Gator EFX Tonneau Cover Update! Ford F-150!

[@howardshaw5091]

I believe the picture inside the truck bed starting at 9:10 shows daylight showing through the upper corner just to the left of the knob ! plug it ! Great Video

[@MeAndCarKeys]

Thanks a lot for the advice! And thanks for watching! 👍

[@canxlr8]

Great follow up, thank you for taking the time to post your experience with this cover.

[@MeAndCarKeys]

No problem! Thanks for watching and I appreciate the comment!

[@jayholc5737]

Great video and great follow up. I’m deciding between this and the rough country low profile, a lot of the problems I’m seeing with both bed covers is installer errors. At 6:00 your foam weather stripping is supposed to be cut flush, the fact the foam weather stripping is hanging out is creating a gap between the rubber weather stripping that’s supposed to lay on top of it. But from what I can see this is a very good bed cover.

[@MeAndCarKeys]

Thanks a lot for the comment! I’ll check the foam weather stripping and see if that makes the difference. Thanks for the advice! 👍 I noticed the rough country cover as well… it’s exactly like gators EFX. I think they may both be made by the same manufacturer just sold under different brands. I haven’t verified it, but they both come in the same “Made in America” box, and look and function the same way.

[@jayholc5737]

@@MeAndCarKeys thank you for letting me know. When I was looking between the two the gator seemed to have more information but now that you say it they do look very identical. Lol. The gator spec said it could hold up to 300 lbs of distributed weight, I don’t plan on ever putting anything on top of it but it was good information to know. Thank you for the reply.

[@justinb1382]

Exactly what I was thinking. It basically makes a small channel on the same place on both sides of the bulk head.

[@jayholc5737]

@@justinb1382 I ended up going with gator I love it. Only complaint I have is I live in Oklahoma we got a hail storm and the hail wasn’t big enough to cause hail damage on my truck but it did leave a lot of dents on the bed cover, not enough to ruin the integrity of the cover and it’s not too big of a deal but I wish it was just a tad bit more reinforced it doesn’t leak near the rear window it only leaks near the tail gate which I expected, all in all it’s a great bed cover for the money and if installed right pretty good weather proofing.

[@justinb1382]

@@jayholc5737 I’m glad you love cause I ordered one a couple days ago haha. Glad to know it works well! Thanks for the info.

[@svenstrahl9714]

This cover is going to be absolutely amazing for me. I live in the desert, it NEVER rains here haha.

[@MeAndCarKeys]

😂 that’s perfect! You have any issues at all! Lol 😂 thanks for the comment! Let me know how it goes

[@carguyeyedoc]

For under $700 I can live with a little water encroachment. Sure beats paying $1100+ that the others charge (truxedo/bakflip/OEM brands) - especially in this economy. The one annoying thing is the lack of full bed use with the cover in place, but luckily you really only have to unscrew the 4 tighteners on the first section to remove the cover. Good review as always man, watched your pros and cons video then this video back to back.

[@MeAndCarKeys]

Thanks for the comment! I agree with you! I originally wanted a remote retractable cover, but l couldn’t imagine paying 1300! And true, it’s easy to just take the whole cover off if need be. Thanks for watching and for the comment!! 👍

[@sbechand]

Great video & gorgeous truck!

[@MeAndCarKeys]

Thanks a lot!! I appreciate the compliment!!check out my latest update video on the cover kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZmWknVqet-Ci9Usi=N8X6I1q3DII0h04N thanks for watching!! #motivationcrew

[@jimmyhorton8297]

Whew! Man I feel ya on the heat! It’s been miserable down here in Alamo. My bed cover is exactly like yours, just a different brand name, Bakflip I think. I learned when I first got it that it wasn’t waterproof. I keep everything in plastic tubs when I’m on the road for work. Don’t think I’ve ever seen the seals on mine move like that, but I’m sure gonna check it now. I know with mine the manufacturer suggests that you close the tailgate first and the drop the last panel down to keep from wearing out the tailgate seal prematurely. I know if I go through the car wash, mine will leak around the tailgate, but I use mine more for security than anything. Have a good week, thanks for the video.

