Gator covers give various solutions related to the open truck bed. It has many varieties of tonneau covers that offer outstanding performance and exceptional security to the truck bed. In this way, today’s article will discuss its overall best tonneau cover, the Gator Recoil Retractable Truck Bed Tonneau Cover Review.
Tonneau covers help cover the truck’s open bed. It secures the truck and improves fuel efficiency by as much as 10%. Gator tonneau covers allow customers to swap or exchange the truck bed cover for 30 days with a new Gator if they dislike the one they have. By reading this article, you may get better insight related to the Gator Recoil Retractable tonneau cover. So keep scrolling to find out more!
Also, read our comprehensive review on Lomax Tonneau Cover Review
Gator Recoil Retractable Truck Bed Tonneau Cover Review
Gator recoil retractable tonneau cover is the best choice to protect the cargo and reduce aerodynamic drag. With this retractable truck bed cover, you may partially open or fully retract it to add items of different sizes.
Besides the fact that it guards your truck’s bed and protects the cargo from thieves, it is also helpful to install so the cargo may not fall or blow in the air when the vehicle drives at high speed.
Let’s dive to get more about this fantastic product.
Design
Generally, people love to add beautiful and classy accessories to make their vehicles more appealing and outclass. Therefore, the Gator Recoil Retractable tonneau cover got your back. Rather than using large plates that cause difficulties while folding, Gator opts for various metal aluminum slats.
It helps easy and smooth rolling in and out of the truck bed cover. Besides, this cover retracts into the canister when rolling towards the cab window. Therefore, it gives you the versatility of the considerable space of the truck bed and allows the owner to add oversized items.
Further, I would like to talk about its design technology. The first thing that surprises me is its aluminum slats. They are sewn in this way so the water does not pool inside the truck bed and keeps the cargo dry and safe.
Additionally, installing this tonneau cover complements your truck’s overall look and makes it more appealing and aesthetic in the true sense.
One more thing is this cover sits inside the bed rails and provides a smooth, low-profile design.
Material
This Gator Recoil Retractable tonneau cover is manufactured with heavy-duty, durable aluminum material. This makes it withstand every weather condition. Also, these aluminum slats fold up nicely all the way to the cab’s window and give you more room to put items.
Moreover, aluminum is a robust material, so your cargo remains safe inside the truck bed. Further, it is a rigid tonneau cover, and no one can not easily break into it.
The upper surface powder coat with a black matte finish features scratch and dent resistance.
Hardware accessories, for example, bolts, nuts, and bed rails that came with the tonneau cover are made with good quality. I have not seen any bolt or nut come off and make the cover misalign.
Weatherproofing
Are bedcovers waterproof? There comes a time when nature decides to pour water onto the floor. At that time, you must require a truck bed cover that keeps your bed dry and safe. Gator Recoil retractable tonneau cover has all the new features that prevent the water from coming inside and make it watertight.
Weatherproofing of the tonneau cover all depends on how appropriately a tonneau cover is installed. Besides the edges and corners, you might find some moisture; this Gator tonneau cover holds water and does its job very well.
When you decide to install this tonneau cover, ensure that the rubber end is above the metal frame of the truck bed. By doing this, you will notice that the rubber seal directs the water away from the truck’s bed.
Scratch Resistant
The tonneau cover folds are made of aluminum and sturdy to resist any scratch appearing on the cover. Further, these aluminum slats make the cover appealing to other truck owners.
Gator Recoil Retractable Truck Bed Tonneau Cover Review Performance Wise
As long as it concerns the performance of the tonneau cover, I am happy to announce that this tonneau cover performs really well. You may not get any troubleshooting regarding this truck bed. Perhaps, you will be satisfied at the end of the day.
Further, the water-resistant feature keeps most of the water out. However, due to heavy rains, some droplets might enter the truck bed cover via the narrow spaces between the rails and the cover. This way, the proper installation might help you with this problem and make your truck bed completely dry.
Installation
Do you know how to install a tonneau cover? Gator Recoil is easy to attach, unlike many other vehicle gears that call for expertise. After removing it from the shipment box, loosen the fastening screw to take off the shipping spacer and spiral.
Keep one of the shipping brackets so you may place it between the rail and the tailgate as a spacer. As you close the tailgate, this will protect the rails from harm. The lid should then be opened and unlatched using the given key.
After that, place the Gator Recoil canister from which the retractable cover will raise the left and right truck bed rails. It will hang next to the cabin but inside the truck bed.
