access for larger cargo carrying, apart from the driving ease.
Lock Mechanism
Gator EFX does not incorporate any fancy lock system, yet it provides the necessary safety a cargo carrier would need for his cargo. It has a tailgate lock system, meaning the users have to pull the cover to the tailgate and lock it with the tailgate.
The tailgate lock system keeps the cargo protected and provides ultimate safety. Gator FX comes with slam latches; these latches keep the truck bed rails locked with the truck bed cover when it is closed and ensure comprehensive security.
Weight and Dimensions
Weight and Dimensions are other factors one should look for when choosing a tonneau cover. Gator EFX weighs around 43 pounds, and its dimensions are 67.1 x 21.5 x 5.5 inches. It is suitable for a 2021 Ford F-150 5′ 7″ Bed (67.1″).
Gator FX weighs around 58.4 pounds and its dimensions are 67.4 x 21.3 x 5.8 inches. It is suitable for 2009 – 2018, 2019/20 Classic Dodge Ram w/o RamBox 5′ 7″ Bed (67.4″).
Installation
Gator EFX and Gator FX both the series provide no drill and even no tool installation. The installation process may take 20 to 30 minutes, and the customer won’t even need a single tool.
Warranty
The main difference between Gator EFX and Gator FX cover is in the warranty period. Gator EFX is backed by the brand Gator and provides a three-year replacement warranty. Gator FX offers four years of replacement warranty.
Our Observation
Gator EFX and Gator FX are both designed to provide exceptional cargo protection. They feature EPDM rubber seals and aluminum panels that make them weather resistant. The drain tubes keep the truck bed dry by diverting the water away.
They are also UV resistant and have a flush-mount design that keeps them attached to the truck bed rails. I hope this article helped you decide which truck bed covers you should buy. Please feel free to ask in the comment section below if you have any further queries.
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