Tyger Auto T3 Soft Tri-Fold 5.9 Review: Who It Fits and Who Should Skip It
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This tyger auto t3 soft tri fold 5 9 review covers a cover built for 2007-2013 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500 trucks with a 5'9" bed. It features a soft tri-fold design using 24oz marine-grade vinyl over aircraft-grade aluminum frames. The unit weighs 25.1 pounds and measures 69.3 inches wide. It installs without drilling, though bedliners may need small cuts. This listing provides a practical look at the specs to help you decide if it fits your truck.
What stands out
- 24oz marine-grade vinyl construction for durability
- Aircraft-grade aluminum frame structure
- No-drilling installation with stainless steel clamps
- Pre-assembled horizontal crossbars for support
- 5-year warranty for US customers
Who it fits
Good fit for
This cover suits owners of 2007-2013 Silverado or Sierra 1500 trucks with 5'9" beds who want easy access and solid protection. The tri-fold style lets you fold the cover up quickly. The no-drilling install keeps your truck intact. If you value a lightweight cover that is easy to handle and offers a long warranty, this model meets those needs without complex tools.
Who should skip it
You should skip this if you have a 2007 Classic model, as it is not compatible. It also will not fit 6.7ft or 8ft beds, so check your exact bed size. If you prefer a hard cover for maximum security, this soft vinyl option may not meet your needs. Additionally, if you have an over-the-bedrail bedliner, you will need to cut small holes for the clamps to secure properly.
Verdict: This cover is a solid choice for compatible 5'9" bed owners seeking a durable, easy-to-install soft tri-fold option. Just ensure your truck model and bed length match the specific requirements before buying.
Key specs explained for this cover
Cover Style: Soft Tri-Fold
This design folds the cover into three sections, stacking them near the cab. You gain quick access to the rear of your truck bed without removing the cover entirely. The soft material is lighter than hard alternatives, making it easier to handle. This style suits drivers who frequently need to reach items in the bed while keeping the majority of the space covered for security and weather protection.
Material: 24oz marine-grade vinyl
The vinyl is rated at 24 ounces per square yard, indicating a thick, heavy-duty construction. Marine-grade implies resistance to water, UV rays, and general wear from outdoor exposure. This thickness helps protect your cargo from rain and sun damage. When comparing options, look for this weight rating to ensure durability, as thinner vinyl may crack or tear over time in harsh weather conditions.
Frame: Aircraft-grade aluminum
The internal structure uses aluminum frames known for high strength-to-weight ratios. This material resists rust and bending, providing a rigid support for the vinyl panels. It ensures the cover maintains its shape under wind pressure or snow load. Aluminum frames are generally preferred over steel for their longevity and lighter weight, which aids in the folding mechanism and overall ease of use.
Installation: No Drilling
The cover attaches using clamps that grip the truck bed rails without requiring permanent modifications. You can install it without drilling holes into the metal, preserving the truck's original condition. This is ideal for owners who plan to remove the cover later or sell the vehicle. It simplifies the setup process, allowing you to secure the cover quickly using the provided hardware and instructions.
Design and build details
According to the listing, the Tyger Auto T3 uses heavy duty 24oz marine-grade vinyl over aircraft-grade aluminum frames. This material choice aims to balance weather resistance with flexibility. The vinyl is dual-coated, which the brand states helps protect against UV damage and general wear. The aluminum structure provides rigidity while keeping the overall weight low. You get stainless steel clamps for mounting, which the description notes offer durability and ease of installation. These clamps secure the cover without drilling into the truck bed rails. Small holes may need to be cut in over-the-bedrail bedliners for proper clamp placement. The cover works with under-the-bedrail liners without modification.
The physical dimensions are specific to the 5'9" bed size. The listing states the width is 69.3 inches, the length is 71.8 inches, and the height is 1.38 inches. At 25.1 pounds, the unit is light enough for one person to handle during setup. The tri-fold layout features pre-assembled horizontal crossbars. These bars support the vinyl and fold up with the cover sections. This design allows you to fold the cover completely for full bed access. The finish is black, matching the standard look for Silverado and Sierra trucks from 2007 to 2013. The US patent indicates a unique structural approach to the folding mechanism. This build focuses on practical access and straightforward mounting for daily use.
Setup and everyday use
Installation requires no drilling into the truck bed rails. The cover comes with stainless steel clamps and mounting hardware. You attach these clamps to secure the cover to the side rails. The listing notes that vehicles with over-the-bed bedliners may require small holes cut in the liner to fit the clamps properly. Trucks with under-the-bed bedliners do not need this modification. The horizontal crossbars are pre-assembled, which simplifies the initial setup process.
Once installed, the tri-fold design allows you to fold the cover into three sections. These sections stack near the cab when opened. This configuration provides full access to the rear of the 5'9" bed. The aircraft-grade aluminum frames support the vinyl material as it folds. The cover measures 1.38 inches in height, keeping a low profile on the truck bed rails.
For daily use, the marine-grade vinyl is designed to withstand weather exposure. The dual-coated surface aims to resist UV damage and general wear. The soft material is lighter than hard covers, making it easier to fold and unfold repeatedly. You can open the cover in sections to access specific areas of the bed or fully unfold it for maximum cargo space. The stainless steel clamps provide a durable connection point that should maintain tension over time. This cover is compatible with Fleetside bed styles on the specified Chevy and GMC models.