[@MeAndCarKeys]

I’ve heard great things about the bakflip covers! you mentioned that about closing the tailgate first before and I’ve been trying to remember to do it ever since. Plastic tubs are a great idea!!! Thanks for that!!

[@williams762]

Just installed mine on my 2020 Tundra. Had some hard rain going on here and only got a couple of drips on the tailgate corners. I am very pleased.

[@MeAndCarKeys]

awesome bro! Thanks for the comment! That’s good to hear. I wanted to hear from someone else who actually has a Gator! Thanks for the feedback

[@smokinmetalcarfun2292]

That's another one of the things for my project is to get the cover for the back of my truck. Definitely got your truck looking good bro thanks for sharing

[@MeAndCarKeys]

Thanks a lot bro! Yeah tonneau covers are a good investment to atleast keep your stuff safe in the bed! Thanks for watching bro!

[@smokinmetalcarfun2292]

@@MeAndCarKeys facts and no problem be we all in this together 👍💯💯

[@dre963]

I invested in a couple of plastic tote bins with tops from Home Depot($10-$12) so even if water gets in my important stuff will stay dry. Haven’t gotten my cover yet but I’ve watched enough tonneau cover vids to know it’s a high probability water will get in so I want to be ahead of the problems. Good vid! I’ll be testing my cover once I get it the same way you did.

[@MeAndCarKeys]

Good plan bro! I think I’ll do the same. I’ve seen a few people with the same cover who said they hasn’t experienced any moisture at all so I guess it just depends but it’s best to be prepared like you said. Let me know how your testing goes

[@dre963]

@@MeAndCarKeys Will do, my cover should come in this weekend. And it’s been raining all week so I’m sure it’ll get a good test.

[@dre963]

Went with the Bakflip MX4 and so far no water gets in. Went through rain and a couple of car washes so far.

[@MeAndCarKeys]

@@dre963 awesome bro! That’s good to hear. I’ve heard good things about Bakflip covers. Is yours a hard cover or soft cover?

[@dre963]

@@MeAndCarKeys I got the hard trifold cover similar to yours. Install was a breeze, took about 30-45 minutes by myself. I’m very happy with it so far.

[@Iamk2jones]

Water can also be getting in through the stake pockets.

[@MeAndCarKeys]

The stake pockets??

[@Iamk2jones]

@@MeAndCarKeys the 4 square holes in the top of the truck bed rails. The gm trucks have caps on the two closest to the cab but water can still leak past and the two toward the tailgate are wide open.

[@johnrose1934]

Great review and great attitude towards the defects. It has recalibrated my expectations. And for the money I think the Gator is well priced.

[@MeAndCarKeys]

Thanks a lot bro! I agree on the price especially compared to some of the other options out there for over $1000! Did you buy the same cover?? #motivationcrew

[@john1josjohn1jos]

I recently installed the gator roll up cover and haven't had any water issues

[@MeAndCarKeys]

Interesting 🤔! A few people have said their roll up covers keep water out. Is it heavily insulated?

[@richardpaulshuping]

I have had a cheap soft trifold off Amazon on my silverado for 5 yrs. I have never had water in my bed. But I want a more flush look, so I am looking at the gator and the Rough Country low profile.

[@MeAndCarKeys]

That sounds like an amazing cover!! A few other people have said the same thing about their soft covers. Cross check the Gator and Rough Country covers… I think they’re made by the same manufacturer just sold under different brands. They are oddly almost exact except for the logo. Thanks for watching! Let me know what you decide to go with

[@mistakool_32]

Thanks for the video. Thinking about the Gator EFX for my Ram 1500.

[@MeAndCarKeys]

You’re welcome! It’s a good option, but check out my latest update video! kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZmWknVqet-Ci9Usi=BIs2NWXMxmJitb1A Let me know how you like it if you decide to get one! Thanks for watching!

