I looked at them both, however, if you look at photos of the diamondback cover you’ll notice it sticks up away from the bed sides due to the installation rubber. The Truck Covers USA American Rolling Cover is low profile and by far the best looking cover out there.
I would like to see that picture too (The Truck Covers USA retractable cover in the open position.). My concern about this cover, which is otherwise awesome, is that the side rails stick in too far when it is open and it will make it difficult to secure a tall item in the back of the truck with the cover open. I am also worried it will make it harder to use some of the molle type side plates that are out there for mounting your jacks and other gear so that it will not slosh around. I hope those of you who have them will post your impressions after using them a while. I am a diesel holdout, so I have a bit of time to learn from others before pulling the trigger.
probably my fitment having the cover too far forward to the cab, but my closing clamps just brush the bed lights, it’s not too big of an issue. Now if I have to adjust the cover back towards the tailgate, yeah, then the clamps have a problem.
Thank you. This is very helpful. The flat vertical surface on the rails is very nice and addresses the concern I had about pushing something flush against the rail and securing it to the side of the bed. Looks very nice.I’ve had no issues securing tall items I hope the photos help you.
I just installed my diamondback HD last week let me know if you have any questions so far I love it, but need to tweak the positioning. It seems slightly finicky for true waterproofing.
Could you please take and post some photos on the hardware and arrangement of clamps that hold the center part of the cover to the bed? I am strongly leaning towards a Diamondback (haven't decided on SE vs HD but leaning towards HD). I don't have the trail rails, and I guess that Diamondback makes variations to fit with or without the trail rails. I looked at D-B's instructions but they don't really show detail. Just interested in how it goes together _if_ I also spring for the trail rails. Thanks!
Yep I have the trail rails on mine. Looking at it I have no clue how it works without the rails since the entire thing is dependent on mine. Also decent amount of rain and bone dry inside.
that is surprising. on my $150 amazon tonneau there's far more overlap than that......I bet it will still stay put, but jeez, make left side taller, make right side longer,
I imagine that it will get better (slightly) after the cover/rubber seals settle in, but I do think there should be much more overlap.Many thank eaglerugby, that is incredibly helpful! I have been thinking of using aviation type "L-Track" instead of trail rails
https://www.cargoequipmentcorp.com/interior-van/l-track-systems/heavy-duty-l-track
And it looks to me like I could come up with a way to fasten the Diamondback's clamps to the L-Track, maybe using something like these as an attachment point:
https://www.cargoequipmentcorp.com/Threaded-Double-Stud-Fitting-For-L-Track
I'm not entirely impressed with the clamps shown as supplied by Diamondback- it looks to me like they rely on overlap of the aluminum to keep things aligned (and not rely on twisting force on a long bolt) but it looks like very little of the aluminum actually overlaps - the area I've highlighted in yellow. It probably works but seems like it could be sturdier (all the more reason to make or adapt my own in connection with the L-Track)
Many thank eaglerugby, that is incredibly helpful! I have been thinking of using aviation type "L-Track" instead of trail rails
https://www.cargoequipmentcorp.com/interior-van/l-track-systems/heavy-duty-l-track
And it looks to me like I could come up with a way to fasten the Diamondback's clamps to the L-Track, maybe using something like these as an attachment point:
https://www.cargoequipmentcorp.com/Threaded-Double-Stud-Fitting-For-L-Track
I'm not entirely impressed with the clamps shown as supplied by Diamondback- it looks to me like they rely on overlap of the aluminum to keep things aligned (and not rely on twisting force on a long bolt) but it looks like very little of the aluminum actually overlaps - the area I've highlighted in yellow. It probably works but seems like it could be sturdier (all the more reason to make or adapt my own in connection with the L-Track)
Why waste your money on purchasing parts to secure the Diamondback to the bed when Diamondback comes with everything needed? Call them and they will explain to you how the cover secures to the bed even if your Gladiator did not come with rails.Many thank eaglerugby, that is incredibly helpful! I have been thinking of using aviation type "L-Track" instead of trail rails
https://www.cargoequipmentcorp.com/interior-van/l-track-systems/heavy-duty-l-track
And it looks to me like I could come up with a way to fasten the Diamondback's clamps to the L-Track, maybe using something like these as an attachment point:
https://www.cargoequipmentcorp.com/Threaded-Double-Stud-Fitting-For-L-Track
I'm not entirely impressed with the clamps shown as supplied by Diamondback- it looks to me like they rely on overlap of the aluminum to keep things aligned (and not rely on twisting force on a long bolt) but it looks like very little of the aluminum actually overlaps - the area I've highlighted in yellow. It probably works but seems like it could be sturdier (all the more reason to make or adapt my own in connection with the L-Track)
