Pickup trucks are capable vehicles for hauling cargo, whether it’s for work, playing or moving. But uncovered truck beds leave everything in them exposed to the elements and potential thieves. Fitting a truck bed with a tonneau cover is the best way to protect valuable cargo during transit.
Tonneau covers come in a variety of styles, including traditional hinged hard covers and soft roll-up covers. Hardshell, tri-folding tonneau covers bridge the gap between the two, offering the most versatility. The best products in this category are easy to install, made from high-quality materials and built to last.
The Gator EFX checks all these boxes and costs less than comparable alternatives, making it the best value tonneau cover in its class.
PROS:
- Affordable price point
- Easy, no-drill installation and tool-free removal
- Latches closed with tailgate up or down
CONS:
- Only offers access to 2/3 of the truck bed
- Restricts use of deck rail system and other accessories
- Included instructions are hard to follow
Within the hard cover category, tri-folding tonneaus are easier to install and use than their heavier single-piece counterparts. We installed the Gator EFX on a 2006 Toyota Tacoma in below-freezing temperatures. It took one person under an hour with standard hand tools and a heat gun to affix the bulkhead seal (a potentially unnecessary step in warmer temperatures).
Over two weeks, we tested the Gator EFX in harsh, wintry weather conditions, including high winds and heavy snowfall. While single-piece hardshell covers are less prone to water intrusion since they have fewer pieces to seal, the Gator’s rubber seals and integrated drain tubes proved effective. After a day of heavy snowfall and subsequent melt, there were no signs of leakage.
The biggest downside of the Gator EFX is that it only offers access to two-thirds of the truck bed. Two of the three folding panels flip up, fold back, and latch in place, but the tonneau cover must be removed for full bed access. With four quick-release knobs, removal is easy to do but less convenient than covers that flip completely open.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of how this product scores in our evaluations:
Is the Gator EFX a Good Value?
Hardshell tri-folding tonneau covers cost between $500t o $1500. At $700, the Gator EFX is on the lower end of the price spectrum, making it one of the best value products in its class.
How Easy is it to Install?
Installation is plug-and-play and doesn’t require any serious truck bed modifications. First, mount the bulkhead seal with the included adhesive tape. Next, mount the rails with the drainage tubes using six included clamps. Then, dry fit the cover to ensure proper fitment. Finally, fold the panels back, taking care not to shift it out of alignment, and slide on the remaining four clamps to secure it in place.
How Durable is it?
The Gator EFX is constructed from heavy-duty aircraft-grade aluminum and treated with a rugged powder coating that resists corrosion. Heavy-duty EPDM rubber hinges ensure long-term functionality. The hard-folding design supports a 300-pound load capacity (given that the weight is evenly distributed).
Is This Tonneau Cover Easy to Use?
The Gator EFX can be unlatched and folded open with one hand. It latches securely closed whether the tailgate is up or down. Removal is quick and tool-free using the four quick-release knobs.
Does the Gator EFX Deter Thieves?
A tonneau cover that conceals a truck bed’s cargo is a good deterrent in itself. Pairing a locked tailgate with a hardshell barrier is even more secure. The most secure tonneau covers come with their own locking latch mechanisms and keys. Although the Gator EFX doesn’t have its own locking mechanism, the way it latches closed onto a locked tailgate ensures a high level of security.
Our Verdict:
The Gator EFX scored high marks in all categories and ranks as the best value in its class. While it’s not ideal for hauling cargo that requires frequent access to the entire truck bed, it’s a quality all-around tonneau cover for most applications.
Methodology:
We evaluate all hard tonneau covers on these weighted metrics:
- Price (20%)
- Quality of materials (20%)
- Does it lock when closed? (15%)
- Versatility: does it open completely (15%)
- Ease of installation: (10%)
- Machine washable? (10%)
- Warranty/Return Policy Installation Materials (10%)