[@fishnbaja1]

I had a Tundra with a BakFlip cover. My thoughts: Water will always find a way in. The issue is how much is acceptable. I solved that by using plastic tubs with covers. I agree with you (from previous video) that you lose a lot of space if the last flap doesn't lift. That's a dealbreaker for me. Thanks for your review.

[@MeAndCarKeys]

Thanks for the comment! I appreciate the input. The plastic tote idea is probably my best option now. Yeah I actually ordered this cover thinking that the last flap opened. Its my fault, but I definitely wouldn’t have gotten it if I realized. Thanks a lot for watching!

[@wturn5354]

3M makes black weatherstrip adhesive to keep the strip from sliding instead of rigid JB Weld.

[@MeAndCarKeys]

Really??? That might be my answer right there! Thanks for the advice! Will definitely try that out

[@CollinsCreativeImages]

Read my comment from the last video. Some of the issue is where the bedliner and the rail cap has a gap. You have plastic caps on the rails of your bed. Then you have a plastic bedliner that comes up and over the front of the bed. These 2 do not meet together and water comes through

[@MeAndCarKeys]

I see what you mean bro. I had to go reference the truck to see it. So if I had a spray in bed liner I probably wouldn’t have any issues

[@PyroX300]

@@MeAndCarKeys I have the same gator cover on my 18 f150 spray in bed liner and it still leaks pretty much the same. I did not use the foam on the front of the bed since it didn't have a plastic liner (foam seam would not stick at all). i'm going to try to reinstall it with that foam seal and see it if works.

[@jasony98]

Just installed the Gator Fx3 on my truck, and noticed that the truck bed has a gap on each side up front at the top, between where the cover sits on cap in corners, that would be enough for that amount of water to come in. I'm going to try and seal mine up someway.

[@MeAndCarKeys]

I’m not sure if your cover id exactly the same as my EFX, but are those rubber trim pieces on top loose. May be able to slide them down to cover it like I had to. If you find a way to seal it, let me know. I still haven’t tried to seal mine yet. Thanks for watching

[@ernestfeltman5472]

Every tonneau installs video that I have seen shows the gasket upfront fitting between your sides. I don't know if that might help, but the water might be coming there. It also was coming from the loose gasket. I almost ordered the same cover today but after seeing it I don't know, I don't like that gasket just coming loose. Great video though, Thanks

[@ernestfeltman5472]

I also had a Gator on my last truck, It was a soft roll-up and very little water came through. I just like the looks of the low profile on your truck. Thanks again.

[@MeAndCarKeys]

Thanks a lot for the comments! I pulled the gasket to connect in the front. It’s helped a lot since then, there’s still some leaking in but it’s very minimal. I may still glue the gaskets so that they don’t shift. Other than that, I have no complaints with it. I too love the look of it! Thanks again for watching

[@michaelhayes9773]

A local Truck accessory dealer here told me there is no such thing as a water proof Tonneau cover. To get water proof you have to go with a topper or one piece hard tonneau cover.

[@MeAndCarKeys]

I agree 100%!!! My dad has a one piece hard cover and his is completely waterproof! I just like a more seamless look

[@triangular3335]

After buying several covers from 2,000 dollars to this one at 700 dollars I have not found one yet that is 100% waterproof some let in less than others but a lot has to do with installation and how much certain parts are tightened down that water is minimal even compared to way more expensive options I have tried

[@MeAndCarKeys]

Thanks for the comment! That’s what people have been saying; that no cover is 100% waterproof. I have had to go back and retighten the cover especially the clamps so I think that helps. Thanks for watching!

[@CoriLuvTV]

Here at the premiere. 💪🏽 I like that it foldable, but my husbands truck cover wasn’t. That’s a dang good cover. It was hard cover. It used to have very minimal water.

[@MeAndCarKeys]

Gotcha! Was his cover a roll up cloth type cover? I’m hearing they are a little better keeping water out

[@jeffeigner3880]

Nice follow up , alot of covers are saying water resistant now but is probably what the gator efx is. I want to check the Lund version of this, if doesn’t look to good the gator will be my go to

[@MeAndCarKeys]

Right! Water resistant, instead of waterproof! Let me know what you decide to go with. I’ve met tried Lund so I’d like to hear more about it if you get one. Thanks for the comment!

