Gator Recoil Manual Retractable Tonneau Cover
- High-end retractable tonneau cover
- Durable aluminum slat construction
- UV-resistant matte black finish
- Maintenance-free ball bearing rollers
Everything You Need to Know Before Purchasing This Popular Truck Bed Cover
Investing in a high-quality tonneau cover for your truck bed can offer many benefits. A good tonneau like the Gator Recoil provides protection, security, improves gas mileage, and gives your truck a great customized look.
If you’re considering the Gator Recoil tonneau cover, this detailed buying guide will provide key information to help make your purchasing decision. We’ll cover important features, pricing, compatibility, and include Gator Recoil tonneau cover reviews to aid your research.
Overview of the Gator Recoil Truck Bed Tonneau Cover
The Gator Recoil is a popular roll up tonneau cover designed to fit a wide range of late model trucks. Manufactured by Truck Hero, the Recoil tonneau is made from industrial grade aluminum slats covered in a matte black vinyl.
It secures closed with a latch system and can be partially or fully rolled up for quick and easy bed access. The low profile design maintains a factory look while adding protection and versatility.
Key benefits of the Gator Recoil tonneau cover include:
- Sleek low profile design
- Durable aluminum slat construction
- Weather resistant black vinyl cover
- Easy clamp on installation
- Roll up convenience for full bed access
- Lockable latch security system
- Improves gas mileage
- Limited lifetime warranty
Below we’ll explore the features, pricing, installation, and benefits of the Recoil tonneau in detail to help determine if it’s the right cover for your truck.
Notable Features of the Gator Recoil
The Gator Recoil stands out for its durable design and easy use roll up system. Here are some of the most important features truck owners should understand:
- Aluminum Slat Design: The Recoil uses thick aluminum slats covered in vinyl rather than folding panels. This creates a flush, seamless look when closed.
- Matte Black Vinyl Surface: The vinyl cover resists fading and provides UV protection. It’s water resistant but not fully waterproof.
- Roll Up Convenience: The Recoil’s slats roll up with an integrated spring system for quick access along the bed. You can roll up partially or fully.
- Rear Canister Storage: The rolled up tonneau stores neatly in a rear canister for a clean look and optimal space usage.
- Clamp On Rails: The side rails clamp on without drilling for simple no-hassle installation. Fits a range of bed sizes.
- Locking Security: The latch system securely locks the tailgate and includes keyed cylinder locks for preventing theft.
- Limited Lifetime Warranty: Gator backs the Recoil tonneau cover with a limited lifetime warranty on the aluminum slats.
These features make the Gator Recoil a versatile and convenient roll up truck bed cover perfect for trucks used for both work and play.
What’s the Cost for the Gator Recoil Tonneau?
The Gator Recoil tonneau cover price ranges from $469 to $499 depending on your truck’s bed length. Here’s a breakdown of the pricing:
- 5′ 7″ bed: $469
- 6′ 6″ bed: $489
- 8′ 2″ bed: $499
This positions the Recoil as a mid-priced cover that offers excellent value. The durable aluminum and vinyl construction justify the higher cost over cheaper vinyl covers. You’re getting quality that will last.
The Recoil’s price compares favorably to covers like the BakFlip G2 which starts at $959. Owners save $450+ without sacrificing key utility.
For a fully waterproof retractable cover, expect to pay $200 to $300 more. The Roll-N-Lock LG220M electric version costs $917+ for example.
Where to Buy the Gator Recoil Tonneau Cover Online
The Gator Recoil is sold through third party retailers and not directly by Truck Hero. Here are some good online store options with competitive pricing:
- Amazon: Free shipping for Prime members and easy returns.
- AutoAnything: Large truck accessory selection with coupons/promos.
- RealTruck: Truck focused store with price match guarantee.
- 4WheelParts: Off-road equipment retailer with fast free shipping.
I recommend checking several sites for the current best price. The Recoil tonneau cover often goes on sale under $400 so look for special deals around holidays.
