Sponsored

Real Truck Gator SFX Tri-Fold Soft Folding Tonneau Cover or Gator SFX Soft Roll Up Tonneau Cover?

ListedGuru

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 12, 2022
Threads
35
Messages
700
Reaction score
452
Location
MI
Vehicle(s)
Mercury
Engine
Undecided
Looking for opinions on the Real Truck Tri Fold Soft Folding Tonneau vs the Real Truck soft roll up tonneau cover. Currently on sale it looks like the price difference is only $20 between the two. I've never had a tonneau cover before so looking for input on the Tri Fold vs soft roll up models. I'm not looking to spend a lot of money and would pretty much only use it occasionally. I believe the Tri Fold would take up more space when folded up vs the soft roll up but not sure if that would be an issue for me or not. Please chime in on the pros and cons of these two or just a Tri Fold vs roll up cover in general.

https://realtruck.com/p/gator-sfx-tri-fold-tonneau-cover/v/ford/maverick/2025/

https://realtruck.com/p/gator-srx-roll-up-tonneau-cover/v/ford/maverick/2025/
Sponsored

 
OP
OP

ListedGuru

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 12, 2022
Threads
35
Messages
700
Reaction score
452
Location
MI
Vehicle(s)
Mercury
Engine
Undecided
Might end up going that route but what is your main reason for saying get the hard folding cover? I know I've people mention it being more secure but that's not really an issue for my usage. Will it be more water tight?
 

Toddman45

2.0L EcoBoost
Well-known member
First Name
Todd
Joined
May 21, 2024
Threads
27
Messages
2,015
Reaction score
2,828
Location
St. Louis, MO
Vehicle(s)
24' Ford Maverick XLT, 19' Ford Explorer Limited, 14' Chevy Equinox
Engine
2.0L EcoBoost
Might end up going that route but what is your main reason for saying get the hard folding cover? I know I've people mention it being more secure but that's not really an issue for my usage. Will it be more water tight?
No there's no such thing as watertight more that it's rigid and less susceptible to falling apart just being out in the sun like the vinyl is.

Something sharp that would easily cut through a vinyl top will only scratch a hardcover, dented at most. That's my main reason.
 
OP
OP

ListedGuru

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 12, 2022
Threads
35
Messages
700
Reaction score
452
Location
MI
Vehicle(s)
Mercury
Engine
Undecided
No there's no such thing as watertight more that it's rigid and less susceptible to falling apart just being out in the sun like the vinyl is.

Something sharp that would easily cut through a vinyl top will only scratch a hardcover, dented at most. That's my main reason.
Ok very valid points that I hadn't even thought of. Thanks for the reply.
 

Sponsored

Traegorn

2.5L Hybrid
Well-known member
First Name
Trae
Joined
Oct 14, 2021
Threads
11
Messages
958
Reaction score
2,144
Location
Eau Claire, WI
Website
www.nerdandtie.com
Vehicle(s)
2023 Ford Maverick XLT Hybrid Lux/360
Engine
2.5L Hybrid
Clubs
 
I have the Gator tri-fold and I really like it. After two years it's obviously faded a little (I park outdoors) but it's held up pretty well. There's a little bit of water leak in heavy rain, but it's not that bad.

The metal frame has made it hold up under snow in Wisconsin winter really well -- which the rolling cover wouldn't. Also it literally takes five minutes to install.
 
OP
OP

ListedGuru

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 12, 2022
Threads
35
Messages
700
Reaction score
452
Location
MI
Vehicle(s)
Mercury
Engine
Undecided
I have the Gator tri-fold and I really like it. After two years it's obviously faded a little (I park outdoors) but it's held up pretty well. There's a little bit of water leak in heavy rain, but it's not that bad.

The metal frame has made it hold up under snow in Wisconsin winter really well -- which the rolling cover wouldn't. Also it literally takes five minutes to install.
Yeah I think that would work out well for me. How much room is left of usable bed space if you have to fold it up? I wouldn't anticipate doing that often but I guess that's one advantage of the roll up version. They are both $50 off but it says ends today. I'm sure they will go back on sale again but who knows if some sort of price increase may be coming.
 