[@joeyforsythe4501]

I’ve had the same problem, I live in Texas and it was condensation that dripped down

[@MeAndCarKeys]

Condensation?? So it may not actually be a leak at all?? Just condensation from the heat?

[@EldoonNemar]

I have a feeling it was raining so hard that the gutter and that small tube weren't enough to get the water out fast enough. when you're driving, it fly's off. stationary it fills the gutter and overflows. that gasket being pushed back likely didn't help either :D

[@MeAndCarKeys]

Awesome analysis! I didn’t think about it that way but it makes sense. We did get heavy rain around that time for atleast a few days. Also since my driveway is sloped, I should park in the opposite direction to help with the runoff. Thanks for watching and for the comment!!

[@hkofler07]

I feel you on the heat man.. its been triple digits for 2 weeks straight out here in So Cal. I got the Proven Ground Tri Fold Hard Tonneau Cover for my 2018 F150. I've had it about a year and haven't had any water issues, but also only a handful of storms lol. Only thing I don't like about it is I gotta take it off to go through the carwash cuz I don't wanna risk damaging it

[@MeAndCarKeys]

Triple digits!! 🥵 I’ve heard good things about Proven Ground. Yeah that’s rough, I’m sure the car wash would destroy my cover! I only do hand washes tho! Thanks for watching and for the comment!

[@deerrudy]

Thanks for the reviews. I am shopping and comparing covers. Just looking at their installation videos and it doesn't look like you have the weather strip installed correctly. It is not supposed to extend out outside of the track. Perhaps that is part of your leak problem?

[@MeAndCarKeys]

Thanks for the comment! Yes I caught that as well and went back and trimmed it a while ago, but it still leaks. Someone also stated that I wasn’t supposed to install that strip at all because I have a drop in bed liner. At this point it’s deteriorated so bad that i should just remove the strip altogether anyway. Thanks for the comment!

[@deerrudy]

@MeAndCarKeys Well, since watching videos and continued comparisons, I bought the same cover. I didn't want to spend. I have a Ram 2500 spray liner and mine leaks, too .😡 The quality seems well built. I'm frustrated with that. I haven't bothered to try to figure out the source.

[@realtalk1278]

Great content. Just decided to get one like yours. I'm an f150 owner also.🤘🏽🔥🔥🔥

[@MeAndCarKeys]

Thanks a lot!! F150 Nation!!! Let me know how it goes for you when you install it! I’d like to hear user opinions

[@loggingdaddy]

Drill some holes in your slide in bed liner up front. You bed has drain holes, if not it will still drain out the back under the bed liner

[@MeAndCarKeys]

Smart! That’s a great idea! Im surprised at myself; I never even thought about that! Will do. Thanks for the idea and thanks for watching.

[@clmarinho]

Could you solve your problem? Do you need remove this gasket sealant tape, only use it if don't have bed liner. I think that position of your truck help the water get in your bed because it's inclined.

[@MeAndCarKeys]

Thanks for the tips! I’ll try removing the gasket and see if that helps.

[@LivinWith3M]

As always bro, awesome video. Throw that old one down in the yard. Show it who’s boss. 🤣🤣🤣

[@MeAndCarKeys]

😂 😂 😂 that’s right!! Thanks a lot bro! I appreciate the comment! 😂

[@MrStrother04]

The drop in bedliner causes leakage in the front while using covers

[@MeAndCarKeys]

Does the drop in cause it not to sit flush?? If so, maybe I can trim it. 🤔 Thanks for the feedback!

[@Dehrek78]

Hey bro I installed mine today on my F150 and I found I didn't need the bulk head seal strip. If you remove that the cover will fit flush in that area and keep water out.

