Diamondback Tonneau Cover

Took about 2h total, 4 hinges and I have 8 cleats, wasn’t difficult at all.

Panels need to be removed for the hinges. I used the online instructions called “Hinge Upgrade” which requires using 8 existing holes and drilling 8 new holes, and matches what the covers look like sold now. The paper instructions included in the box seem different, I think they use the existing holes which are hidden from the side, no drilling that I can see. I guess both work, depending on how you want the hinges to look. However if you get that same sheet, and try that way first, it may scratch up the mating hinge.

Tip, when doing the cleats, use the hex key only to hold the bolt. Tighten from the other side using a 1/2” socket, that way you don’t hack the cleat bolts.

 

Anyone ever put a pallet on top of the HD cover?
It seems to me that the hinges and latches may interfere??

 

You can lay some boards across so it’s above the locks like a starter pallet base.

 

Yup! No issues with the hinges, but I did make sure to stay off of the latches--especially since these were the older, plastic style.

 

I ordered the HD model and it will be delivered tomorrow. Just a heads up for anyone wanting one and wanting to save a few bucks, I ordered mine off of AutoAnything and did live chat with a rep to see if they offered any kind of discount on them. They dropped the price down to $1929 (from $2049) for me. So it doesn't hurt to ask. It wasn't a huge savings but still, $120 is $120!

I currently do not have any kind of bedliner (but did just receive the Tundra Bed Mat). For those of you with the DiamondBack cover, do you have a bedliner? Husband is trying to talk me out of spending $500 on a Linex bedliner saying it is unnecessary with the cover.

 

Your call, depends what you haul (I’m gonna stop rhyming now). That bed paint might get hacked up. I personally like being able to throw anything back there and hose it off when I’m done. A scratched up bed would drive my undiagnosed OCD nuts.



I also added a tailgate rug which is nice on the knees.

 

4 or 5 times. No issue. It’s the best cover ever

 

Or you can simply lay a scrap 4x8 piece of plywood down under it and you should be good.

 

I have a plastic drop-in bedliner. I live in the desert, so I don't worry about rust issues from it scratching the box and trapping water underneath. If I didn't have the drop-in, I would absolutely have a Line-X job done on it.

 

I waited forever for a sale on one of these and then black friday they had a free hat with purchase haha! I ended up gettng an outlet HD model which I am very happy with. I also have linex bed liner in there as the cover does not stop me from throwing things in the back that could scratch or dent the bed. Better to do it before than try to fix it later, but depends on what you use the truck for.

 

Thanks for the replies. I scheduled my LineX install for next week. My HD cover arrived today so hopefully by next weekend I’ll have it all done.

 

Good idea been considering DB for a while, was unsure at the time and still getting input since I understand they (and bed) get pretty hot. I just put an X2 on until I make that xc drive to visit my son in PA and will more than likely pull the trigger then. Any DB weight factor to consider?

 

Not sure what u mean by weight factor. Unless u mean the se version is rated for up to 400 lbs and the HD version is rated up to 1200 I believe I recall.

Besides that they are surprisingly light in weight themselves, especially for such a sturdy cover.

 

Good to know info, am wondering if or how the panel weights will factor in have a couple of trips with vehicle dolly and trailer planned. Don't want to exceed total weight combos while remaining stock suspension. Still learning and considering SE or 180

 

Gotcha, oh no u can pretty much account for it not even being on there for weight. The weight in your bed is different from ur tow weight capacity anyway. It weighs so little I wouldn't even worry about accounting for it. I want to say each larger panel is probably around 30lbs each and the 1 in middle is probably less than that. If u wanted to call it 100lbs just to be safe, that weight would more than account for it. I'm pretty sure the weight is pretty negligible and I wouldn't worry about it 1 bit unless u plan to load the shit out of your bed and the cover with 4 passengers. Then u might want to start adding it up. Chances are you'll still be good unless u loading real heavy shit.

Put it this way, my bed has a bedslide which is probably a little over 100, all the shit I got in it, between recovery gear, tools, ramps ect I probably got at least a couple hundred more. All that plus a big ass can am Outlander quad on top of the cover and the truck still don't even act like theres anything back there except for stopping. I can feel the weight when I try to stop, it takes a bit more so I just increase my follow distance. Without the quad on top but still all that weight in bed I drive like an animal lol.

Don't get me wrong, it's good u thinking about these things, especially before a long trip. Just want u to know that even though the cover looks beefy and heavy it's not. Removing the panels can easily be done by 1 person. With 2 people it's really breeze. It's more awkward due to length and width removing the sections than it is heavy. Hope this helps.

 

I agree with @mgm16trdpro. Just had the Diamondback website up coincidentally for my neighbor who is buying one for his Tacoma.