Traegorn

2.5L Hybrid
Well-known member
First Name
Trae
Joined
Oct 14, 2021
Threads
11
Messages
958
Reaction score
2,144
Location
Eau Claire, WI
Website
www.nerdandtie.com
Vehicle(s)
2023 Ford Maverick XLT Hybrid Lux/360
Engine
2.5L Hybrid
Clubs
 
Yeah I think that would work out well for me. How much room is left of usable bed space if you have to fold it up? I wouldn't anticipate doing that often but I guess that's one advantage of the roll up version. They are both $50 off but it says ends today. I'm sure they will go back on sale again but who knows if some sort of price increase may be coming.
About 2/3 of bed space when it's open. But it also only takes like 30 seconds to remove it when you need the whole bed.
 

23OxOrdered

2.5L Hybrid
Well-known member
First Name
Bill
Joined
Sep 25, 2022
Threads
4
Messages
74
Reaction score
64
Location
NJ
Vehicle(s)
2023 Maverick XLT - BAP and LUX package
Engine
2.5L Hybrid
Clubs
 
I got soft roll up KEKO it does not leak at all down sided as it is Snap in not velcro. It was a tad more but it does go on sale and it does set up for their bars down side of truck which I have not pulled trigger on yet

https://a.co/d/3KRsdOi
 

Deleted member 5597

Guest
A hard top tri-fold cover is the only way to go. You won’t lose and bed space as you will with a retracting cover. Canvas covers make it easy to break into your bed and steal your valuables. Besides that, they expand and contract with the seasons. If you live in snow country, chances are the canvas cover will collapse with the weight of the snow and ice. Also, canvas cover will flap and make noise, which will drive you nuts!
my tri-fold hard top cover locks when I lock my truck. No extra key needed. I’ve had my cover on since January, 2022 and it still looks new and protects anything I carry in my bed.
 
Sponsored

PJE

2.5L Hybrid
Member
First Name
Pat
Joined
Oct 9, 2022
Threads
0
Messages
12
Reaction score
3
Location
Bend, Oregon
Vehicle(s)
2022 Lariat Hybrid
Engine
2.5L Hybrid
I've had the Gator SOFt trifold for 3 years., which is for light use, and exposed to some snow. My input.:
1. I agree the Cover does decrease available space by about a 1/3.
2. This also creates dark area which can be difficult to see and, for me, also makes grabbing items somewhat cumbersome . I presume both of these issues would be less with the Roll-up.
3. I agree the cover is easy to remove.
4. When I was choosing the cover, I chose the Trifold thinking it would give me a firm surface, to temporarily place things with beverage of choice without spillage,. But it's really not firm enough; and I did not know a Hard Trifold was available. Silly I know...
5. Finally, an issue for me, it is hard to secure the cover to the tailgate, which uses a spring loaded latch system. I chose to loosen the spring to make it easier to secure, and Im sure this sacrificed 'waterproofness' . This is due difficulty is due to my age and hand arthritis. Still I would like an alternative mechanism,, if available?
5. In retrospect, the price was my main factor, and I am satisfied. I suspect most brand have the same spiring latch system.
Hope that helps!
 

Cocobean

2.5L Hybrid
Well-known member
First Name
Carol
Joined
Jul 14, 2023
Threads
6
Messages
345
Reaction score
316
Location
New York
Vehicle(s)
2023 Ford Maverick XL
Engine
2.5L Hybrid
Clubs
 
I've had the Gator SOFt trifold for 3 years., which is for light use, and exposed to some snow. My input.:
1. I agree the Cover does decrease available space by about a 1/3.
2. This also creates dark area which can be difficult to see and, for me, also makes grabbing items somewhat cumbersome . I presume both of these issues would be less with the Roll-up.
3. I agree the cover is easy to remove.
4. When I was choosing the cover, I chose the Trifold thinking it would give me a firm surface, to temporarily place things with beverage of choice without spillage,. But it's really not firm enough; and I did not know a Hard Trifold was available. Silly I know...
5. Finally, an issue for me, it is hard to secure the cover to the tailgate, which uses a spring loaded latch system. I chose to loosen the spring to make it easier to secure, and Im sure this sacrificed 'waterproofness' . This is due difficulty is due to my age and hand arthritis. Still I would like an alternative mechanism,, if available?
5. In retrospect, the price was my main factor, and I am satisfied. I suspect most brand have the same spiring latch system.
Hope that helps!
I agree on all points as I have the same one for 2 years.
My main consideration was cost and this cover certainly does the job if security is not a concern.