[@MeAndCarKeys]

🤯 🤯 seriously!!??? Thanks a lot bro! I just ran outside to take a look at it I see what you mean! That strip has deteriorated a lot anyway so I’ll remove it and see how it goes. Thanks a lot bro! Let me know how you like it after a while

[@Dehrek78]

@MeAndCarKeys A man no problem keep up the good work. Blessings

[@claydavis8998]

Do you know if there is an obstruction in the drain tubes at the front near the cab? I can't help to notice that the truck is parked facing the street and the driveway is sloped toward the street too. I am thinking that that the majority of the water that enters the channel/guides on the sides. Then the water makes its way toward the cab and into the the drain tubes. If the drain tubes are not flowing enough water, maybe its overflowing inside the channel/guide thing causing the issue? Only other thing that I could think of is an obstruction inside the tube limiting water flow. Or just there isn't that great of a "seal" around those corners.

[@MeAndCarKeys]

Interesting… I didn’t think to check the drain tubes, but that makes a lot of sense. Thanks for the advice, I will check them today. Someone else mentioned the seal around the corner being obstructed by the plastic bed liner

[@miamiautobros]

Awesome video! 💯🔥

[@MeAndCarKeys]

Thanks a lot bro!!!

[@ericbowers71]

Make sure your frail tubes aren’t clogged up.

[@MeAndCarKeys]

Frail tubes? Oh the drain tubes?? 🤔 I haven’t checked that yet. Thanks for the advice! I’ll check that next

[@db5202]

While parked, is the back of the PU higher or lower than the front? If so the drains will be effected positively or negatively.

[@MeAndCarKeys]

Right! Good point! It’s higher. I like to back in my driveway which is slightly sloped.m, but if it’s raining or projected to rain, then I’ll pulled in the driveway

[@db5202]

@@MeAndCarKeys question, how do you like the cover now that it's been on for a while?

[@MeAndCarKeys]

@@db5202 I still think it’s a good option especially for the price. Just have to keep it tightened down properly and it’s good!

[@michaeljennings7146]

If you can identify a specific spot under that front section, maybe you can uninstall it. Add some well concealed silicon. That sliding piece of rubber maybe a little epoxy on a toothpick in there in a couple spots. They are the most affordable looks like. I doubt any will keep you bone dry.

[@MeAndCarKeys]

Thanks a lot for the tips! That would definitely help! That’s what people have been saying, that no cover will keep the bed completely dry.

[@kenj.8897]

you do good vids , when you did your install did you have to trim your drop in bedliner at all ? i saw in comments online that some had too . just ordered one last night and was curious . Thanks .

[@MeAndCarKeys]

Thanks a lot!! No I didn’t have to trim the liner at all; the cover fits right over it. Just make sure it’s not obstructing the clamps when you install. Let me know how it goes and how you like the nee cover!

[@kenj.8897]

@@MeAndCarKeys 👍 thanks

[@malcolmn.5222]

How did you get the cover to sit flush on the tailgate, I have a slight gap on mine

[@MeAndCarKeys]

I just had to shift the entire cover frame until it sat perfectly. I had t gap at the front of the bed at first but I just had to keep shifting until it sat correctly

[@malcolmn.5222]

@Me And Car Keys I end up having to lower the rails and that helped with the cover

[@MeAndCarKeys]

@@malcolmn.5222 awesome glad you got it flush. I see what you mean now. Are your rails slightly lower than the truck bed now?

[@Red_coyote_fords]

1. It's always hot in Georgia no matter what. 2. I felt you when you said ita harder to jump up cause we're old 😆 3. Upgrade the tonneau cover haha jk

[@MeAndCarKeys]

😂 😂 😂 I’m thinking about upgrading it, but I JUST paid it off so it’ll be a while!!

[@erikwhitman]

Do you have anything more to say about this cover since youve had it awhile? Im now in the market and unsure what to get 😂

[@MeAndCarKeys]

It’s been great for the most part. I still get small amount of water in the corners but it’s only in very heavy downpours. I’d still recommend it as a good cover. What other options are you considering?

[@erikwhitman]

@Me And Car Keys I keep wanting a diamond back but I really really really don't want to spend that much money. I feel that amount is outrageous. I like the look of the Gator I just didn't know if it's been holding up for ya.

