Best Gator ETX Tonneau Cover: Ultimate Fit for 2014-2018 Chevy/GM
As a veteran overlander and truck guy, I treat a tonneau cover like a tool: it either keeps your kit dry and secure or it’s just a sheet of metal and fabric flapping in the wind. In this BakFlip vs Gator ETX roundup, I drill into fitment for the Chevy/GMC Silverado/Sierra 1500 with the 6'7" bed (78.9"), assess build quality that can survive field use, and break down real-world install realities you’ll actually encounter on the trail or at the shop. The Gator ETX Soft Tri-Fold brings fast, clamp-on setup and a tight seal, while BakFlip’s hard-fold lineup trades ease of install for rugged rigidity and higher payload confidence. Expect straight talk on weather sealing, load handling, and how each option performs on 2014-2018 and 2019 LTD/Lgcy models—the kind of insight you can rely on when you’re chasing miles, weather, and gear.
Quick Verdict
Choose Bakflip if…
- You prioritize the qualities this option is known for
- Your budget and use case align with this category
- You want the most popular choice in this space
Choose Gator Etx if…
- You need the specific advantages this alternative offers
- Your situation calls for a different approach
- You want to explore a less conventional option
| Factor | Bakflip | Gator Etx |
|---|---|---|
| Choose Bakflip if… | Check how Bakflip handles this factor. | Check how Gator Etx handles this factor. |
| Choose Gator Etx if… | Check how Bakflip handles this factor. | Check how Gator Etx handles this factor. |
| Gator ETX Soft Tri-Fold Truck Bed Tonneau Cover | 59110 | Fits 2014 - 2018, 2019 Ltd/Lgcy Chevy/GMC Silverado/Sierra 1500 6' 7" Bed (78.9") | Check how Bakflip handles this factor. | Check how Gator Etx handles this factor. |
| Factors to Consider | Check how Bakflip handles this factor. | Check how Gator Etx handles this factor. |
| Fitment by bed size and truck model | Check how Bakflip handles this factor. | Check how Gator Etx handles this factor. |
| Weather sealing and water intrusion protection | Check how Bakflip handles this factor. | Check how Gator Etx handles this factor. |
Table of Contents
Gator ETX Soft Tri-Fold Truck Bed Tonneau Cover | 59110 | Fits 2014 - 2018, 2019 Ltd/Lgcy Chevy/GMC Silverado/Sierra 1500 6' 7" Bed (78.9")
This Gator ETX Soft Tri-Fold Truck Bed Tonneau Cover earns Best Overall for delivering real-world overland practicality: it fits a broad set of late-model full-size pickups, installs clamp-on with no drilling, and stays light enough to manage on your own while still protecting gear. It’s specifically cataloged to fit 2014–2018 and 2019 Ltd/Lgcy Chevy/GMC Silverado/Sierra 1500 with a 6'7" bed (78.9"), which covers a huge portion of the crew-cab fleets I see on the trails. For a budget-friendly, hustle-free setup that still keeps weather out and gear in, this one earns top honors on an overlander’s rack.
Key features include a tri-fold soft top, reinforced vinyl over rigid rails, and a perimeter weather seal. In the field, that translates to quick access when you’re grabbing a jacket, a stove, or a recovery kit, plus the ability to fold panels back for tall cargo without removing the cover. The low-profile, wrap-around seal helps curb rain intrusion during wet drives to camping spots, and the clamp-on installation keeps things simple—no drilling, no permanent modifications. At about the price of a basic glove box, it’s a real-world balance of protection, weight, and convenience for weekend warriors and budget-conscious rigs alike.
Who should buy this and when: any Silverado/Sierra 1500 owner with a 6'7" bed who wants weather protection without a heavy, permanent hard top, and who values fast bed access on frequent trips. It’s a solid match for overlanders doing coastal runs, desert trips, or forest camping where you need quick access and easy removal for longer expeditions. If you routinely haul bulky gear or want a light option for daily driving with occasional camping, this cover fits the bill.
Honest drawbacks or caveats: it’s a soft cover, so it isn’t as secure as a hard tonneau or locking box setup, and you should expect some water management challenges in extreme rain or deep snow. It’s bed-length specific (6'7" only), so it won’t fit shorter or longer beds without a different model. If you’re chasing maximum security or heavy payload protection, look elsewhere.
✅ Pros
- Quick clamp-on install
- Lightweight, easy to remove
- Good weather seal for a soft cover
❌ Cons
- Not as secure as hard covers
- Seal can leak in heavy rain
Factors to Consider
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which cover seals better against rain and dust, BakFlip or Gator ETX?
Both are designed to minimize water intrusion, but field reports highlight that proper seating and factory seals on BakFlip edges and hinge lines tend to stay drier in heavy rain. Gator ETX uses automotive-grade seals and drain channels that help shed water; the real difference comes down to installation accuracy. If you routinely park in downpours or washouts, ensure you square the seal and wipe the mounting surfaces before tightening.
2. Will either cover fit my bed liner (spray-on, drop-in, or plastic liner)?
Yes in most cases, but you may need different mounting feet, spacers, or trimming around the liner. A spray-in liner can complicate clamp contact, so verify compatibility with your specific liner type and the model’s hardware. Always consult the fitment chart for your exact truck, bed length, and liner choice.
3. How easy is installation for a solo owner on a 5' bed F-150?
Most BakFlip and Gator ETX kits are designed for DIY install with basic tools and take roughly 1-2 hours for a first-timer. BakFlip tends to be a bit heavier to handle on your own, while Gator ETX is generally lighter and quicker to align. Having a second person to help with the tailgate alignment makes a big difference.
4. Can I use a bed slide tray or a rooftop tent with these covers?
Yes, but you must verify the cover’s weight rating and ensure the slide or tent mounting points won’t conflict with the cover hardware. A bed slide sheet or rooftop tent can add mounting stresses, so pick a system with compatible crossbars or mounting footprints and avoid exceeding the distributed load rating. In practice, many overlanders pair a bed slide with a BakFlip when weather sealing and mid-bed access are priorities.
5. Which is more secure or has better security features?
Both offer lockable latches and tailgate integration, but the level of security depends on the model and installation. BakFlip often provides a more robust locking integration with the tailgate area due to its flush design, while Gator ETX relies on standard tailgate locks plus the latching mechanism. For sensitive gear beyond the lock, consider adding a tiedown system and a bed net or cargo cage.
6. Do these covers affect fuel economy or weight handling on the road?
Any tonneau cover adds some aerodynamic drag and a small weight increase; the heavier BakFlip panels can have a slightly bigger impact than the lighter Gator ETX, especially on long highway trips. The practical effect on mileage tends to be modest (single-digit percent) compared with roof-rack setups. If you already carry a heavy load in the bed, factor it into the overall payload and suspension load.
7. What about warranty and service if something goes wrong?
BakFlip models commonly carry multi-year warranties (varies by model and market), with replacement parts generally available through dealers. Gator ETX warranties also vary by model and region but typically cover manufacturing defects; confirm the exact terms when you buy. In any case, use an authorized dealer for warranty claims to minimize downtime on the trail.
Conclusion
BakFlip edges out on rugged weather sealing and long-term durability, making it the safer choice for frequent bed-access and overland setups. Gator ETX delivers solid protection at a friendlier price with quicker install for most weekend trips. For a Tacoma or F-150 rig built around a bed slide and camping gear, BakFlip is my recommendation; if you want good protection without the premium, go with Gator ETX.
