Gator FX vs FX3 Tonneau Cover

From protecting the cargo to carrying extra weight on the top, tonneau covers have been massively used by truck owners. Not only to protect the cargo but also for ensuring a durable lifespan of the truck bed, has tonneau cover worked just great. There is no alternative to investing in the best product to get the most of a truck bed cover. Thus this comparison will give the readers a complete closure on which one to buy.

The Gator FX is a great choice for those looking for a powerful but affordable guitar effects processor. The FX3 is also a great option, but it’s more expensive. So, which one is the better choice for you?

Both the Gator FX and the FX3 are packed with features and offer great value for money. However, there are some key differences that you should be aware of before making your decision.

The Gator FX is more affordable than the FX3, but it doesn’t have as many features. It’s a great choice for those on a budget or for those who don’t need all the bells and whistles.

Gator FX vs FX3 Table

Gator FX	Gator FX3

No-Drill Installation on Most Vehicles	No Drilling Is Necessary to Install the FX3
Semi-Gloss Tonneau Finish	Semi-Gloss Tonneau Finish
Use Your Whole Truck Bed When You Need Room for Large Items	100% Full Bed Access
This Cover Can Hold Up to the 300lbs Worth Weight on Top	Weight Capacity 300 Lbs Evenly Distributed Across the Cover
Slam Latches Automatically Lock When Closed	Slam Latches Automatically Lock When Closed
Comes With Two-Year Official Warranty	Comes with 2 Years of Warrenty
EPDM Rubber Seals and Hinges Provide Great Water Resistance	EPDM Rubber Seals Make the Cover as Water-Resistant
Powder-Coated Aluminum Panels Provide Secure and Weather Protection	Has Prop Rod Which Hold the Cover in Place While Open Are Easy to Attach and Detach
Perimeter EPDM Rubber Seals and Hinges Keep the Weather Out of Your Truck Bed	FRP Material Use on Its Top Panels Which Resists Scratches and Dents
Check price on Amazon	Check price on Amazon
Check price on Walmart	Check price on Walmart
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Why Compare?

Though thousands of brands are available in the market right now, Gator is one of the most prominent brands. Gator has almost four different models, and the FX and the FX3 are the best among them. Being manufactured by the same brand, they both have some similar features and most importantly a similar good name as well.

Despite the similarities, there are fundamental differences as well. Thus the comparison highlights the key differences between these two models.

Material

Gator FX believes in sturdy structure and thus selects aircraft-grade aluminum as the construction material. The aluminum panels automatically lock into place and are heavy-duty. To ensure the durability of the product, the panels are powder coated and are rustproof.

The powder-coated formula is also scratchproof and maintains the structure’s look for a long time. No matter how harsh the conditions are or how rough the truck bed covers have worked, the construction material keeps the appearance good for a long time. Even it can carry up to 300 lbs. of weight is distributed evenly.

The Gator FX3 has taken the construction material combination to another level. It has combined the aluminum structure with FRP exterior, which is the best combination for tonneau covers. To begin with, FRP or Fiber Reinforced Polymer is one of the best exterior materials that is dent-proof, scratchproof, and protects the cargo from UV rays. The aircraft-grade aluminum on the other hand is very strong and corrosion-proof and thus is exceptionally durable.

Weather Protection

The FX makes sure the cargo inside is protected from the outside weather. Unlike all the contemporary models, it does not just make a fuss on weather protection features rather it opts for the fundamental features for weather protection.

It has hinges that keep the cover attached to the truck bed rails and prevent dust and moisture leakage. Also, to intensify the hinge protection, EPDM seals give the ultimate protection. This tonneau cover is hard, even heavy rainfall or high temperature cannot harm.

On the other hand, Gator FX3 has quite a number of features for weather protection and water management. Perimeter seals are reputed to seal the cargo tight enough to protect water and dust leakage. The FRP material can protect the cargo from UV rays and thus any raw, sensitive items inside the truck bed remain safe. To take the measures a step ahead, it also has drainage tubes to cast the water away.

Design

The Trifold design of Gator FX makes it very convenient and ensures full truck bed access. The low-profile design looks very appealing and fits your truck perfectly. One can fold the cover against the cab of the truck keeping the 3rd brake light visible. Again, it is designed so that it can be completely folded against the rear window and all this is for you to enjoy full bed access.

The Gator FX3 again follows the trademark of looking extremely magnificent. The brand especially focuses on the design and the built quality. The low profile design looks extremely good and also convenient. Drivers can drive while keeping the cover fully open or closed.

Lock Mechanism

Being the hard folding truck bed cover, the Gator FX gives the ultimate protection any truck driver would need for their cargo. The slam latches automatically lock the truck rails to the tonneau cover and ensure the necessary security. Also, a tailgate lock system is available, which gives the best security against both thieves and the weather. The construction material and the infrastructure are so reliable and robust that one would not need to worry about security.

Again, the Gator FX3 also comes with the tailgate lock system but it has a dual-functional tailgate. Users need to pull the cover to the tailgate and simply lock it by either using the provided lock or they can also put their own lock. Also, you can access the truck bed through the tailgate without lifting the truck bed cover. There are slam latches in this model as well. These latches keep the truck bed cover attached to the truck bed rails for better protection.

Ease of Use

Gator FX is straightforward to handle; it glides so smoothly on the truck bed rail that you need not put extensive manual effort. Again, the automatic slam latches minimize the manual effort to the least. Buckle straps support the cover in a 2/3 open position, and users can drive keeping the cover fully opened, flipped, or even fully closed. This feature gives the ultimate convenience to any driver.

The Gator FX3 as well is easy to open and close; the prop rods support system makes the maneuvering process extremely easy. There are rubber bumpers that protect the truck cab when you intend on opening the cover completely. This tonneau cover also comes with slam latches to minimize the manual closing effort and open this hardcover.