The stop locks should then be attached to the driver’s side rail. Thread them loosely to give yourself the flexibility to modify spacing later, and only tighten after you’re pleased with your distances. Once you’re satisfied with your placement, tighten them up.
Install the two metal clamps that have been delivered in between the first and second stop locks. The technique for the passenger side rail is the same as for the driver’s side rail. Push the first stop lock in the direction of the Gator Recoil canister after that.
Next, place a clamp close by. To secure the rails firmly, align the rail beneath the canister rail and carefully tighten the screws. The technique is the same for the driver’s side rail and the passenger’s side rail.
To ensure the alignment of the tonneau cover, you note the distance between the rails and the cover. If the cover smoothly retracts, you are done and ready to haul without any worries.
Pros
- Allows locking into various positions along the bed rails.
- It has strong aluminum slats for ultimate security.
- The upper surface is dent and scratch-resistant.
- The cover retracts towards the canister and gives space for large items.
Cons
- It is partially watertight.
- It is not theft-proof.
Key Features and Specifications
Here is a quick rundown of the features and specifications.
- Brand: Gator
- Cover Category: retractable
- Material: heavy-duty aluminum
- Outer surface: aluminum
- Installation: no drill/bolt-on
- Security: tailgate lock
- Warranty: two years
- Item weight: 60 pounds
- Product dimension: 72 x 15 x13 inches
Gator Recoil Retractable Truck Bed Tonneau Cover Review – Advantage Retractable Tonneau Cover
A retractable tonneau cover gives its owner a sigh of relief with a smooth ball-bearing system. The cover retracts smoothly with one-handed operation. It can lock at any position along the rail.
Its key lock system provides ultimate security to the truck’s bed and content. The retractable tonneau cover does not look bulky and allows a stylish, low-profile design.
Most people believe that retractable tonneau cover is complicated to use. Happy to announce that retractable tonneau covers are hassle-free. You do not jump inside the truck’s bed to open and close the bed cover. Plus, it is made of solid aluminum material that gives the next level of protection.
What is the difference between the Gator SRX and SR1?
Commercial-grade vinyl is used to create the Gator SRX. It seals over the bed rails and makes its way about 3/4 of an inch above the bed. The vinyl material has a textured grain finish. The cover is taut and supported by three crossbars, ensuring its smoothness. There is a 12-month warranty included.
The Gator SR1 builds on the SRX design and has the same textured surface on a thicker, marine-grade vinyl. The five-year warranty is the main unique distinction.
Is a Gator tonneau cover any good?
Gator tonneau covers are durable and made of heavy-duty materials. It can withstand every weather situation. Moreover, it is easy to install and comes with drain tubes that keep the water out of bed. Therefore, it looks good on the truck, and everyone will like it.
Read about our detailed review of Gator fx tonneau cover
Can a Gator truck bed cover go through a car wash?
Tonneau covers are delicate when it comes to the car wash. Therefore, I suggest truck owners remove the tonneau cover before going to the car wash. You may consider many reasons to get a car wash, and the top is rolling the brush on the upper surface of the cover, which damages it.
Do Gator bed covers lock?
With this Gator tonneau cover, your truck bed becomes a trunk, and you can add valuables. It has a tailgate lock, so your inside cargo remains safe and secure. Gator tonneau covers can lock into multiple positions for the convenience of the truck bed. As a user, you need to learn how to lock the tonneau cover.
Are Gator tonneau covers made in USA?
Gator tonneau covers are made of top-notch quality, durable material, and tough. Besides its highly remarkable feature, Gator tonneau covers are proud to make their products in the USA. Also, this is the only brand that offers 20 days of swap policy.
Epilogue – Are retractable tonneau covers worth it?
Installing the Gator Recoil Retractable tonneau cover will provide you with high security. Besides, it also improves fuel efficiency by reducing air drag. It is easy to use and has many features, including protecting the contents from the weather.
In this article, I have thoroughly elaborate Gator Recoil Retractable Truck Bed Tonneau Cover Review. This guide helps you make a quick decision about whether to buy.
Joshea Mark is a trucker with a wealth of experience and a keen eye for quality. He has spent countless hours on the road and knows firsthand the importance of having a reliable tonneau cover to protect his cargo. That’s why Joshea is so passionate about sharing his knowledge and expertise with others.
At Best in Tonneau Covers, he reviews the latest and greatest covers on the market, compares different brands, and writes buyer guides to help truckers like himself make informed decisions. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to the world of trucking, Joshea’s insights and advice are sure to be valuable. His writing is authentic and personal, reflecting his years of experience and his genuine desire to help others.