# Gator Soft Roll-Up Review (2026): Pros, Cons & Price > Gator Soft Roll-Up review: soft roll-up tonneau cover, vinyl, locks with tailgate. Truck fitments, specs, warranty, pros, cons and our 7/10 verdict. - Source: https://truckcoverguide.com/tonneau-covers/gator-etx-roll-up/ - Markdown version: https://truckcoverguide.com/tonneau-covers/gator-etx-roll-up.md - Last updated: 2026-11-12 --- - [Home](https://truckcoverguide.com/) - [Compare covers](https://truckcoverguide.com/tonneau-covers/) - Gator ETX Soft Roll-Up Tonneau Cover 7.0 ![Gator ETX Soft Roll-Up Tonneau Cover](https://truckcoverguide.com/_astro/gator-etx-roll-up.Cm7pyct7_14JlR6.webp) Gator · Budget # Gator ETX Soft Roll-Up Tonneau Cover Review Anyone who just wants the bed covered, out of sight and mostly dry for the least money. - Soft roll-up - Vinyl - 100% bed access - Locks with tailgate $$$$ Budget Price tier: Budget price tier for the F-150 5.5 ft listing · see Amazon for today's price [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08WCHHYPB?tag=truckcoverguide.com-20)[See alternatives](#alternatives) Opens Amazon in a new tab. By [Truck Cover Guide Editorial Team](https://truckcoverguide.com/about/) · Updated November 12, 2026 · [How we score](https://truckcoverguide.com/how-we-research/) We haven't tested this cover ourselves. Our score comes from maker specs, independent tests (credited by name) and owner reports, and it isn't a hands-on lab test. ## The verdict Gator's roll-up is the cover we'd buy if the budget is tight or the truck is mostly a daily driver: about $220, a lifetime warranty, full access when rolled, and thousands of owners rating it 4.6. It's vinyl held by hook-and-loop, so it keeps rain and eyes out rather than thieves, and like every soft cover it can let some water in. Add a tailgate lock if your truck doesn't have one. ### What we like - About $220 for the F-150 and Ram 5'7" beds - Huge owner base: 5,079 ratings averaging 4.6 on the F-150 listing - Spring-loaded tension and flush, low-profile fit (maker claim) - Limited lifetime warranty; rolls up for full bed access ### Watch out for - Soft vinyl: a knife opens it, and it's only as secure as your tailgate lock - Sits flush, but vinyl fades and stiffens over time without UV protectant - No published load rating: don't lean or set heavy things on it - Car and Driver found water got into the soft roll-up it tested (a TruXedo TruXport) ## Score breakdown Security & build 4.5 Weather sealing 6.5 Bed access & usability 8.5 Value 9.5 Soft roll-up · Vinyl · Level 1: soft ## Gator Soft Roll-Up specs | Brand | Gator | | --- | --- | | Cover type | Soft roll-up: Soft roll-up with hook-and-loop sides and spring-loaded tension control | | Material | Vinyl on an aluminum frame | | Lock | Locks with tailgate. Secured by the locked tailgate. | | Security level | Level 1: soft (our grouping) | | Bed access | 100% bed access. Rolls up to the cab for full bed access. | | Drive with it open | Yes | | Install | Clamp-on, no drilling, single cable pull; Gator claims under 30 minutes. | | Load rating | Not published for this listing | | Profile | Low profile, at or near the bed rails | | Weather sealing | "All-weather" vinyl with a multi-tiered hook-and-loop seal (maker claim). | | Bed racks | RealTruck's Elevate FS rack lists most inside-mount soft roll-ups as compatible; check the rack's fit guide. | | Warranty | Limited lifetime | | Fitment we checked | 2021–2026 Ford F-150 5'7" bed (67.2"), incl. Raptor and Lightning (part 139783 / 139785) | | Price tier | $ Budget (under $400), about $219.99 for this fitment when checked. See Amazon for today's price. | - Current Amazon listings call it the 'Gator Soft Roll-Up'; older listings of the same line (e.g. part 53306 for 2004–2014 F-150s) use the ETX name. - The F-150 listing's title gives part 139783 and its details table 139785. - Gator's maker site couldn't be read; specs are from the maker-supplied Amazon listings. ### Fitments we checked Each truck and bed is a separate Amazon listing. Prices are what Amazon showed on November 12, 2026, not live. Always confirm with the listing's fitment tool before you buy. | Truck and bed | Notes | Price | | --- | --- | --- | | Ford F-150 2021–2026, 5'7" bed | Part 139783 (our representative listing)**About $219.99 when checked | [Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08WCHHYPB?tag=truckcoverguide.com-20) | | Ford F-150 2021–2027, 8' bed | With gear straps**About $271.87 when checked | [Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08WC1FJQQ?tag=truckcoverguide.com-20) | | Ram 1500 2019–2026, 5'7" bed | Part 134593**About $219.99 when checked | [Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013USWWK4?tag=truckcoverguide.com-20) | | Ram 1500 2019–2026, 6'4" bed | Part 138693; not for the Multi-Function tailgate or RamBox**About $269 when checked | [Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CV2FC6D?tag=truckcoverguide.com-20) | | Toyota Tacoma 2016–2023, 5' bed | With or without Trail Special Edition storage boxes**About $219.99 when checked | [Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B095VSFNR6?tag=truckcoverguide.com-20) | Specs are compiled from maker copy on Amazon and at the retailer etrailer, plus independent tests, and may change between production runs. Not sure of your bed? Use the [bed size finder](https://truckcoverguide.com/tools/bed-size-finder/). ## Gator ETX Soft Roll-Up Tonneau Cover video review [![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/NICnJgR_xUE/hqdefault.jpg)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NICnJgR_xUE) Video by A Brian Lewis Vlog on YouTube. Independent creator content, shown as a reference. It is not part of our scoring. The Gator soft roll-up, sold for years as the Gator ETX, is the cheapest way to cover a truck bed that we can recommend: vinyl on an aluminum frame that rolls up to the cab, clamps on without drilling and carries a limited lifetime warranty. Amazon listed the 2021–2026 Ford F-150 5’7” version (part 139783) at about $220 on November 12, 2026, with 5,079 ratings averaging 4.6. We haven’t tested it ourselves; this review uses the maker-supplied listings, owner ratings and a long-term owner video. Check your bed with the [bed size finder](https://truckcoverguide.com/tools/bed-size-finder/), and see all the picks in our [best tonneau covers of 2026](https://truckcoverguide.com/posts/best-tonneau-covers-2026/). ## Who it’s for (and who should skip it) It’s for owners who want the bed out of sight and mostly dry for the least money: daily drivers, weekend trips, groceries and luggage. Roll it up and the whole bed is open, so tall loads are never a problem. Skip it if you leave tools or anything valuable in the bed. A hard tri-fold such as the [Gator EFX](https://truckcoverguide.com/tonneau-covers/gator-efx/) costs about $330 more for the same trucks and adds lockable aluminum panels. If you want a flusher, self-tensioning soft cover, the [TruXedo Lo Pro](https://truckcoverguide.com/tonneau-covers/truxedo-lo-pro/) is the step up. ## Security This is a level 1 cover on our [security scale](https://truckcoverguide.com/posts/most-secure-tonneau-covers/): it’s secured by your locked tailgate, and the vinyl can be cut. It deters casual curiosity, not determined theft. If your tailgate doesn’t lock, fix that first. ## Weather and everyday use Gator describes all-weather vinyl, a patented multi-tiered hook-and-loop seal that “stays closed in all conditions” and a spring-loaded tension control system that keeps the edges from curling without manual adjustment (maker claims). Newer listings add GEARHOLD adjustable cargo keepers to stop gear sliding around. We found no independent water test of this cover. Car and Driver tested a different soft roll-up, the TruXedo TruXport, and still found water inside the bed after its weather test. That’s typical of hook-and-loop soft covers, so keep anything that must stay dry in a bin. Our [are tonneau covers waterproof?](https://truckcoverguide.com/posts/are-tonneau-covers-waterproof/) guide covers what helps. Opening is quick: release, roll toward the cab and strap it. The rolled bundle sits against the bulkhead on the rails, leaving the floor clear; see the [bed access calculator](https://truckcoverguide.com/tools/bed-access-calculator/). ## Install and fitment Gator claims a clamp-on, no-drill