Is Diamondback SE Worth the PriceTag?

HI TW,

I currently have the factory OEM tonneau cover. I've been looking at the Diamondbacks, read most of the threads on it.

For you diamondback owners out there, is that price tag really worth it? Because I can get the OME suspension lift I want for that price of $1600.

 

Depends on what you need. If you need security then the Diamondback is as good as it gets. If you only need your stuff covered stick with your tonneau cover.

 

Well the draw for the diamondback for me is that it can actually support weight on top of it compared to the OEM cover. And I usually keep a storage bin full of gear in the bed at all times. Security on the OEM cover suffices, though.

 

Yes, for security alone, it’s worth it to me.

 

I've got one. I spent literally years looking on and off for a replacement for the Roll-N-Lock I had and, as much as I really didn't like what I had, I couldn't find a suitable replacement until I came across the Diamondback. It's still a compromise but it was The best thing I found for what I wanted. Really like the weight carrying capacity on top, it adds another option for transporting. I've even put a step ladder on it to clean out over my gutter downspouts! lol Can't say I liked the price but, sometimes you just have to bite that bullet to get what you need/want.

 

If your plan is to carry some weight on top of the cover then it might be worth it. DB is very well made and items are secure but the OEM will still do the job. "Out of sight, out of mind"....

 

Is it fast to remove everything to have an open bed? I saw videos that you can remove the two panels off pretty quick, but can you remove that middle piece fairly easily as well?

 

Theres 4 bolts, 2 on each side so it's pretty easy. The bigger pain I think would be getting it back on and lined up. But even that shouldn't be really that difficult, especially if you marked the bed somehow to recenter that middle piece.

 

I gotta say, I didn't like the price on the cover but I've never regretted it or wish I hadn't spent the money-not once. And personally I think it looks exceptional as well so, extra points for the all important "cool" factor!

 

SE owner chiming in here (no affiliation with DB).

For me, it was worth the price.

A bit of background. When purchasing my Tacoma, I knew from the start that I wanted a way to protect the bed and its contents. I did not want a soft or hard topper, so a tonneau cover was the answer; specifically, a hard cover, as soft covers simply do not last or perform well. I also intend to keep this vehicle for many years to come. From there, my concerns were as follows:

1. Durability
2. Reliability
3. Security
4. Capability
5. Weight

With these in mind, the SE fit the bill.

As it's made from aluminum and coated in a Line-x material (optional), as well as stainless steel exterior hinges, it should last for the life of the vehicle, especially through Wisconsin winters where rust is a huge concern. This was key to me, as I am a believer in the phrase buy once cry once, especially when it comes to gear; I wanted to make one purchase, and one purchase only, when it came to a cover, rather than buying something cheap and having to replace it in a few years. Further, it is lockable and weather-tight while having the capability of supporting 400lbs+ on top of it. This allows for protection of anything I'm transporting and gives me flexibility to place a variety of things on top without worry. Dual access panels on gas springs are a huge plus, with factory cleats for tie-downs in each corner. Lastly, the whole package is only about 70lbs.

The last thing I'll say, though it's subjective, is that the cover looks damn good. You'll be hard pressed to find any cover with better form and function as of this writing.

Ultimately, it's what you want to do with the cover, how long you plan on keeping the truck, and what your budget is. Feel free to ask me anything about it.

Cheers!

 

I intend to keep my Tacoma until it breaks. I plan on getting a roof top tent setup like last line of defense with the rails and bars from front runner.

And you’re right, it’s the best looking cover out there.

Do you have any cons about it? Did you do anything to rear suspension to compensate for the constant load?

 

That's the key - I got under there and marked the exact location of those brackets with a sharpie. I haven't removed the cover yet, but hoping that makes it easier in the future.

 

I have the same idea in mind for the RTT, hah! Will probably do a Smittybilt with the frontrunner rack system, should be sub $1k all told.

Only con thus far was freezing rain. Water managed to get in between the plastic bed side and weather stripping - when it froze, it froze the cover to the bed. Therefore I could not actually open it to access the bed without heating the weather stripping. This is probably my error for not installing it tight enough, but I have been meaning to call DB about it. Other than that, no issues.

To your suspension question, the payload for the DCSB TRD OR is 1,175 lbs. At 70lbs, that is 5.9% of the overall capacity. No need to change the suspension, it will handle that modest amount all day long.

 

Like everyone said, the cover rocks. If you do want it to hold weight on top, get the HD. SE holds 400lbs, HD 1600 lbs (really wish they had an in between one, but.....). 2 adults can weigh 400 lbs. For the few hundred $ more, dont limit yourself. Also military and their families get 10% off. Find a friend

 

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So I’m guessing the load rating they are giving at 400 is dynamic. So static should be a bit more no?

 

That would be a good question that I dont have an answer for.

 

I bought the diamond hd. For the extra money I think the extra robustness is worth it. It is a vault.

I thought about trading it for a ARE topper but the deal didn’t work out.

The thought for me was I could camp with the topper. But honestly you can just use the diamond back like a bivoy.

Plus I can eventually get a RTT system. And my gear is secure.

I want one of the bins that DB sells. Or a deck storage system. We shall see.

But the DB HD is well done and should last.

 

Absolutely love mine, got it three weeks ago. Only thing was to vancouver it costme 1889$ usd which my bill was 2600$ cdn. Expensive but pieceof mind