Buying online is convenient, affordable, and offers perks like free returns. Just enter your truck information for an exact fit.
Is the Recoil Tonneau Waterproof?
The Gator Recoil is water resistant but not fully watertight like a hard folding cover. The vinyl surface repels light rain and splash well, but it may leak in heavy downpours.
- The matte vinyl material is sealed tightly, but not impermeable to water.
- Seams along the slats may allow water intrusion when pressurized.
- The tailgate latch provides a tight seal, yet some moisture can get through.
Truck owners have mixed experiences with water intrusion. Some report staying bone dry while others experience leaks in extremely heavy rain.
For light to moderate rain and splashing, the Recoil performs well. But it does not provide the waterproofing of a hardshell tonneau or fully sealed retractable cover. Keep gear protected just in case.
How to Install the Gator Recoil Tonneau Cover
One advantage of the Gator Recoil is the easy no-drill installation process. Here are the basic steps:
- Position the side rails evenly on the top of bed walls.
- Adjust the rail clamps evenly and tighten by hand until snug.
- Unroll the vinyl cover and attach the slats to the rails with included hardware.
- Attach the canister at the cab end and secure the tailgate latch.
- The optional drain tubes can be added if desired.
With the clamp-on rails, you can install the Recoil yourself in about 30 minutes with basic tools. The average user rating for installation is 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Watch the installation video for visual guidance. The process is straightforward for most DIYers. Hiring a shop is useful if you need help adjusting the rails.
Truck Compatibility and Sizing
The Gator Recoil tonneau cover is designed to fit a wide range of late model trucks from Toyota, Ford, GMC, Ram and others.
It’s available for fleetside short beds, standard beds, and long beds in these sizes:
- 5’ 7” beds
- 6’ 6” beds
- 8’ 2” beds
The Recoil is not compatible with RamBoxes or other bed storage systems. Use the Truck Hero fit guide and measure your truck bed length to choose the correct size.
For older or less common truck models, contact Truck Hero support to ask about compatibility directly. Provide the year, make and model of your truck.
Does the Recoil Come with a Warranty?
Yes, the Gator Recoil is backed by a limited lifetime warranty on the aluminum slats. Other components like the vinyl, clamps, and hardware are covered for 3 years.
This warranty protects against manufacturer defects and premature failure. It does not cover damage from improper installation, accidents, or normal wear and tear.
Warranty claims require proof of purchase and may involve sending images of the damage. Gator aims to repair or replace failed parts under warranty quickly.
This quality guarantee provides valuable peace of mind for the investment. Be sure to register your warranty using the owner card after purchasing.
How Secure and Lockable is the Recoil?
The Gator Recoil provides reliable security for your truck bed contents with these features:
- The vinyl slats are fixed in a track along the rails to prevent access.
- The integrated latch system keeps the tailgate end locked tight.
- The handles rotate to enable key cylinder locks on both sides.
- Low profile design with minimal grip access underneath.
Owners report the locks provide effective protection against opportunistic thieves. The vinyl material could potentially be cut, but this is not an easy or fast process.
Use sound judgment storing valuables. As a soft cover, the Recoil does not offer the same level of security as a commercial-grade hard shell tonneau. But it provides ample protection for most needs.
Using the Gator Recoil in Winter Weather
The Recoil can be used year-round in any climate including freezing winters. However, taking precautions will ensure trouble-free operation:
- Remove any accumulated snow/ice to avoid obstructing the roll up mechanism.
- Lubricate the slat hinges with silicone spray to prevent icing that stops the roll up motion.
- Park in a garage if possible to limit snow buildup and moisture exposure.
- In extreme cold, keep the tonneau closed rather than rolling up.
With proper care, the Recoil functions well through ice and snow. The vinyl surface remains flexible in low temperatures thanks to its polymer composition.
Just avoid forcing the cover if any snow/ice buildup restricts rolling. Take time to clear it away instead of risking damage.