From the website, the SE is:

Cab/Tailgate Panel: 28.8125"
| ~28 lbs.

Center Panel: 4.75" | ~14 lbs.

Total Cover Weight: ~70 lbs.
Rated for 400 lbs.

The HD is meaningfully beefier but still remarkably lightweight:

Hauling Capacity 1,600 lbs.
Dimensions Cab/Tailgate Panel: 28.8125"
| ~42 lbs.

Center Panel: 4.75" | ~21 lbs.

Total Cover Weight: ~105 lbs.

When I was buying mine, when you are spending this amount of money, the relatively small price increase for the HD considering its tremendous hauling capacity versus the SE, was a no-brained for me.

Since I’ve had mine I’ve probably hauled 500-1000 lbs. on it about 20 times, so the increased hauling capacity is really nice.

Regardless, considering how expensive the Extang, BakFlips, folding etc. covers are, how cheaply they are built in my opinion, leak, poor security, can’t tie anything on them, versus all you can do and quality of the Diamondback, and great Diamondback customer service, the Diamondback SE or HD for the win - no brainer.

I know I sound like a Diamondback fanboy, I insist I am not a paid spokesman for Diamondback! Just a very satisfied customer, that appreciates a small Pennsylvania business that does it the right way.

 

Got it. Hey thanks for explaining, helped my learning curve and makes it far easier for my decision now understanding I can now lean towards the heavier product. Appreciate it Mike.

 

@Borgs Great, the security aspect and leak protection were always main attractions for me leaving weight capacities and bed access configuration deciders. I will deal with the heat issue, and would be glad to bring some business into PA when I visit my son. Thanks brother!

 

Great info, and I agree about DB's quality and their customer service. Top notch for sure all the way around. I got the SE. I haul stuff in my bed all the time and don't mind removing it if I have to. Besides, if it's something heavy, I'd rather not have to lift it as high as the cover and secure it. I'm in my early 50's and too old to lift heavy stuff over my head anyway, so I prefer to slide big heavy stuff in and out at hip level. But yes, the HD version is awesome given its weight capacity. Regardless, I feel the SE is still a secure enough cover as far as protecting any belongings you may have to leave in the bed, and that's the main reason I got one aside from keeping stuff dry. Although I've already removed and reinstalled mine a couple times, the bed is still dry when it rains, and it's rained a lot here in Texas lately. Only a little bit gets wet around the tailgate area when I run it through one of those high pressure car washes that shoot water at all angles at the vehicle.

Anyway, you get what you pay for like they say, and in my opinion the DB is money well spent and well worth it.

 

Just got my HD on Friday to replace a leaking Undercover Ultra Flex. This thing is great! Probably need to still make some adjustments as it breaks in, but I'm incredibly pleased so far.

 

Congrats great choice, love mine.

 

I just installed my se on my 15 crewmax and I noticed that the passenger side of the cab panel has a small gap right under the back window but the driver side does not and it is very hard to close. I know that it will compress after a couple days but should I install the gasket along the bulkhead? Wasn't sure if I was going to need it. Should I try adjusting something else to fix that. Thanks

 

Second question. I am looking at getting the crossbin 13 for my truck. Does anybody have any feedback on them and possibly some measurements of the interior of the crossbin. Want to make sure that it will fit the stuff I want to put into it. Thanks

 

I had the same issue and decided to remove the bulkhead gasket. No more gap, but I also tightened it down some making it a little more difficult to open and close without pressing down on it first to turn the locking mechanism. I’ve completely removed and reinstalled mine at least a couple of times already and have found I need to re-tighten a bit the middle component a few times periodically. No biggie, though.

Mine has no leaks at all when it rains. It only leaks a little bit by the tailgate area when I run it through a high pressure wash, but that’s because a lot water is being sprayed at horizontal angles at high pressure.

All in all I love my SE, and I get compliments on it all the time. Keeping stuff in the back secure is also a real plus.

 

Good question. I’m considering one of those bins, too, and am not yet sure which one to go with.

 

I sold mine the crossbin, that is, to @Borgs ,he can help. I loved it, just went with a bedslide so didn't need it anymore.

 

It will settle. I didn't install the bulkhead seal that came with it. I instead went with some neoprene 1-inch tape that I glued down with poly adhesive. Lower profile and makes a fabulous seal, and looks much better.

 

Love the crossbin - unbelievably handy and sturdy, and holds a ton of stuff. I think the only drawback is it isn't the easiest thing to get in and out, especially by yourself. I never take mine out though.

 

Congrats. It is crooked, but will settle nicely, especially when it warms up and the sun hits it and trains the rubber seal.