OEDRO vs Gator: Tonneau Covers Compared by Specs
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When you compare the OEDRO vs gator tonneau cover, you see two distinct approaches to bed protection. Both covers fit Ford F-150 trucks and use no-drill installation. The main difference lies in their design and material. OEDRO offers a soft roll-up cover made of double-layer PVC. Gator provides a hard retractable cover built with aluminum slats. These choices affect how you load cargo and how much space the cover takes up when open.
Key differences
| Aspect | OEDRO Soft Roll-Up 5.5ft Ford F-150 | Gator Recoil Retractable 5.5 ft Ford F-150 |
|---|---|---|
| Cover Style | Soft Roll-Up | Retractable |
| Material | Double layer PVC | Aluminum Slats |
| Profile Height | 9.8 inches | 13 inches |
| Weight | 1.8 pounds | 60 pounds |
| Lock Type | Tailgate latch lock system | Custom Locking |
Which one should you choose?
Choose OEDRO Soft Roll-Up 5.5ft Ford F-150 if
- You want a lightweight cover that rolls up neatly to keep the bed fully open.
- You prefer a softer material that is easier to handle during installation.
- You need a lower profile to maintain a sleeker look on your truck.
Choose Gator Recoil Retractable 5.5 ft Ford F-150 if
- You need hard protection for your cargo from weather and theft.
- You want to lock the cover at any position along the bed rail.
- You prioritize durability and do not mind the extra weight of the unit.
Verdict: The OEDRO cover is better if you value easy access and a lighter footprint. The Gator cover is the right choice if you need rigid security and hard-shell protection. Your decision depends on whether you prioritize convenience or durability.
OEDRO vs Gator: Key Specs Compared
Cover style
The OEDRO cover uses a soft roll-up design. You manually roll the double-layer PVC material toward the cab. This style keeps the bed mostly open when you need quick access to large items. The Gator Recoil uses a retractable design with aluminum slats. It rolls into a canister at the front of the bed. This style offers full bed access without removing the cover. You choose between manual rolling or retractable storage based on your daily needs.
Material
OEDRO builds its cover from double-layer PVC. This material provides flexibility and is designed for UV protection. It relies on a tailgate latch lock system for security. Gator constructs its cover from strong aluminum slats. These slats have a matte black textured powder-coat finish. This metal construction offers a different level of rigidity and durability compared to vinyl. You get soft vinyl flexibility with OEDRO or hard aluminum strength with Gator.
Profile height
Profile height matters for aerodynamics and cargo clearance. The OEDRO soft cover sits very low. Its rolled-up stack measures only 9.8 inches in height. This low profile helps maintain a sleek look and improves fuel efficiency slightly. The Gator retractable cover is much taller. Its canister stands 13 inches high. This larger footprint takes up more space at the front of the bed. You lose some vertical clearance at the cab with the Gator system.
Weight
Weight affects how easy the cover is to handle. The OEDRO soft roll-up cover is extremely light. It weighs just 1.8 pounds. This makes it easy to lift and roll without much effort. The Gator retractable cover is significantly heavier. It weighs 60 pounds due to the aluminum slats and metal canister. This substantial weight provides stability but requires more effort to install and manage. You prefer lightness with OEDRO or robustness with Gator.
Locking system
Security features differ between these two options. OEDRO uses a tailgate latch lock system. The cover is secured by latching onto the tailgate itself. This keeps the cover tight and wrinkle-free. Gator offers custom locking capabilities. You can stop and lock the cover at any position along the bed. This allows you to secure specific sections of cargo without rolling the entire cover up. You get fixed security with OEDRO or flexible locking with Gator.
Which tonneau cover fits your needs
You want lightweight, easy access and low cost
The OEDRO cover weighs just 1.8 pounds, making it easy to handle. You manually roll the double-layer PVC material to access your cargo. This soft roll-up design keeps the bed mostly open for large items. It uses a tailgate latch lock system for security. The no-drill installation requires no extra tools, fitting your 2015-2026 Ford F-150 5.5ft bed quickly.
You prefer hard shell security and retractable convenience
The Gator Recoil features strong aluminum slats with a matte black powder-coat finish. This retractable cover allows you to stop and lock at any position along the bed. It provides precise protection for your cargo. The unit weighs 60 pounds and includes a custom locking mechanism. It fits the 2015-2020 Ford F-150 5' 7" bed with no-drill clamp installation.
You need maximum bed space when hauling tall items
You can fully expose your truck bed with the OEDRO soft roll-up cover. The material rolls up tightly near the cab, leaving the entire 5.5ft bed area clear. This is ideal for tall or wide loads that cannot fit under a hard cover. The double-layer PVC top is durable and UV-resistant. You secure the cover using the tailgate latch lock system when not in use.
The products compared
OEDRO Soft Roll-Up 5.5ft Ford F-150
Best for: 5.5ft bed owners seeking easy manual access
- Compatible Truck
- 2015-2026 Ford F-150
- Bed Size
- 5.5 ft
- Cover Style
- Soft Roll-Up
- Material
- Double layer PVC, aluminum
- Lock Type
- Tailgate latch lock
- Installation
- No drilling
View on Amazon: OEDRO Soft Roll-Up 5.5ft Ford F-150 Affiliate link
This OEDRO soft roll-up cover is built for 2015-2026 Ford F-150 trucks with a 5.5ft bed. It uses double layer PVC for durability and UV resistance. The cover rolls up manually and secures via a tailgate latch lock system. Powder coated rails and aluminum clamps provide stability without drilling. It offers snow and dust protection to keep your cargo secure.