How to Clean and Care for the Recoil Tonneau
Regular cleaning and inspection will keep your Gator Recoil cover looking its best. Follow these care tips:
- Remove debris like leaves on a weekly basis to prevent buildup.
- Hose down the vinyl when washing your truck to maintain the matte black color.
- Inspect the vinyl surface monthly for any scuffs or tears.
- Apply a vinyl protectant like 303 Aerospace to guard against fading and drying.
- Use silicone lubricant on the slat hinges if they become stiff.
- Check the rail clamps and tailgate latch periodically for tightness.
With occasional cleaning and lubrication, the Recoil will provide years of reliable use. Proper care protects your investment in this quality tonneau cover.
Reviews of the Gator Recoil From Real Owners
The Gator Recoil earns consistently positive reviews and high ratings from truck owners:
- 4.6 out of 5 stars overall rating based on 568+ reviews.
- Praised for easy no-drill installation taking 30 minutes or less.
- Owners say the matte vinyl material looks stylish and durable.
- Roll up function allows full access without removing the tonneau.
- Excellent value cover with quality close to premium brands.
- Improved gas mileage reported in the 1-3 MPG range.
The most common complaints mention wishes for a fully waterproof design. Some owners also report louder wind noise at highway speeds.
But the vast majority of buyers are extremely satisfied with the Recoil tonneau cover. They find it provides great security, protection, and convenience at a reasonable price point.
How the Gator Recoil Compares to Other Tonneau Covers
The Recoil hits a nice sweet spot between price and quality in the tonneau cover market. Here’s how it compares to other popular options:
- Not as refined as a BakFlip but costs hundreds less.
- More durable than basic vinyl covers which can tear.
- Lacks the waterproofing of a Retrax XR but easier to use.
- Not as heavy-duty as commercial models but better for personal use.
- A budget-friendly alternative to higher cost brands.
Among roll up style soft tonneaus, the Recoil provides one of the best balances of convenience, protection, and affordability.
The Gator Recoil is unable to match premium tonneaus in every area. But for the price, it delivers excellent capability and value. There are few covers that offer as much for the money.
Key Specifications
Here are some key technical specifications for the Gator Recoil tonneau cover:
- Slat Material: Aircraft grade aluminum
- Cover Material: Industrial strength vinyl, matte black finish
- Thickness: 24mm slats
- Bed rail type: Clamp-on universal rails
- Installation: No drill, 30 min average
- Roll up: Split roll for partial or full access
- Warranty: Limited lifetime on slats, 3 years other components
- Water ingress: Rain resistant but not fully waterproof
- UV resistance: Vinyl protects against sun damage
- Gas savings: Average 1-3 MPG improvement
- Weight: Approx 60 pounds for 6.6 foot bed
- Made in: China
Understanding these specs helps set proper expectations for performance. The Recoil balances durable construction with user-friendly operation.
How Easy is it to Remove the Recoil Tonneau?
A major plus for roll up covers like the Recoil is fast and easy removal when necessary:
- Simply unclamp the rails from the bed walls with a screwdriver or drill.
- Detach the canister end and pull the slats out from the rail guides.
- The process takes under 5 minutes for quick tonneau removal when needed.
- Reinstallation is just as fast by reversing the steps.
This allows owners to go from fully covered to full open bed access in minutes. A valuable benefit for hauling oversized cargo.
The Recoil is also easy to transfer between trucks. As long as the bed size matches, it can be swapped quickly thanks to the clamp rails. Extra convenience that owners appreciate.
Discounts and Best Price for the Recoil Tonneau
The Gator Recoil retails at full price between $469 to $499, but discounts are often available:
- Check for coupon codes on third party seller sites for 5-10% off instantly.
- Look for holiday sales around Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day etc.
- Some local truck accessory shops offer bundled discounts on install.
- The Recoil price may also drop when new model years are released.
With rebates, codes, sales and special deals, you can likely save $50 to $100 off MSRP.
