Gator Tri Fold Pro vs SFX Truck Bed
In the world of tonneau covers, the competition is fierce. The features can make or break a product, from protection against unpredictable weather to the ease of installation and use. In our spotlight today are two stellar contenders, the Gator Tri-Fold Pro and the Gator SFX.
Both are exemplary in their own right, offering truck owners unique features and unparalleled functionality. But how do they stack up against each other? Let’s dive into a side-by-side comparison!
Gator SFX vs Pro
| Feature | Gator Tri-Fold Pro | Gator SFX |
|---|---|---|
| Design & Purpose | Protects cargo from elements; Enhanced security with locked tailgate | Shields bed contents from the elements; Enhanced security with tailgate lock |
| Ease of Use | Open tailgate, turn clamps, fold. 2/3 bed access. Full removal for full access. | Speed Klamp system. Up to 2/3 bed access. Full removal possible. |
| Materials | Industrial-grade matte black vinyl; Aluminum frame; Stainless steel hinge pins | Tear-resistant marine-grade vinyl; Aluminum frame; Monster Support Bows |
| Weather Resistance | Sealed on all four sides with OEM seals; EPDM rubber seal; Rear fin seal | Foam-rubber seals; Designed to withstand heavy rain, hail, or snow |
| Installation | Quick-release clamps. No drilling or rails. Comes fully assembled. | Tool-free 5-minute installation. |
| Functionality | 2/3 bed access; Open and secured driving with buckle straps | Up to 2/3 bed access; Open and secured driving with storage straps; Prevents moisture intrusion |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime warranty; Free shipping within the U.S. | Limited lifetime warranty on frame; 10-year on vinyl tarp; “Love it or swap it” guarantee |
| Compatibility | Toyota Tacoma 5 FT. Bed (2005-2015) and Toyota Tacoma 8′ Bed (2014-2021) without Deck Rail System | 2019-2023 RAM 1500 6’4″ Bed New Body Style; Fits both with/without multifunction tailgate |
| Additional Features | Easy twist clamps for mounting; Heavy-duty buckle straps | Speed Klamp for quick opening; Fastening buckles; Supported against adverse weather conditions |
Design & Purpose
The Gator Tri-Fold Pro is meticulously crafted with the objective of offering supreme protection against environmental elements. Its design, tailored to be opened only after the tailgate is unlocked also bolsters the bed contents’ security.
On the other hand, the Gator SFX Tri-Fold shares a similar design intent, focusing on shielding the bed contents from external factors. Combined with a tailgate lock, it further amplifies the security of your belongings.
Materials & Durability
The Gator Tri-Fold Pro boasts a robust construction featuring an industrial-grade matte black vinyl tarp complemented by a durable black powder-coated aluminum frame. Stainless steel hinge pins enhance its strength and resilience against varying weather conditions.
In comparison, the Gator SFX Tri-Fold is designed with a tear-resistant vinyl cover made of marine-grade vinyl, paired with a lightweight yet rugged aluminum frame. Its unique design incorporates Monster Support Bows with reinforced corners, ensuring enhanced durability, especially when facing harsh weather conditions.
Ease of Use
The functional design of the Gator Tri-Fold Pro allows for 2/3 bed access for taller items and can be seamlessly removed to offer full access. Adding to its user-friendly features, it arrives fully assembled equipped with easy twist clamps, eliminating the need for tools during installation or removal.
Similarly, the Gator SFX Tri-Fold provides up to ⅔ bed access and can be firmly fastened open while driving. Its incorporation of the Speed Klamp system ensures a swift opening process, with a tool-free installation completed in a mere five minutes. When required, the cover can be conveniently removed without the use of tools.
Weather Resistance
Weather resistance is paramount in the Gator Tri-Fold Pro. Sealed on all four sides, it offers an all-encompassing shield from the elements. The inclusion of OEM-style seals and a rear fin seal accentuates its water-resistance capabilities.
Contrastingly, the Gator SFX Tri-Fold is designed with foam-rubber seals that deter water intrusion. The reinforced Monster Bows in its design stand as a testament to its durability, ensuring protection against heavy rain, hail, or snow.
Warranty
The Gator Tri-Fold Pro takes pride in offering a limited lifetime warranty, complemented by free shipping within the contiguous U.S. The Gator SFX Tri-Fold is just a little behind, providing a limited lifetime warranty on the frame and a 10-year warranty on the vinyl tarp. Customers can also use Gator’s “love it or swap it” guarantee and a flexible 30-day return policy.
Compatibility
While the Gator Tri-Fold Pro’s compatibility spans across various models, the Gator SFX Tri-Fold stands out with its specific design tailored for the 2019-2023 RAM 1500 6’4″ Bed New Body Style. It caters to both versions – with and without the multifunction tailgate.
Lock Mechanism
The security mechanism of the Gator Tri-Fold Pro cover primarily relies on the tailgate. Ensuring that the cover can only be accessed when the tailgate is unlocked provides a robust security system. When the tailgate is locked, the contents beneath the cover remain secure.
Similarly, the Gator SFX Tri-Fold cover’s design enhances its security when paired with a tailgate lock, suggesting that the primary security is the locked tailgate, much like the Gator Tri-Fold Pro.
Installation
Installation of the Gator Tri-Fold Pro is a breeze. Its hassle-free procedure requires no drilling and is devoid of any rail installations. The cover comes to you fully assembled, where users are only tasked with attaching and securing the easy twist clamps using the quick-release clamps.
In comparison, the Gator SFX Tri-Fold promises an installation process wrapping up in about five minutes. With a tool-free approach, the Speed Klamp system ensures quick opening, potentially simplifying the setup. Adding to its versatility, the cover can be removed without any tools, granting complete bed access when needed.
Our Observation
Upon comparing the “Gator Tri-Fold Pro” and the “Gator SFX” tri-fold tonneau covers, both exhibit a strong commitment to quality and functionality, but each has unique attributes. The Gator Tri-Fold Pro stands out with its industrial-grade matte black vinyl, EPDM rubber seal for water resistance, and the promise of a simple installation without any tools. Its aluminum frame with a matte finish, combined with the stainless steel hinge pins, gives it a premium feel and suggests durability.
On the other hand, the Gator SFX offers marine-grade vinyl, Monster Support Bows, and compatibility with the 2019-2023 RAM 1500 6’4″ Bed New Body Style. Its Speed Klamp system and foam-rubber seals demonstrate an intent to provide user convenience and effective protection from the elements.
In conclusion, if installation simplicity and industrial-grade materials are paramount, the Gator Tri-Fold Pro seems the better choice. However, the Gator SFX may be the preferred option for those specifically with the RAM 1500 New Body Style and an emphasis on weather resistance. Ultimately, the best choice depends on the user’s specific needs and vehicle compatibility.
Mark Takahashi, Car parts guru with a passion for mechanics. Blogger extraordinaire, translating auto jargon into everyday magic. Drive into his world of knowledge!