The only ā€œcomplaintā€œ is that the top tends to billow between the rails, when cruising.
First time it happened it freaked me out, thought the whole thing was gonna fly off the bed!
LOL - no way that’s possible, cover is very secure on the bed and is holding up just fine. šŸ¤—
 

Equator Guy

2.0L EcoBoost
Well-known member
First Name
Chris
Joined
Sep 17, 2022
Threads
2
Messages
68
Reaction score
87
Location
Topsham, ME
Vehicle(s)
2023 Maverick XL., 2015 Rav4. 2012 Suzuki Equator
Engine
2.0L EcoBoost
Looking for opinions on the Real Truck Tri Fold Soft Folding Tonneau vs the Real Truck soft roll up tonneau cover. Currently on sale it looks like the price difference is only $20 between the two. I've never had a tonneau cover before so looking for input on the Tri Fold vs soft roll up models. I'm not looking to spend a lot of money and would pretty much only use it occasionally. I believe the Tri Fold would take up more space when folded up vs the soft roll up but not sure if that would be an issue for me or not. Please chime in on the pros and cons of these two or just a Tri Fold vs roll up cover in general.

https://realtruck.com/p/gator-sfx-tri-fold-tonneau-cover/v/ford/maverick/2025/

https://realtruck.com/p/gator-srx-roll-up-tonneau-cover/v/ford/maverick/2025/
I purchased the Gator SFX trifold cover 9/23 for my Maverick. I liked the ease of installation but had issues with major wind buffering on the highway, where the front 1/3rd if the cover would push up several inches, as well as a lot of water leaking in. I tried adjusting and adding extra tape to the front seal but it didn't help. I called RealTruck and they were very helpful, and offered to replace it. Rather than take a chance on having the same issue I exchanged it for a TruXedo TruXport (TRX-294701) roll up, that was on sale and slightly less than the Gator. I have been very happy with it. Much less buffering and very little water intrusion. I see some are happy with the Gator SFX, so maybe I just got a dud.
 

BlueMav43

Well-known member
First Name
Roger
Joined
Apr 7, 2024
Threads
4
Messages
221
Reaction score
335
Location
NE FLA
Vehicle(s)
2023 Ridgeline RTLE, 2018 Tahoe LS
Engine
Undecided
My $.02.
I had the Ford hard trifold on my 24 Lariat. It looked good & provided ā€œ someā€ security. Only slight leak in heavy rain around tailgate (without an xtra sealing).
My dislike was I blocked rear window when totally up. I know mirrors are available.
i have the Gator soft rollup on my XLT FX4 and actually like it better for my use. Itā€˜s easy to use (roll up) and secures very well just behind rear window. It does also leak some around tailgate (again without xtra sealing). I know it cuts open easy & isnā€˜t secure but I don’t carry valuables in the bed. I do see some slight buffering at x way speeds but don’t hear anything. It is not excessive.
Also note in the plastic bed covers about 6ā€ behind the rear window is a ā€œnotchā€. if you get a rollup cover, put a dollop of clear sealer in that notch against the tonneau side holder to help keep any water from getting in there.
Ford Maverick Real Truck Gator SFX Tri-Fold Soft Folding Tonneau Cover or Gator SFX Soft Roll Up Tonneau Cover? IMG_0263
Ford Maverick Real Truck Gator SFX Tri-Fold Soft Folding Tonneau Cover or Gator SFX Soft Roll Up Tonneau Cover? IMG_0264
 
OP
OP

ListedGuru

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 12, 2022
Threads
35
Messages
700
Reaction score
452
Location
MI
Vehicle(s)
Mercury
Engine
Undecided
I purchased the Gator SFX trifold cover 9/23 for my Maverick. I liked the ease of installation but had issues with major wind buffering on the highway, where the front 1/3rd if the cover would push up several inches, as well as a lot of water leaking in. I tried adjusting and adding extra tape to the front seal but it didn't help. I called RealTruck and they were very helpful, and offered to replace it. Rather than take a chance on having the same issue I exchanged it for a TruXedo TruXport (TRX-294701) roll up, that was on sale and slightly less than the Gator. I have been very happy with it. Much less buffering and very little water intrusion. I see some are happy with the Gator SFX, so maybe I just got a dud.
Wow that's not good about the wind buffering on the freeway but glad it worked out for you in the end. I'll have to take a look at the TruXedo Truxport you recommended.
Sponsored

 
 







Top