install in under 30 minutes, released with a single cable pull. In his 1-year video review on a 2016 F-150, A Brian Lewis rated it 5 out of 5 as a budget option. We checked these listings: F-150 2021–2026 5’7” (title part 139783; the details table says 139785) and 8’, Ram 1500 2019–2026 5’7” (part 134593) and 6’4” (part 138693, not for the Multi-Function tailgate or RamBox), and Tacoma 2016–2023 5’ (fits with or without Trail Special Edition storage boxes). Gator also lists versions for the Silverado, Tundra and Colorado; confirm the part with the listing’s fitment tool. ## What you’ll need beyond the box - **A tailgate lock** if your truck doesn’t have one; the [Pop & Lock Gate Defender](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TPXG0NO?tag=truckcoverguide.com-20) is universal per its listing. - **UV protection for the vinyl**: [303 Aerospace Protectant](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JG3OIFU?tag=truckcoverguide.com-20), plus the [303 Tonneau & Convertible Top Cleaner](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0185PU376?tag=truckcoverguide.com-20) for washing. Vinyl lasts longer in sun-belt states when it’s treated a few times a year. - **Cargo control**: [ratchet straps](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N7P7EOX?tag=truckcoverguide.com-20) or a [cargo net](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C5CZBXYW?tag=truckcoverguide.com-20). - **A rack**: RealTruck’s [Elevate FS Base Rack](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G278BLWJ?tag=truckcoverguide.com-20) lists most inside-mount soft roll-ups as compatible; check its fit guide. More on the [accessories page](https://truckcoverguide.com/accessories/). ## Reliability and warranty Gator offers a limited lifetime warranty. The owner base is the biggest of any roll-up we track: 5,079 ratings at 4.6 on the F-150 listing and 3,746 at 4.6 on the Ram 5’7” listing. Those ratings say little about how the vinyl ages after years of sun, so the UV care below is worth the few dollars. ## Bottom line At about $220, Gator’s roll-up does exactly what most truck owners need: covers the bed, keeps it mostly dry, rolls out of the way and lasts, backed by a lifetime warranty and thousands of happy owners. It won’t stop a thief with a knife, and it won’t keep every drop out. For a budget cover, it’s our pick; see the alternatives in [best budget tonneau covers](https://truckcoverguide.com/posts/best-budget-tonneau-covers/), or [check the price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08WCHHYPB?tag=truckcoverguide.com-20). Ready to buy? · 7.0/10 Gator ETX Soft Roll-Up Tonneau Cover $$$$ Budget Price tier: Budget · Soft roll-up · F-150 5.5 ft [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08WCHHYPB?tag=truckcoverguide.com-20) ## Accessories that pair with the Gator Soft Roll-Up Cover care, bed racks, mats and cargo gear sold on Amazon. Most bed and floor products are vehicle-specific: the fitment shown is the listing we checked, so search the same product for your truck if yours differs. - Bed rack**RealTruck Elevate FS Base Rack (1119034)**From RealTruckA low bed rack that leaves the cover working underneath. Rated 750 lb static, 500 lb on-road and 250 lb off-road per the listing, with T-slots for bikes, kayaks and rooftop tents. Per the listing, it fits RealTruck T-slot-equipped covers (such as BAK's TS versions) and most inside-mount soft roll-ups. Standard non-TS hard covers need T-slot rails. Check RealTruck's fit guide for your exact cover.[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G278BLWJ?tag=truckcoverguide.com-20) - Bed rack**TruXedo Elevate CS Rack system (1118513)**From TruXedoTelescoping 18 or 28 in uprights over a midsize bed. Per the listing, it works with most inside-mount roll-up and folding covers and carries 500 lb on-road and 250 lb off-road. Listing fitment: 2015–2025 Colorado/Canyon, 2012–2023 Ranger, 2022–2026 Maverick. TruXedo Elevate TS rails are sold separately and are required. Midsize trucks only on this listing.