Protecting the truck bed from rain, snow or wind is a common preference for every truck owner; that is why it is best to consider a tonneau cover for this matter. The market offers you tonneau covers that come with distinct prices and features.

Needing to choose between two tonneau covers might be tricky, however, that is where we step in. Keep reading to find out the difference between the Gator FX and Gator FX3 tonneau cover.

You will be provided with a clearer comparison between their design, performance, safety, and durability.

Gator FX vs FX3- How Do They Differ?

To get a better comparison between these two products we have to see what they bring, how they perform and of what quality are they.

Both of these products come from the same brand and with the same purpose, which is; to provide truck owners with safety for their tonneau. However, they do differ in some means. Now let’s see what all the fuss is about.

Also Read: Full review of Truxedo Lo Pro

Design: Gator FX and FX3

In means of design, these two tonneaus cover look the same when first seen; however, they do have different material types and design features.

Gator FX is a tonneau cover that is made from an aircraft-grade aluminum panel with a black powder coat finish.

The maximum weight capacity of this cover goes up to 300 pounds. Being made from aircraft-grade aluminum panels makes this cover weigh some pounds more than the FX3.

As for the Grato FX3 tonneau cover it can be said that it is made from an industrial-grade aluminum panel providing customers with a sturdy shape that helps the cover avoid being wrinkled.

The Grato FX3 has also a fiberglass-reinforced polymer surface which helps the cover to be safe from scratches and dust. What can be considered beneficial is the dual tailgate sealing offering you an easy cover close no matter what position the tailgate is.

Both types of covers can be secured with buckle straps and prop rods and both of them provide you with durability and safety.

The Winner: Being both made from aluminum panels makes it possible to be long-lasting and of good quality. However, the FX3 comes with some improvements and practicability which makes it to be the winner in this category.

Also Read: The Worst Honda Element Years To Avoid

Performance- Gator FX and FX3

Apart from the dual tailgate feature, both of these two tonneau covers have a similar performance. The covers can be opened from both sides since the panels have to pull strings underneath them.

The covers are attached with a 2/3rd placement with the assistance of the buckle straps. They are also put in the final closed placement through the prop rods, and with the automatic latching system they have a very rigid position.

Despite most of the tonneau trifold covers having the habit of covering the whole back of the truck, while using these two covers your 3rd brake light will be uncovered.

The Winner: As all of these before-mentioned features regarding these two tonneaus’ covers performance turn out to be the same, the winner of this category depends on your personal preference.

Safety and Durability-Gator FX and FX3

With the Gator FX3 cover the safety matter has more possibility of being present. That happens because the cover has a fiberglass coat that protects it from damage related to UV rays.

Regarding leakage, the Gator FX3 provides more safety because of its dual tailgate with a maximum seal, as opposed to the Gator FX being more vulnerable in this matter since the dual tailgate does not exist in it.

Concerning durability, these two covers are said to bear the same weight capacity which goes up to 300 pounds, however since Gator FX is made of solid aluminum panels, it brings more durability while being used.

The Winner: Once again, both of these tonneau covers come with their specialty in terms of safety and durability; which makes the winner be decided based on your taste and needs.

How to install it? – Gator FX and gator FX3

The most likable characteristic that these tonneau covers provide you with is the drill-free installation; meaning that you are not required to fill your truck bed with holes so that you install any of these two tonneau covers.

Follow these steps to install your tonneau covers:

• Position your side rails in the interior of your truck bed.
• Lock the clamps on both side rails in the needed gaps.
• Insert the drain tube and position it towards the appointed hole opening outside the truck bed.
• Put the prop rod at the required brackets on the side rail.
• Place a receiver on the panels.
• Put the piled panels above the side rails precisely behind the back window.
• Secure the front end of the cover with the bed cap with the help of screws.
• Shield the truck bed by straightening the panels towards the tailgate.

Also Read: The Worst Volkswagen Golf GTI Years to Avoid

Final Words

As can be noticed, these two tonneau covers do not show a huge number of differences between them; they are even more similar than they are different.

The main difference appears in the material type these two tonneau covers are made of; the Gator FX is made from aluminum and the Gator FX3 is made from fiberglass-reinforced polymer top panels and aluminum subpanels.

I would personally recommend the Gator FX3 tonneau cover over the FX one since it provides better durability and some extra minor features.

Hopefully, at the end of this article you would be able to distinguish these two tonneaus covers regarding their features and performance.