Pros
- Double layer PVC construction for UV and tensile strength
- Tailgate latch lock system for secure closure
- Powder coated rails and aluminum clamps for stability
- No drilling required for most installations
Cons
- Manual operation requires you to roll and unroll the cover
- Soft PVC material offers less impact resistance than hard covers
- Only provides snow and dust proofing, not full waterproofing
Good fit if
- You want a secure cover that rolls up manually
- You prefer a no-drill installation on a 5.5ft bed
- You need UV protection for your truck bed
Skip if
- You need full waterproofing for heavy rain exposure
- You prefer a hard cover for maximum security
- You have a 6.5ft bed instead of a 5.5ft bed
Verdict: OEDRO 5.5ft Soft Roll-Up Tonneau Cover is a solid choice for Ford F-150 owners who want easy access and basic security without complex installation. It suits those who do not mind manual operation and soft material protection.
Gator Recoil Retractable 5.5 ft Ford F-150
Best for: 2015-2020 Ford F-150 5' 7" bed owners
- 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 protects your 2015-2020 Ford F-150 5' 7" bed using rigid aluminum slats. The matte black textured powder-coat finish resists scratches. You install it in 30 minutes with no drilling. The retractable design lets you lock the cover at any point along the bed. It weighs 60 pounds and sits 13 inches high in the bed.
Pros
- Constructed from strong aluminum slats with a matte black textured powder-coat finish
- Retractable design allows custom locking at any position along the bed
- No-drill installation using clamps on the bed rails
- Fits 5' 7" beds on 2015-2020 Ford F-150 models including Raptor
Cons
- Weighs 60 pounds, adding significant mass to the truck bed
- Takes up 13 inches of vertical bed space when retracted
- Limited to 5' 7" bed size for this specific model
Good fit if
- You need a retractable cover for a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with a 5' 7" bed
- You want to lock the cover at any point to haul varying cargo sizes
- You prefer a no-drill installation that uses clamps
Skip if
- You drive a Ford F-150 with a bed length other than 5' 7"
- You need a cover for a model year outside the 2015-2020 range
- You require a soft roll-up style instead of a hard retractable one
Verdict: Gator Recoil Retractable Aluminum Cover provides secure, scratch-resistant protection for 5' 7" beds. It suits owners of 2015-2020 Ford F-150s who need flexible cargo hauling options without drilling.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | OEDRO Soft Roll-Up 5.5ft Ford F-150 | Gator Recoil Retractable 5.5 ft Ford F-150 |
|---|---|---|
| Compatible Truck | 2015-2026 Ford F-150 | 2015-2020 Ford F-150 |
| Bed Size | 5.5 ft | 5' 7" Bed |
| Cover Style | Soft Roll-Up | Retractable |
| Material | Double layer PVC, aluminum | Aluminum |
| Lock Type | Tailgate latch lock | Custom Locking |
| Installation | No drilling | No Drill |
| Structure | Soft | not stated |
| Size | 5.5ft Bed | 5.5ft Bed |
| Dimensions | 72 × 5.1 × 9.8 inches | 72 × 15 × 13 inches |
| Weight | 1.8 pounds | 60 pounds |
| Color | BLACK | 5' 7" Bed |
| Model | MAOA-0017 | G30373 |
Frequently asked questions
Is the OEDRO cover better for quick access than the Gator?
Yes. The OEDRO cover uses a soft roll-up design. You manually roll the material toward the cab. This keeps the bed mostly open for large items. The Gator Recoil is a retractable aluminum cover. It rolls into a canister near the cab. This design is slower to operate but offers more secure protection for your cargo.
Does the Gator cover weigh more than the OEDRO?
Yes. The Gator Recoil weighs 60 pounds. The OEDRO Soft Roll-Up weighs just 1.8 pounds. The significant weight difference affects handling. You will need two people to install the Gator cover. The OEDRO cover is lightweight and easier for one person to manage during installation and daily use.
Which cover is better for a 5.5ft Ford F-150 bed?
Both fit. The OEDRO model is listed for a 5.5ft bed. The Gator Recoil is specified for a 5' 7" bed. These measurements are effectively the same for your truck. Both covers are designed specifically for Ford F-150 trucks. You can choose based on your preference for soft material versus aluminum construction.
Will the Gator cover scratch my truck bed?
No. The Gator Recoil is made of aluminum. It provides scratch-resistant protection for your cargo. The OEDRO cover uses double-layer PVC material. It is soft and flexible. This material will not scratch your bed. Both options protect your truck bed from scratches, but the aluminum Gator offers a harder shell.
Do I need to drill holes for installation?
No. Both covers use no-drill installation. You do not need to modify your truck. The OEDRO cover clamps onto the bed rails. The Gator Recoil also mounts without drilling. This saves you time and preserves the integrity of your truck bed. You can install either cover using basic tools.
What is the rolled-up size of the OEDRO cover?
The OEDRO cover rolls up to 5.1 inches wide. It is 9.8 inches high and 72 inches long. This compact roll leaves most of the bed open. The Gator Recoil rolls into a canister that is 15 inches wide and 13 inches high. The Gator takes up more space at the cab end.
Is the OEDRO cover suitable for heavy security needs?
It depends. The OEDRO cover is a soft roll-up. It offers basic security. It is not as rigid as metal. The Gator Recoil is made of aluminum. It provides more secure protection. If you need high security, the Gator is the better choice. The OEDRO is best for easy access.
Which cover is easier to clean?
The OEDRO cover is likely easier. It is a soft material. You can wipe it down quickly. The Gator Recoil has a canister and mechanical parts. Dust can collect in the tracks. You must clean the aluminum slats and the canister. The simple design of the OEDRO cover requires less maintenance effort.