[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09VH9Z94C?tag=truckcoverguide.com-20) - Cover care**303 Aerospace Protectant, 16 oz**Compatible, third-partyA UV protectant for vinyl, plastic and rubber that helps stop sun fading and cracking on vinyl covers and rubber seals. Check your cover maker's care instructions first; some makers specify their own cleaners.[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JG3OIFU?tag=truckcoverguide.com-20) - Cover care**303 Tonneau & Convertible Top Cleaner, 16 oz**Compatible, third-partyA rinse-clean cleaner for vinyl and fabric tops. Clean the cover before you apply a protectant.[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0185PU376?tag=truckcoverguide.com-20) - Bed rack**Yakima OverHaul HD adjustable truck bed rack (8001151)**Works with any coverHeight-adjustable towers with T-slots and SKS locks, rated 500 lb on-road and 300 lb off-road per the listing, for rooftop tents, ladders and boats. The Amazon listing doesn't state tonneau-cover compatibility. Check Yakima's fit guide for your truck and cover before buying.[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MDSP8T8?tag=truckcoverguide.com-20) - Cargo management**Keeper ratcheting cargo bar, 40–70 in (05059)**Works with any coverPins groceries and gear against the bulkhead or tailgate so nothing slides around under a closed cover. It sits below rail height, so the cover closes over it. 40–70 in span; measure between your bed walls at the height you'll use it.[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000AZ9KS?tag=truckcoverguide.com-20) - Cargo management**Rhino USA ratchet straps, 1 in × 15 ft (4-pack)**Works with any coverTie-downs for loads strapped to a bed rack, or tall cargo you haul with a roll-up or folding cover open.[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N7P7EOX?tag=truckcoverguide.com-20) - Cargo management**Migaven heavy-duty truck bed cargo net, 4 × 6 ft**Works with any coverThe fallback when a load sticks up past the rails and the cover has to stay open: a stretch net over the bed keeps loose items in.[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C5CZBXYW?tag=truckcoverguide.com-20) - Cargo management**Rough Country slide-out truck bed cargo tray (10209)**Works with any coverBrings small items to the tailgate so you don't have to crawl under a cover to reach the front of the bed. Rough Country says the 4 in tray fits under any bed cover. Listing fitment: Trucks with a 5'7" or longer bed (tray is 62.3 × 23.6 × 4 in). Per the listing, fits beds 5'7" or longer; 5 ft midsize beds are too short.[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DQVKJ4L7?tag=truckcoverguide.com-20) - Cargo management**DECKED drawer system (XR7)**Works with any coverTwo bed-length lockable drawers under a flat deck rated for 2,000 lb of cargo per the listing. Under a locking cover, it turns the bed into secure tool storage. Listing fitment: 2019–current Ram 1500 (DT) 6'4" bed, not RamBox. A drawer system raises the bed floor, which cuts the height left under a cover. DECKED sells a separate model for each truck and bed length.[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CLMHPNR2?tag=truckcoverguide.com-20) Compatibility checked November 2026. More in our [truck bed accessories guide](https://truckcoverguide.com/accessories/). ## Featured in our guides - [The 8 Best Tonneau Covers of 2026: Ranked by Type, Truck and Budget](https://truckcoverguide.com/posts/best-tonneau-covers-2026/) - [The Best Tonneau Covers for the Ford F-150 (2021–2026): 7 Picks by Bed and Budget](https://truckcoverguide.com/posts/best-tonneau-cover-for-f150/) - [The Best Tonneau Covers for the Ram 1500 (2019–2026): 7 Picks, Plus RamBox and Split-Tailgate Fit](https://truckcoverguide.com/posts/best-tonneau-cover-for-ram-1500/) - [The Best Roll-Up Tonneau Covers of 2026: Soft and Hard Roll-Ups Compared](https://truckcoverguide.com/posts/best-roll-up-tonneau-covers/) ## Gator Soft Roll-Up FAQ ### Is the Gator soft roll-up the same as the Gator ETX? It's the same Gator soft roll-up line. Current Amazon listings call it the 'Gator Soft Roll-Up' with gear straps; older listings for earlier trucks, such as part 53306 for the 2004–2014 F-150, still use the ETX name. ### Is the Gator roll-up waterproof? No soft cover is fully waterproof. Gator