Gator Recoil Retractable 5.5 ft or Gator Recoil Retractable Aluminum Tonneau Cover? Which Gator Model to Buy
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You are comparing the gator recoil retractable 5 5 ft vs recoil retractable aluminum tonneau to find the right fit for your truck. Both models share identical construction, featuring aluminum slats, a matte black finish, and no-drill clamp-on installation. They also weigh the same and offer custom locking. The main difference lies in their specific bed size compatibility and the truck brands they support. You need to match the cover to your exact bed length and vehicle make.
Key differences
| Aspect | Gator Recoil Retractable 5.5 ft Ford F-150 | Gator Recoil Retractable Aluminum Tonneau Cover |
|---|---|---|
| Compatible Truck | Ford F-150 (incl. Raptor) | Chevy/GMC Silverado/Sierra 1500 |
| Bed Size | 5' 7" Bed (67.1") | 5' 10" Bed (70") |
| Model Number | G30373 | G30481 |
| Cover Style | Retractable | Retractable |
| Material | Aluminum Slats | Aluminum slats, matte black powder-coat |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Gator Recoil Retractable 5.5 ft Ford F-150 if
- You own a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with a 5' 7" bed
- You need a cover that fits the Raptor variant
- You prefer the shorter 67.1" bed length specification
Choose Gator Recoil Retractable Aluminum Tonneau Cover if
- You drive a 2019-2025 Chevy or GMC Silverado/Sierra 1500
- You have a 5' 10" bed that requires 70" coverage
- You need compatibility with MultiPro or Flex tailgates
Verdict: Choose the first model if you drive a Ford F-150 with a 5' 7" bed. Pick the second model if you drive a Chevy or GMC with a 5' 10" bed. Both offer identical durability and installation ease, so your choice depends entirely on your truck's make and bed length.
Choosing Your Gator Recoil Model
Compatible truck
Product A is engineered specifically for the 2015 through 2020 Ford F-150, including the Raptor variant. Product B fits the 2019 through 2025 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500. It also works with the MultiPro and Flex tailgates, but excludes the Carbon Pro Bed. You must match the cover to your truck make and model year. Neither cover fits the other brand. Check your vehicle details carefully before purchasing to ensure proper fitment for your specific truck.
Bed size
The two covers are designed for different bed lengths. Product A fits a 5-foot 7-inch bed, measuring 67.1 inches. Product B fits a 5-foot 10-inch bed, measuring 70 inches. This difference matters for your cargo space. A 5.5 ft bed cover will not fit a 5.8 ft bed properly. You need to measure your truck bed precisely. Select the model that matches your exact bed dimensions to ensure the cover retracts correctly and seals properly along the rails.
Material
Both covers use the same durable construction materials. They feature strong aluminum slats with a matte black textured powder-coat finish. This finish provides protection against the elements while maintaining a sleek look. The aluminum slats offer rigidity and security for your cargo. Both models are proudly made in the USA using global materials. You get identical protection and durability regardless of which truck-specific model you choose. The material quality is consistent across both options.
Installation
Installation is straightforward for both covers. They feature a no-drill design that uses clamp-on rails. You can install either cover from the box to the truck bed in approximately 30 minutes. No special tools are required for the clamping process. This makes setup quick and reversible. You do not need to modify your truck bed for either model. The installation method is identical, ensuring a secure fit without permanent changes to your vehicle structure.
Profile
Both covers share the same physical profile dimensions. They have a width of 15 inches, a height of 13 inches, and a length of 72 inches. The weight is also identical at 60 pounds. This means the space they occupy in your truck bed when retracted is the same. The low-profile design does not interfere with bed usage. You get consistent clearance and aesthetics regardless of the truck make. The bulk of the canister remains constant between the two models.
Which Gator Recoil Tonneau Cover Fits You
Ford F-150 owners from 2015 to 2020
This model is engineered specifically for the 2015 through 2020 Ford F-150, including the Raptor. It fits the 5' 7" bed with a 67.1" length. The aluminum slats provide durable protection, and the custom locking system lets you secure cargo at any point along the rail. Installation requires no drilling.
Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500 owners
Designed for 2019 through 2025 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500 trucks, this cover fits the 5' 10" bed. It works with MultiPro and Flex tailgates but not Carbon Pro beds. You get the same aluminum slat construction and clamp-on installation, ensuring a secure fit for your specific truck model.
Users needing precise bed length compatibility
If your truck has a 5' 7" bed, this option matches the 67.1" specification exactly. The 15-inch width and 13-inch canister height remain consistent across models, but the bed length is the deciding factor. Select this ASIN to ensure the rails align correctly with your Ford F-150 bed rails.
The products compared
Gator Recoil Retractable 5.5 ft Ford F-150
Best for: Ford F-150 owners needing durable aluminum protection
- Compatible Truck
- 2015-2020 Ford F-150
- Bed Size
- 5' 7" Bed
- Cover Style
- Retractable
- Material
- Aluminum
- Lock Type
- Custom Locking
- Installation
- No Drill
View on Amazon: Gator Recoil Retractable 5.5 ft Ford F-150 Affiliate link
This Gator Recoil cover uses aluminum slats to protect your cargo. It fits 2015-2020 Ford F-150 beds measuring 5'7". The unit weighs 60 pounds and measures 15 inches wide when retracted. You install it in 30 minutes without drilling. Custom locking lets you secure partial loads. This model suits you if you need durable, retractable security for your truck bed.
