Recently released Leer trifold model HF350

Just had it installed on Friday, so I can't offer any real opinion on performance yet. but because it is new model i wanted offer some sort of write up on it now, and update later as I live with it for a while. I originally had an OEM tonneau but as i documented on other threads, i was super disappointed with the amount of water infiltration. After many hours of research, i settled on Leer's model X2T trifold as my front runner to replace my OEM. Problem was though that the X2T was discontinued sometime early last year. I spent weeks trying to track one down but came up short. I discovered that a replacement model for the X2T was due sometime in September/October 2018, but was running behind for some reason. So after months of waiting, the HF350 was in stock and pulled the trigger on Friday. I bought it from and had it installed at, Leer East factory outlet in Milton PA. Wouldn't you know it, after all this waiting they told me the only one they got in, was damaged. they would put in on for the time being, and replace it with a new one whenever they got one in again. Aside from this inconvenience, i like what i see so far.

 

I think its nice looking. reasonably low profile. its lighter than the OEM. I wouldn't try standing on this one. and its metal as opposed to the composite material that the OEM was made from. Seems sturdy enough for my liking.

 

Pinch type opening mechanism as opposed to the wire pull type.



double seals pretty much the whole way around. the 3 part seal seen here sits on top of the tailgate while the larger flap goes up against the inside of the tailgate.

 

like most trifolds, you can drive with it 2/3rds open. it secures via these straps.



and you can stand the third section up and secure with these quick release bars. there is one on each side. and you can drive in this postion.

 

There is a safety strap on each side. and here is how you can remove the entire cover. just unscrew this on each side and comes off in a couple of minutes.

 

the rails attach the existing cleat rails. you do have access to most of the existing cleat rails....more on that in a minute.

 

The OEM cleats will still work with a slight modification. There is enough clearance on the underside of the cover, but the round handle to tighten the cleat down will not clear the new rail that is installed. you cant tighten it because it catches the new rail. it only catches by a hair so if you were grind that outer lip off of the round tightening grip, then you could still use the cleats. there are definitely aftermarket products that you can attach to the cleat rail that would allow you to add a D ring to give you something to anchor to. They weren't adjustable like the OEM cleats. but they are an option if grinding proves to be too much of a PIA.

 

here is picture of the rear seal. it hangs the whole way down over the bulkhead rail so i dont see anyway water is getting in there. the installer filled the gaps in the corner with what i guess is some sort black putty. does butyl come in black? thought it was gray. I'm not sure what it is but it is slightly pliable in subfreezing temperatures. no water will be getting through in there either, as long is it stays in tact.



closeup of the two seals on the sides. one meets the bedrail, one meets the newly installed cover rails. Water infiltration was my only issue with the OEM, and after searching for a long time, I could not find anyone complaining about water with the X2T. while the HF350 is a little different, Leer is calling it an upgrade to the X2T, and from the looks of everything, I expect it to keep the bed pretty dry.

Thats all i got for now. I will keep this updated with my opinions of the cover as time goes on. pretty cold in PA currently so as soon as it is warm enough for rain, i will definitely report back. Happy answer any questions but like i said, I'v only had it on for a couple days.

 

Very nice write up and thanks. So many tonneau cover options out there for our trucks. I’m still researching but this cover is now on my short list. Please let us know how well it seals out the water.

 

Will do. I spent a ton of time researching. The X2T was the only one that i could not find anyone having issues with water. Not saying it was perfect, just saying no one was bitching about it, or even mentioning it. so i took that as a good sign. Every other trifold out there, seemed divided. some people had no issues with water, while others had major problems. I was slightly sketched by getting a newly released product without seeing any reviews, but Leer informed me that it is made by the exact same manufacturer that was making the X2T. They simply improved a couple seals and changed a few insignificant details. so i am optimistic.

 

I forgot to mention...It is a little pricey. installed it was $875 before tax.

 

It's not on their site yet right?

 

No, they're pretty slow to update their website. its definitely available though. someone from the forum pointed out on another thread that they have a video of it on their facebook page. and i have seen a couple third party dealers starting to advertise it.

 

Can you post a picture of it closed on the bed and somewhat level to it? I want to see how much it comes up. Was looking for a low profile type of cover but this one seems almost as good

 

I'm between this and the MX4, how water resistant is it?

 

Not sure yet. Just got it on Friday but it’s been too cold for rain. Just snow and ice. Rained some today after it warmed up but I didn’t check it. I’ll keep you posted.

 

Other than through their website, any other place I can get one of these ordered?

 

I think all Leer authorized dealers are now able to purchase. i am not far from there eastern plant, and corresponding factory outlet, so that is where i went. however, i would recommend you hold off for a bit. at least until i report back. Turns out, i was the very first Tacoma that the factory outlet put this on. they installed them other trucks, but i was the first tacoma. cont in next posts.

 

so i had the cover installed and it was a little while before it was warm enough to actually see some rain. when it did rain, i saw this inside, which was just as bad as the OEM trifold i got rid of. if you read the first few posts, when the factory outlet pulled min out of the box it was damaged, but they put it on anyway for the time being and i would come back as soon as they got a new one in to replace it. in the meantime, i noticed this fairly significant leaking. They said they thought it was just and adjustment and would address when they swapped out the damaged cover for the new one.