Tyger vs Gator Tonneau Cover | Which Is Better for You?

Tonneau covers are one of the accessories that you would want to install on your truck if you carry around your stuff in your truck. It keeps the cargo safe from the element. Also keeps the cargo from getting stolen.

But it could get a bit tricky to decide which cover to go for or what would be the best for your use. So, here we are going to look at Tyger’s and Gator’s, two of the relatively low price range cover and try to find a cover that is suited for you.

Which Is Better Tri-Fold or Roll-up Tonneau Cover?

All the covers are great for the truck. But depending on your usage, one might be better than the other one. Two of the most common types of covers are the tri-fold and roll-up covers. 

The roll-up cover, as the name suggests, can be rolled into a small roll piece. Since you can roll the cover all the way, it doesn’t take much space when opened. But since it is a rollable cover, there is no hard version of it. All the roll-up covers are soft covers. 

With soft cover, there comes the issue of security. Depending on the material of the cover, it can be easily cut through. Since the cover does make it that no one knows what is under the cover, it is unlikely that anyone would try to cut it open. But if someone wants to they can.

On the other hand, tri-fold covers can be found as both hard and soft cover. As the name suggests, it can be folded into three pieces. So it does take a bit more space than the roll-up cover when opened.

But it is more secured than the roll-up covers. Hard tri-fold covers can not be accessed in any way if the tailgate is locked. Some of the tri-fold soft covers can even be knife resistant.

Of course, both of the covers will protect your cargo from outside elements like rain, snow or sun. If the cover is closed then no water will get inside the bed if it is installed properly.

So if you care more about the safety of the cargo and a good budget then a hard tri-fold cover would be better for you. Or if you have a lower budget, then you can go for a soft tri-fold cover. Otherwise, go for the roll-up cover.

Tyger vs Gator Tonneau Cover

Tyger and Gator both have some good tonneau cover within two to five hundred dollars. None of these two covers is particularly bad. So, if you buy one of them you will be fine with it.

But here we are going to do a bit more in-depth discussion to find out which of these two covers is going to work the best for you.

Tyger t5 vs Gator Tri-Fold Pro Tonneau Cover

We already talked about the soft and hard covers. Tyger t5 is a hard cover where gator tri-fold pro is a soft vinyl cover. Since gator tri-fold pro is a vinyl cover, it is pretty secured but not as much any hard cover.

Tyger t5 is a hard cover so it is more secured and you can carry stuff on top of the cover too if you want to do that. Also, since it is a tri-fold cover you can only get access to the inside by opening the tailgate.

Gator tri-fold being a soft cover, you cannot carry anything on top of the cover. In terms of bed space, you will get the same amount of space as the Tyger t5 when opened. It will protect all the cargo inside same as the Tyger t5 but it is more prone to damage from the outside. 

It also comes with a lock system. So, you can only access inside the bed by opening the tailgate first. But it is more prone to damage from the outside. Some reports say the stitches get lose after some time on the folded area since it is going through some strain each time you fold it.

Gator Etx vs Sfx

Gator etx and sfx are two of the gator’s different types of cover. Etx is the soft roll-up cover and Sfx is the soft tri-fold cover of the company. In terms of quality, it is hard to say that one is better than the other.

But depending on what you want, you can choose one over the other. If you want a roll-up cover then gator etx is the one you have to go for. But if you want a tri-fold cover, then you can go for the sfx.

As we have discussed before, roll up cover provides less security than the tri fold cover. But if it provides more space on the bed when opened relative to the tri fold cover. Also, both of the covers can be used half opened and both provide good protection from any outside elements such as rain and snow. 

Roll up covers can be accessed without opening the tailgate sometimes and it is easy to cut through with a knife. So there is a security concern. Also, the roll-up cover depends on the tension block to adjust the tension of the cover. 

As time passes the cover gets loose. So you have to change the tension with time with is something you do not need to worry about in a tri-fold cover.

Overall, any of the discussed products are good for your truck. Depending on what type of cover you want to get, soft or hard, roll-up or tri-fold, you can choose from these covers to fit your need.

FAQ

Q: Can I install the cover myself?

Ans: Yes, you can. The manual has everything you need to do. So just follow the manual.

Q: How long will it need to install a cover?

Ans: Depending on the cover, it will need about 20-45 minutes.

Q: Can I drive with an open cover?

Ans: Yes, you can. Just make sure to use the straps to keep the cover together or else the wind will hit the cover which can damage it.

Q: Can I go through a car wash with the cover?

Ans: Yes, you can. If you have the cover closed then your bed will remain dry.

Conclusion

Bad tonneau cover in these times is hard to find. No matter what you get, you will be satisfied enough. But to make sure you are not overspending on a lower quality product, you should do your research before buying anything.