Secure Rolling Tonneau BAK Revolver X4S vs TruXedo Sentry CT

[Coldtoes]

I have a Softtopper which is good for camping/occasional use, but not what I prefer for everyday use (lacking in security). I'm looking for a tonneau cover that is secure (metal, not just vinyl), but also not too hard to uninstall so I can swap in the Softtopper. I am not interested in a folding panel design, and the Diamond back is too heavy and hard to uninstall. Which has brought me to looking at the aluminum slat rollup covers like the BAK REVOLVER X4S, and TruXedo Sentry CT.

Questions for you:
>Those of you who have either of these two covers have issues or regret the choice? I'm leaning towards the TruXedo as it looks easier to reinstall/uninstall.
>Any other options I should consider?

Thanks for your input!

Sponsored

 

[kevman65]

X4S here. Handful of bolts removed and it's off. Biggest pain reinstalling is getting the side rails "perfect" so the teeth in the cross sections line up right with the locking bar.

It's just a little fidget here and a little fidget there.

 

[mx5red]

I have an X4. Never take it off. Functionally, would probably be super happy with a bed topper like a Smartcap but don’t like the look vs bed cover (uhh and cost).

I’m curious why switch between soft-topper and a bed cover? should you just get a hard bed topper and leave it on?

 

[Coldtoes]

I have an X4. Never take it off. Functionally, would probably be super happy with a bed topper like a Smartcap but don’t like the look vs bed cover (uhh and cost).

I’m curious why switch between soft-topper and a bed cover? should you just get a hard bed topper and leave it on?

The hard top would be a great choice for look and function most of the time, but when I need to carry something larger that won't fit under the cap I need to remove it and I don't have ceiling hight or floor space to store it, and removal takes too long (not to mention how much of a pain it is).

I wasn't thrilled with the softopper look in photos, i don't mind it as much in person, but I agree a tonneau cover still looks best. The softopper is just so easy to access, which is great for camping, ect, but terrible for leaving anything in my truck when I'm not in it.

Also thanks for the reply, it is surprisingly difficult to get opinions on things that aren't "my dealer did...", "35s or 37s?", or similar controversial threads.

 

[Coldtoes]

X4S here. Handful of bolts removed and it's off. Biggest pain reinstalling is getting the side rails "perfect" so the teeth in the cross sections line up right with the locking bar.

It's just a little fidget here and a little fidget there.

Photos show a tab/bracket thing sticking into the bed at the tailgate end. Does that get in the way? It seems like it might catch on things, or reduce the available bed width. See image.

Thanks for the reply.

 

[kevman65]

Photos show a tab/bracket thing sticking into the bed at the tailgate end. Does that get in the way? It seems like it might catch on things, or reduce the available bed width. See image.

Thanks for the reply.

If you're talking about the metal bracket with the rubber bump stop, that's what activates the lock on the teeth on the cross members.
When you push down on the last section of cover at the tailgate, it pushes the levers (one on each side) down, that in turn causes the section that looks white (actually aluminum) to roll down over the ends of the cross members, thus locking the top in place. When you close the tailgate and lock it, makes the whole cover secure.

Yes, a fat man with a crowbar can still get in, but it's not going to be easy.

 

[Coldtoes]

If you're talking about the metal bracket with the rubber bump stop, that's what activates the lock on the teeth on the cross members.
When you push down on the last section of cover at the tailgate, it pushes the levers (one on each side) down, that in turn causes the section that looks white (actually aluminum) to roll down over the ends of the cross members, thus locking the top in place. When you close the tailgate and lock it, makes the whole cover secure.

Yes, a fat man with a crowbar can still get in, but it's not going to be easy.

Yes that part. How far past the end of the bed post (narrowest part of the bed at the tailgate end) does the bracket stick out? (Roughly, I don’t need exact) I’m just curious if it gets in the way. Obviously it serves a good purpose, I just want to know if it’s also a nuisance. Thanks.

 

[GladiatorRock]

Truxedo Sentry guy here, love it. Installed the whole thing myself (I have trail rails), took maybe an hour if that? Super easy to install, lock, unlock, as well as lift out…although I must admit, I haven’t *needed* to lift it out. I thought it would obstruct more of the bed than it does. It’s sturdy on top, but won’t support a person standing on it. Rolls up super easy.
The only challenge: I want a rack, and didn’t think of that first. There’s a 3/4”(?) foam tape seal underneath the velcro attachment rail, and I’m pretty sure Billiebars will sneak under that fine, but haven’t measured yet.

edit: to be clear, to remove: you literally just roll it up, pull two tabs underneath, and lift. Feels like it’s maybe 20 pounds, more unwieldy than heavy.

 

[zuki_dan]

X4S here. I leaned this way because it has the slot in the bedside rails for possible future bed rack the sentry ct didn't have the mounting slots in the bed rails.

I have had it on about 7 months now. No problem to report other than mud stains the fabric and I have to use trim/rubber cleaner and a brush to remove the stains from the textured vinyl.

 

[GladiatorRock]

Also: added a bed extender, and it fits under the truxedo Sentry.

 

[kevman65]

Yes that part. How far past the end of the bed post (narrowest part of the bed at the tailgate end) does the bracket stick out? (Roughly, I don’t need exact) I’m just curious if it gets in the way. Obviously it serves a good purpose, I just want to know if it’s also a nuisance. Thanks.

In my opinion, no, they don't get in the way. They tilt up when the cover is open.
I repeatedly drag my DeWalt XL tool boxes in and out and haven't hit those yet.
For size reference, the boxes fill wheel well to wheel well at the bulkhead and are about 3 inches under the cover.

 

[Coldtoes]

In my opinion, no, they don't get in the way. They tilt up when the cover is open.
I repeatedly drag my DeWalt XL tool boxes in and out and haven't hit those yet.
For size reference, the boxes fill wheel well to wheel well at the bulkhead and are about 3 inches under the cover.

Thanks. Very helpful.

 

[kbknoll]

Hi all, I have the the Sentry CT but want to switch to the BAK 4S tonneau for my '22 Gladiator but there's one question I can't find the answer to...

What is the inside bed clearance between the X4S rails? I tend to haul plywood from time to time and want to make sure I have at least 48" between the rails so that I can slide plywood into the bed with the tailgate up. I have plenty of clearance with the Sentry CT and while I want the T-rails to add an Xtrusion Ovrlnd rack, I don't want to lose the ability to haul 4'x8' plywood when I need to.

Thanks in advance!

 

[GladiatorRock]

Hi all, I have the the Sentry CT but want to switch to the BAK 4S tonneau for my '22 Gladiator but there's one question I can't find the answer to...

Thanks in advance!

been a big fan of the Sentry since I put it on—curious as to what use case is making you switch…? I can’t figure out a reason.

 

[toddarama]

x4s here .... ran out and took a few pictures... short answer is with the cover closed you lose about 2 1/8" on either side if you are really trying to use full bed width .... you lose maybe just 2" on each side with the cover open due to the way the arm pivots up .... sorry for the pictures being a little mediocre, not everything is lined up great since I was SNAPPING SHOTS one handed with the phone while holding the ruler with the other

Sponsored