Both covers ensure solid and reliable security with their enhanced locking systems. But is Gator FX3’s higher price justified here?
The Gator FX3 is a flexible tri-fold cover that provides full bed protection when closed and complete bed access when open. It blends FRP (fiberglass-reinforced polymer) and aluminum elements to create a tight, water-resistant, and scratch-resistant tonneau cover.
On the other side, the Gator EFX is constructed of heavy-duty, durable aluminum panels and features a sleek semi-gloss low-profile design with a coating that protects against dents and scuffs and stays UV-resistant.
With this cover, you have complete control over your truck bed.
Table of Contents
Side By Side Comparison
EFX provides an effective water control system that not only keeps the rain and water at bay but also conducts the snow, dirt, and dust out of your truck bed.
This water system consists of durable, flexible rubber seals that overlap your truck bed on the top and keep it watertight. Inside the mounting rails, there’s a weather strip that provides an extra barrier against the elements, harsh weather, and leaks.
However, no tonneau cover has been proved to be completely water-tight as there are areas that allow water intrusion, so you might find some water collected in your truck bed after a strong downpour.
Gator considered this situation and included a drainage system to be as water-resistant as possible.
The provided inner drain tubes of the system work with the mountain rail to direct this excess water out of your truck bed. keeping your bed dry and your stuff, secured.
Gator FX3 comprises a similar system of water management.
The EPDM rubber seals run along the rails and across the hinges.
This rubber-like material keeps your gear dry by repelling water with its tight seal. And the supported drain tubes flush the excess water out of the truck bed.
The FX3 features a unique coating of fiberglass reinforced polymer on its top panels that protects your truck bed against UV exposure and keeps it cool despite hot summers. It also protects the panels against harsh elements.
This top layer provides superior weather protection as compared to the EFX, as its water system and special panel coating work together to resist all types of weathers.
Durability:
The EFX Hard Tonneau Cover is constructed with aircraft-grade aluminum folding panels, giving it the strength to endure extreme conditions.
These sturdy aluminum panels are coated with a semi-gloss black powder.
This powder coating on the panels ensures the longevity of the metal as it helps to protect the aluminum against any abrasions and scuffs.
These features contribute to the trouble-free use of the cover for a long time. Its weight capacity is that of snow and rain load.
However, it is rated to carry up to 300 pounds of evenly distributed weight. It is warranted for a period of 3 years.
Gator FX3 is composed of rigid aluminum sub-panels that provide structure and toughness, so the cover is less likely to be damaged.
But what makes it stand out from the crowd is its special coating of fiberglass reinforced polymer on the top panels.
This coating protects your vehicles and aluminum panels from dents, scuffs, UV rays, and the harshest elements, assuring years of trouble-free operation.
This dent and heat-resistant FRP (fiberglass reinforced polymer) can sustain years of use without fading or seeming roughened up. It can hold up to 300 lbs of weight when evenly distributed and is warranted for 2 years.
FX3 outlasts its competitor in terms of toughness and durability.
Ease of use
EFX can be easily installed in less than an hour with a clamp-on system on the mounting rails without any need for special tools or drilling. The cover uses turn knob bolts that can be quickly tightened by hands.
The mounting rails of EFX sit inside of the bead cap, so the cover mounts inside of bed rails and provides a low profile, it allows ⅔ bed access.
If you need to carry large items into your truck bed, the cover can be secured in its position with the help of storage straps that hold the cover, so you can safely drive down the road.
If you need to access the full bed, you will have to remove the cover.
The removal takes no more than a few minutes.
FX3, on the other hand, allows 100% bed access.
You can fully access your bed, unlike EFX. It can be folded, panel by panel, all the way up to the front of the bed.
Once fully opened, fasten it up with the support struts to secure it in place. It also offers ⅔ bed access to be opened while driving with the help of buckle straps, so you can safely drive down the highway with the load.
The props used to hold the cover in place are also easy to attach and detach. The installation and removal of the cover are pretty simple.
All you need is a wrench and socket and no drilling is required. The entire process can be completed within an hour.
This makes FX3 easier to operate than its counterpart.
Security comparison
Gator EFX provides increased security with its heavy-duty aluminum panels that automatically lock in place when you close the cover.
This instant auto-lock system makes your cargo more secure and less vulnerable to theft.
This feature also prevents the sudden flying-off of the panels when one or two are left open while driving by having them automatically locked in place.
Gator FX3 is no less when it comes to security. It works in conjunction with your tailgate lock to add strict security to your truck bed.
So your truck bed can only be accessed, once you unlock your tailgate that opens up the cover.
So, as long as your tailgate is locked, the cover is locked as well.
Therefore, both the covers offer enhanced security lock systems that secure your truck and its cargo from being stolen.
Cost Comparison
Both of these covers are hard tri-fold covers and will surely cost you a lot more than the average cover.
One thing that should be noted is that the prices vary according to the model and type of vehicle. The list price of Gator EFX starts at $765.82 and is backed by a stout warranty of 3 years.
The Gator FX3 has a list price ranging from $1,006.98 to $1,075.72 and is warranted for two years.
It is, therefore, more expensive than EFX but its feature does justice to its cost. (Please note that price may vary in the future)
Conclusion
- FX3 outperforms EFX in weather resistance.
- FX3 is tougher and more durable than EFX.
- FX3 is more convenient in terms of usage as it provides full bed access.
- Both the covers ensure solid and reliable security with their enhanced locking systems.
- FX3 is higher priced as compared to its competitor.
