Diamondback SE vs HD

Long time listener, first time caller…

Question(s) for y’all on the Diamondback covers.

Is it possible to drive with the Diamondback cover sitting in the “open” position? I would think not, but want to be certain.

Has anyone had issues going with the SE over the HD? Not sure I’d ever use the extra carrying capacity, but rather have and not need than need and not have, I guess.

Thanks everyone, looking forward to this community. The internet cannot spend my money, but they can hopefully help me decided between a Diamondback, Tri folding hard cover, & camper shell lol

 

Bump

 

You can potentially drive with the rear one opened. I've done it to carry tires home. Wouldn't recommend it for the front, as the wind would try to 'pry' it open.

I'm not sure what you mean by 'issues' going from SE to HD. If you mean contemplating, then just think about what you would potentially throw up there that is that heavy. I got the HD, never threw any weight on it more than a few hundred pounds. Next truck will be an SE for me, personally.

 

Makes sense… wind pushing towards the back of the truck could spell issues for the front hatch.

You nailed my question, apologies for the vagueness. Just don’t want to purchase an SE then find I desire to carry 1k pounds on the thing. This is a personal decision though.

Any regrets with the cover? These things are pricey. Part of me says to just buy a cheaper tri-fold…

 

I purchased the HD, but that's because I mount my rooftop tent directly to the top of the cover (using the Front Runner load bars). With my wife, my son, me, and the dog inside the tent, plus the weight of the tent itself, the setup is well over 700 lbs.

No regrets purchasing the cover for me, but I rarely ever use my truck to "haul" something. I've had to haul a few things before (a couple of cabinets, new wheels/tires, etc), and all of them easily went on top of the cover and were strapped down just fine.

As @ishootaround said, I wouldn't drive with the front panel open, but I've definitely driven with the rear one partially open. I had some 2x4s sticking out of the bed once, and just strapped the rear panel down closed on them with a bungee cord. Something else to remember is that both of the panels pop off very easily (takes about 15 seconds to disengage the gas struts and slide the panel off of the hinges). So if you know that you're going to need the extra room, you can take the panel off and leave it in the garage at home without having to uninstall the entire cover.

 

Awesome, thanks for the feedback. Sounds like it’s simple enough to pull the panels off if the need arises to haul larger items.

One last question: Did you go with the lined (black) cover, or bare (silver) aluminum? Could save 300ish bucks here, but don’t want to be penny wise and pound foolish.

 

I'm about to pull the trigger on an SE. I realize the HD is a few hundred bucks more, but i cant see a scenario where i'd need it unless I had a camping setup. On the off chance I buy a new refrigerator and for some reason opted to use my truck or had to more something very heavy, i'd just take off the cover. I totally get the HD for purposes of overlanding, but for daily driving/adventure mode i haven't found a justification.

 

Agreed on the opinion, I most likely fall in the same boat. But the thing to think about is the future. Needs change, we would feel pretty stupid if we saved the few bucks and need the capability down the line.

But likewise I’m leaning SE at the moment. Money is money after all!

 

Agreed. It took me a few days of back and forth to come to the conclusion on the SE. That being said, I think if there is any reasonable reason in your mind you may use the HD, i'd spring for it.

 

No regrets. I have expensive camera equipment when I go camping/hiking, so it's an absolute solid piece of mind if I need to leave it in there for an extended period unattended.

Only drawback on the DB (for me) is if you need to haul something in the bed that can't be put on top of the cover, it's a 20-30 minute uninstall. But that is few and far in between for me.
I'm going SE for my next truck, as with my bedrack/RTT combo, it still will be fine (<300 lbs). Finish-wise, I like the liner finish, it's extremely durable, and the black looks nicer than the chrome, IMO.

Reasons I would get a tri-fold (or other) would probably be if I needed a basic cover and nothing more. I don't think theft is a huge deal, unless your a contractor or someone who is seen transporting expensive gear on a regular basis. My buddy has a Bakflip on his truck, and it's been solid. But it's only been two years for the both of us -- so I'm not sure how well the plastic covers would hold up over time, being exposed to the elements when compared to the DB... which is another reason that pushed me into the DB - buy once, cry once.

 

Honestly not sure. Life tends to change a lot, especially during these weird times. I’ll put some more thought into it.

Thanks for the feedback

Yes you nailed the “secure” storage piece. Debate is security vs convenience for hauling larger items. I’ll take security all day long at the cost of a few minutes convenience. Which I guess answers my question of why we’re better off going DB, even at those prices lol. I have seen a few Bakflip’s, and honestly I’m not all that impressed. Doesn’t look too difficult to craft up a way to break into those things.

As for finish, my truck is black. I guess chrome would look odd on the back. More money down the drain here as well!

 

Mine is the diamond plate/black finish. You can see it here: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...uild-and-adventure-page.699778/#post-24781475

 

I just pulled the DB SE cover off my car and sold it... I really liked it for security but I am now going the Camper Shell route. I have two brand new shelves for those interested that the buyer didn't want. I will prob list them at some point here on the forum and also on Craigslist. If you are in the Reno area and need a shelve or two for your DB SE 3rd gen...hit me up.

 

I went SE and then I got a RTT. But the brackets take most of the load.

 

Interesting to see an RTT mounted via brackets under the DB cover. Most people mount their RTTs on the DB cover, but your method certainly gets around the (lack of) load capacity on the SE. Any issues fitting those brackets under the cover?

 

When I drive with one of my cover panel completely opened to transport tall items, I detached the struts and flip it all the way back onto the other one then strap it down using the cleats. I've gone 70+ mph on highways with no issues.

If I only need a little clearance with it partially opened then I just strap it down onto my d-rings in the truck bed.

I have the SE because I don't plan putting anything really heavy on top.

 

Not at all. I drive most of the time without the tent, and brackets stay on 24/7.

 

Good to know, thanks for the response. Definitely leaning towards an SE, still have yet to pull the trigger.

 

My DB arrives tomorrow! I went with the SE, coated black since I don't anticipate needing to haul anything on top of the cover.

Also, my cover is arriving a week ahead of when it was originally promised, so if you're in a hurry to get one, now might be the time.

 

Got an HD today with ship date of 11/27, heres hoping that I somehow get it next week for a Thanksgiving weekend install....can dream right?!