[@christopherpfleegor4447]

i dont think there is a tonneau cover on the market that is actually "waterproof", the closest thing to it is probably the hard fiberglass tonneau covers and even those probably leak to some extent especially over time. i have a tyger soft tri-fold (i prefer the look of a soft cover vs the hard cover personally) on my 2015 f150, it does leak, but i put it on more for looks than anything else. i dont really keep anything in the back of my truck so it really doesnt matter to me if some water gets in

[@MeAndCarKeys]

That’s what a lot of people have been telling me; Some amount of water will get it either way. I originally wanted a soft cover as well, but I thought this Gator hard cover would keeps things drier. I guess I’ll have to only put things in the back that cant be ruined by water! Lol Thanks for the comment bro!

[@Parkersplayroom]

That water is super minimal, I would say that's a solid cover. I've been researching for a month and I think im just going to rock with this. If you had to you, you could prob seal these off with power grab soft flexible silicone or caulk, would also keep the rubber seals in place. Thanks for the solid follow up!

[@MeAndCarKeys]

Thanks for the comment! I agree, it’s not bad. A few people were suggesting that; to use some adhesive or JB weld and glue the seals down. I may still do that to see if it makes a difference. Since posting this video, I’ve only noticed a large amount of water once and that was after a hurricane came through the area. Thanks again for watching and for the comment!

[@medicchester]

Good good

[@MeAndCarKeys]

Thanks! Thanks for watching!

[@LamMa-dj6hh]

It’s cardboard. It’s just getting stack from the bottom of the box them it raise to make those watermarks on the box. It not coming from the top. It’s soaking little at a time.

[@MeAndCarKeys]

I see what you mean. I thought it was dripping too to bottom. Thanks for the feedback!

[@romarro4616]

the website says 5.7 bed size but mine is actually 5.5 which one is this?

[@MeAndCarKeys]

Same here! 5.5 bed and 5.7 cover. the extra .2 of the cover is so that it overlaps the bed so it can sit on top and seal probably.

[@romarro4616]

thank you

[@MeAndCarKeys]

@@romarro4616 no problem! Glad I could help! Are you planning on purchasing?

[@romarro4616]

@@MeAndCarKeys yes!! hey one question how is the cover holding up?

[@javierlugo259]

That Cover is Horrible as it will continue to deuterate and the manufacture should not b expecting customers to have to be glue their poorly manufactured product.....Many Thanks Brother for your Honest and Thorough Review.

[@MeAndCarKeys]

Sup bro!! I agree, I shouldn’t have to especially with something new. It’s been holding up better since this video was posted that trim piece has not moved. Thanks for the comment and thanks for stopping by the channel!

[@anthonyhayden]

The bed liner is the problem

[@MeAndCarKeys]

A few other people said the same thing. 🤔 I wonder if I could trim it. Are you saying the part close to the cab?

[@UnknownUser_0000]

This cover is bar none the best at the price point..sure you can get a BakFlip but literally nobody wants to spend $1k on a fucking tonneau cover. 🍻

[@MeAndCarKeys]

Thanks for the input! Yeah I’ve heard great things about Bakflip, but I can’t even imagine spending that much on a cover! Thanks for watching!!

[@carguyeyedoc]

more like $1100+ ... everything is so damn expensive these days. The Gator at $700 seems like an incredible deal. Even shitty OEM hard covers are now like $1200+ ... literally no better than this Gator but $500 more.

[@MeAndCarKeys]

@@carguyeyedoc yeah I’ve seen the prices of the oem Ford covers, they are high!!! Maybe that includes installation at the dealership

[@UnknownUser_0000]

@@carguyeyedoc Nailed it.

[@UnknownUser_0000]

@@carguyeyedoc Nailed it.

[@Big-Mans-Journey]

Its rubber its going to shrink with heat

[@MeAndCarKeys]

That makes sense… and I live in Atlanta; it’s hot for no reason down here! 😂 thanks for the comment!