Check Fit And Bedliner Type
Before you finalize this purchase, verify your exact bed size. This cover fits the 5'9" (69") bed on 2007-2013 Silverado and Sierra 1500 models. It does not fit the 2007 Classic or other bed lengths. Check your truck’s bed type as well, since this model is designed for Fleetside configurations. You must also confirm whether your truck has an under-the-bedrail or over-the-bedrail bedliner. If you have the over-the-bedrail style, you will need to cut small holes in the liner to secure the clamps properly. This step is required for a safe installation. Keep the vinyl clean with mild soap and water to maintain the dual coating. This tri-fold option sits between hard covers and roll-ups in price and complexity. It offers easier access than a hard cover but more protection than a basic roll-up. Ensure your truck matches these specific years and dimensions before ordering.
Check before you buy
- Confirm your truck is a 2007-2013 Silverado or Sierra 1500.
- Verify you have the 5'9" (69") Fleetside bed configuration.
- Check if your bedliner is under or over the rails.
- Ensure the cover style matches your access and security needs.
The product at a glance
Tyger Auto T3 Soft Tri-Fold 5.9 ft
Best for: 2007-2013 Silverado and Sierra 5'9" beds
- Bed Size
- 5'9" (69") Bed
- Cover Style
- Soft Tri-Fold
- Installation
- No Drilling
- Bed Type
- Fleetside
- Compatible Truck
- Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra
- Dimensions
- 71.8 × 69.3 × 1.38 inches
View on Amazon: Tyger Auto T3 Soft Tri-Fold 5.9 ft Affiliate link
This soft tri-fold tonneau cover fits 2007-2013 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500 trucks with a 5'9" bed. It uses 24oz marine-grade vinyl over aircraft-grade aluminum frames. The cover weighs 25.1 pounds and measures 1.38 inches in height. You get pre-assembled crossbars for support and a no-drilling installation. It includes a five-year warranty for US customers.
Pros
- 24oz marine-grade vinyl construction
- Aircraft-grade aluminum frame
- No-drilling installation
- Five-year warranty
Cons
- Requires cutting bedliner holes for over-the-bedrail liners
- Not compatible with 2007 Classic models
- Soft vinyl offers less security than hard covers
Good fit if
- You own a 2007-2013 Silverado or Sierra with a 5'9" bed
- You prefer a lightweight cover that folds up easily
- You want a durable vinyl cover with a long warranty
Skip if
- You drive a 2007 Classic model
- You need a hard cover for maximum security
- You have an under-the-bedrail liner and want zero modifications
Verdict: Tyger Auto T3 Soft Tri-Fold 5.9ft is a solid choice for owners of 2007-2013 Silverado and Sierra trucks who need a durable, lightweight cover that installs without drilling.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Tyger Auto T3 Soft Tri-Fold 5.9 ft |
|---|---|
| Bed Size | 5'9" (69") Bed |
| Cover Style | Soft Tri-Fold |
| Installation | No Drilling |
| Structure | Soft |
| Bed Type | Fleetside |
| Compatible Truck | Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra |
| Dimensions | 71.8 × 69.3 × 1.38 inches |
| Weight | 25.1 pounds |
| Size | 5.9ft Bed |
| Color | 2007-2013 Silverado / Sierra |
| Model | TG-BC3C1003 |
Frequently asked questions
Does the Tyger Auto T3 fit a 2007 Classic Silverado?
No, this cover is not compatible with the 2007 Classic model. It is specifically designed for the 2007-2013 Silverado and Sierra 1500 trucks. You must verify that your vehicle is the standard model year range and not the Classic variant to ensure proper fitment.
Is this cover suitable for a Fleetside bed?
Yes, the Tyger Auto T3 is built for Fleetside beds. The listing explicitly states it is for Fleetside configurations. If your truck has a different bed style, such as a Stepside, this specific model will not fit correctly. Always confirm your bed type before ordering.
How heavy is the Tyger Auto T3 cover?
The cover weighs 25.1 pounds. This lightweight design makes it easy for one person to handle and install. The soft material and aluminum frame construction contribute to this low weight, allowing for quick folding and unfolding without requiring additional tools or assistance.
What is the folded height of the tri-fold cover?
The folded height is 1.38 inches. This low profile sits close to the bed rails, maintaining a sleek look. The compact fold allows you to stack the cover near the cab while still leaving some access to the rear of the bed for shorter items.
Does the T3 model require drilling for installation?
No, installation does not require drilling into the truck bed rails. The cover uses stainless steel clamps and mounting hardware to secure it. You attach these clamps directly to the side rails. This method preserves your truck’s original structure and allows for easy removal if needed.
Will this cover fit a truck with an over-the-bed bedliner?
Vehicles equipped with over-the-bed bedliners may require additional adjustments or hardware. The listing notes that these liners can interfere with standard clamp placement. You should check if your specific bedliner is compatible or if you need to modify the mounting points for a secure fit.
What is the width of the folded cover section?
The width of the folded section is 69.3 inches. This dimension corresponds to the bed width of the compatible Silverado and Sierra models. The tri-fold design stacks this width near the cab, ensuring the cover remains stable and does not obstruct your rearview mirror or tailgate operation.