Researching across sellers nets the biggest bang for your buck. Patience and flexibility on timing pays off for maximum savings.
How Does the Recoil Handle Heavy Rain?
The vinyl Gator Recoil provides decent water resistance, but heavy downpours can lead to leakage based on user experiences.
- The matte vinyl material itself is splash resistant, but not fully impenetrable to water.
- Leaking most often occurs through the tailgate latch area under pressure.
- Long periods of driving rain can lead to moisture ingress along the slat seams as well.
For moderate rainfall, owners generally report staying dry. But when tested by tropical storms, monsoons, or thunderstorms, the Gator Recoil has its leakage limits.
Keeping valuables protected is recommended in case of malfunction during extreme weather events. For fully confident waterproofing, a hard folding cover or retractable would be a better choice.
Can the Recoil be locked?
Yes, the Gator Recoil tonneau incorporates a keyed cylinder lock mechanism on both sides of the cover.
The dual locks are integrated into the latch handles located at the rear of the cover near the tailgate. Rotating the latch handles engages the cylinder and secures the locked position.
Owners receive two identical keys when purchasing the Recoil tonneau cover. This allows unlocking from either side of the truck bed.
Engaging the locks prevents the tailgate latch from opening and provides effective protection against theft and tampering. Just be sure to keep the keys stored in a safe place when not in use.
Cleaning and Caring for the Recoil Tonneau Cover
Here are some tips for properly cleaning and caring for your Gator Recoil:
- Wash regularly with soap and water to remove dirt and debris. Rinse thoroughly.
- Apply a protectant like 303 Aerospace Vinyl Protectant every 2-3 months. Helps prevent fading.
- Inspect for damage. Check for any cuts, scuffs or gaps needing repair.
- Lubricate slat hinges with silicone spray if sticking occurs. Keeps the roll up working smoothly.
- Check clamps and latches each month, re-tighten if any are loose. Maintains optimal security.
- Avoid harsh cleaners that can dry out and damage the vinyl. Mild soap and water is best.
Proper cleaning and care will keep your Recoil cover looking its best for years. It’s a good idea to check on the tonneau periodically to catch any potential issues early.
What’s the Weight Capacity of The Recoil?
The Gator Recoil can support a recommended weight capacity of around 200 pounds evenly distributed when the cover is lying flat.
This allows you to place lighter items like groceries, camping gear, or smaller cargo containers on top when the bed interior is full.
Exceeding the recommended capacity risks possible bowing, distortion of the panels, or stress damage over time. Overloading could also impede the roll up function.
The slats themselves are rated to handle 500+ pounds each. But the vinyl and seals create the weight limitation when flat. Still, the capacity enables useful storage flexibility in a pinch.
Does the Recoil Improve Gas Mileage?
One advantage of adding a tonneau cover is increased fuel economy. By covering the open bed, it reduces aerodynamic drag and turbulence.
Owners of the Gator Recoil report a 1-3 MPG improvement in gas mileage after installation according to multiple reviews. This aligns with the fuel savings seen with most soft roll up tonneaus.
The sleek low profile design minimizes wind resistance for better efficiency. Just avoid exceeding your truck’s payload capacity, as extra weight diminishes fuel economy gains.
While not as extreme of a mileage boost as a hard tonneau, the Recoil still provides a valuable increase. Saving up to 3 MPG quickly adds up over the miles, paying you back over time.
Conclusion
The Gator Recoil roll up tonneau cover delivers an excellent blend of function, protection, and value for truck owners. Its durable aluminum slat design protected by weather-resistant vinyl makes it a versatile option for work, play, and everyday use.
This buying guide covers all the key specifications, features, installation tips, and benefits of the Recoil tonneau. By understanding how it compares and what owners say, you can determine if it’s the right choice for your truck needs and budget.
If convenience, security, and affordability are top priorities, the Recoil deserves strong consideration. Backed by great reviews and a lifetime warranty, it’s built to provide years of reliable performance.