Pros
- Constructed from strong aluminum slats with a matte black finish
- Custom locking allows secure stopping at any position
- No-drill clamp installation takes about 30 minutes
- Fits 5'7" beds on 2015-2020 Ford F-150 models
Cons
- Heavy 60-pound build requires careful handling during installation
- 15-inch canister width reduces some bed space
- Custom locking requires manual adjustment rather than a key
Good fit if
- You own a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with a 5'7" bed
- You want a hard cover that retracts fully
- You prefer no-drill installation methods
Skip if
- You drive a truck with a different bed length
- You need a cover for a model outside the 2015-2020 range
- You prefer a soft roll-up style over hard slats
Verdict: Gator Recoil Aluminum 5'7" Bed fits Ford F-150 owners needing durable aluminum protection. The retractable design offers full bed access while the custom lock secures partial loads.
Gator Recoil Retractable Aluminum Tonneau Cover
Best for: Silverado/Sierra 1500 5' 10" beds
- Bed Size
- 5 ft 10 in (70 in)
- Cover Style
- Retractable
- Material
- Aluminum slats, matte black powder-coat
- Lock Type
- Custom locking capabilities
- Installation
- No drill, clamp-on rails
- Compatible Truck
- Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra
View on Amazon: Gator Recoil Retractable Aluminum Tonneau Cover Affiliate link
The Gator Recoil G30481 is a retractable tonneau cover for 2019–2026 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500 trucks with a 5' 10" bed. It uses aluminum slats with a matte black powder-coat finish. The cover locks at custom positions along the bed. It installs in 30 minutes using clamp-on rails without drilling. The canister measures 13 inches high and weighs 60 pounds.
Pros
- Aluminum slats with matte black powder-coat finish
- Custom locking capabilities at any position
- No-drill clamp-on installation in 30 minutes
- Fits MultiPro and Flex tailgates
Cons
- 60-pound weight adds significant bed load
- 13-inch canister height reduces bed depth
- Does not fit Carbon Pro Bed
Good fit if
- You need a retractable cover for a 5' 10" bed
- You want a durable aluminum construction
- You prefer a no-drill clamp-on install
Skip if
- You have a 5' 8" or 6' 0" bed
- Your truck has a Carbon Pro Bed
- You need a cover under 50 pounds
Verdict: Gator Recoil 5' 10" Aluminum secures your cargo with heavy-duty aluminum slats and flexible locking. It suits Silverado and Sierra owners who want a durable, no-drill retractable cover for their 5' 10" bed.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Gator Recoil Retractable 5.5 ft Ford F-150 | Gator Recoil Retractable Aluminum Tonneau Cover |
|---|---|---|
| Compatible Truck | 2015-2020 Ford F-150 | not stated |
| Bed Size | 5' 7" Bed | 5 ft 10 in (70 in) |
| Cover Style | Retractable | Retractable |
| Material | Aluminum | Aluminum slats, matte black powder-coat |
| Lock Type | Custom Locking | Custom locking capabilities |
| Installation | No Drill | No drill, clamp-on rails |
| Size | 5.5ft Bed | 5' 10" Bed |
| Dimensions | 72 × 15 × 13 inches | 72 × 15 × 13 inches |
| Weight | 60 pounds | 60 pounds |
| Color | 5' 7" Bed | 5' 8" Bed |
| Model | G30373 | G30481 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Gator Recoil 5.5 ft and the 5.10 ft aluminum cover?
The primary difference is the bed length compatibility. The 5.5 ft model fits Ford F-150 trucks with a 5' 7" bed. The 5.10 ft model is designed for Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks with a 5' 10" bed. Both share the same aluminum slat construction and retractable design. They are not interchangeable due to these specific fitment requirements.
Do both Gator Recoil models weigh the same?
Yes, both models weigh 60 pounds. This weight applies to the 5.5 ft Ford F-150 version and the 5.10 ft Silverado/Sierra version. The identical weight suggests similar material density and structural components. You can expect comparable handling when retracting or extending the cover on either truck type.
What are the dimensions of the Gator Recoil canister?
The canister measures 15 inches in width and 13 inches in height. It is 72 inches long. These dimensions are consistent across both the Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado models. You must ensure your truck bed has sufficient space at the front to accommodate this canister size for proper installation.
Is the Gator Recoil Aluminum cover compatible with Raptor trucks?
The Gator Recoil Retractable 5.5 ft model for Ford F-150 is compatible with the Raptor variant. This applies to models from 2015 through 2020. The 5.10 ft aluminum cover is designed for Silverado and Sierra trucks and does not apply to Ford Raptors. Check your specific truck year and model before purchasing.
What material are the slats made of in these covers?
Both models feature heavy-duty aluminum slats. This material provides durable protection for your cargo. The aluminum construction is consistent across the 5.5 ft and 5.10 ft versions. This ensures you get similar strength and weather resistance regardless of which truck bed size you choose.
Can I use the Gator Recoil cover on a truck with a MultiPro tailgate?
The Gator Recoil 5.10 ft Aluminum cover is compatible with the MultiPro tailgate. This feature is specific to the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra models. The Ford F-150 version is not listed as compatible with MultiPro tailgates, as Ford uses different tailgate designs. Verify your tailgate type before ordering.