describes an all-weather vinyl cover with a multi-tiered hook-and-loop seal. In Car and Driver's test of a different soft roll-up, the TruXedo TruXport, some water still got into the bed. Expect a mostly dry bed, not a sealed one. ### Can someone break into a soft roll-up tonneau cover? Yes. The vinyl can be cut with a knife, and the cover is only locked when your tailgate is locked. It keeps cargo out of sight and out of the rain; for real security, look at a hard cover with its own key lock. ### How long does the Gator roll-up take to install? Gator claims under 30 minutes. It clamps on without drilling and releases with a single cable pull. If you have an over-the-rail bed liner, check that the clamps can grip the bed rail before you start. ## Sources - [amazon.com](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08WCHHYPB?tag=truckcoverguide.com-20) - [amazon.com](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B095VSFNR6?tag=truckcoverguide.com-20) - [youtube.com](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NICnJgR_xUE) Not sold yet? ## Alternatives to the Gator Soft Roll-Up ![TruXedo Lo Pro Soft Roll-Up Tonneau Cover](https://truckcoverguide.com/_astro/truxedo-lo-pro.Cgh5R1Wy_Z1kJs2u.webp) ### [TruXedo Lo Pro Soft Roll-Up Tonneau Cover](https://truckcoverguide.com/tonneau-covers/truxedo-lo-pro/) 6.9 - Soft roll-up - Vinyl - 100% bed access Soft-cover buyers who want the flush, factory-look roll-up with a lifetime warranty, and are fine with tailgate-level security. $$$$ Mid-range Price tier: Mid-range F-150 5.5 ft listing on Amazon [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ONO665M?tag=truckcoverguide.com-20)[Read the full review](https://truckcoverguide.com/tonneau-covers/truxedo-lo-pro/) ![Tyger Auto T3 Soft Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover](https://truckcoverguide.com/_astro/tyger-t3.CYc3CeVX_116aj3.webp) ### [Tyger Auto T3 Soft Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover](https://truckcoverguide.com/tonneau-covers/tyger-t3/) 7.0 - Soft tri-fold - Vinyl - 100% bed access Budget buyers who want a tri-fold rather than a roll-up, and the largest owner base of any cover we track. $$$$ Budget Price tier: Budget F-150 5.5 ft listing on Amazon [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B94WC2F1?tag=truckcoverguide.com-20)[Read the full review](https://truckcoverguide.com/tonneau-covers/tyger-t3/) ![Extang Trifecta 2.0 Soft Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover](https://truckcoverguide.com/_astro/extang-trifecta-2.2ekh7NmR_268lyB.webp) ### [Extang Trifecta 2.0 Soft Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover](https://truckcoverguide.com/tonneau-covers/extang-trifecta-2/) 6.6 - Soft tri-fold - Vinyl - 67% bed access Owners who want a soft cover that installs in minutes and comes off completely when they need the whole bed. $$$$ Mid-range Price tier: Mid-range Ram 1500 5'7" listing on Amazon [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B8SH98P?tag=truckcoverguide.com-20)[Read the full review](https://truckcoverguide.com/tonneau-covers/extang-trifecta-2/) [Compare all 16 covers →](https://truckcoverguide.com/tonneau-covers/) ## Helpful guides [Top picks ### The 8 Best Tonneau Covers of 2026: Ranked by Type, Truck and Budget The best tonneau covers of 2026, ranked: BAKFlip MX4, Gator EFX, Gator roll-up, BAK Revolver X4s, RetraxPRO MX and more, with fitment and price notes. Updated Nov 12, 2026](https://truckcoverguide.com/posts/best-tonneau-covers-2026/)[Ford F-150 ### The Best Tonneau Covers for the Ford F-150 (2021–2026): 7 Picks by Bed and Budget The best tonneau covers for the 2021–2026 Ford F-150: BAKFlip MX4, Gator EFX, Revolver X4s, RetraxPRO MX and more, with part numbers and prices by bed. Updated Nov 12, 2026](https://truckcoverguide.com/posts/best-tonneau-cover-for-f150/)[Ram 1500 ### The Best Tonneau Covers for the Ram 1500 (2019–2026): 7 Picks, Plus RamBox and Split-Tailgate Fit The best tonneau covers for the 2019–2026 Ram 1500: BAKFlip MX4, Gator EFX, Tyger T3, Revolver X4s and more, with RamBox and Multi-Function tailgate notes. Updated Nov 12, 2026](https://truckcoverguide.com/posts/best-tonneau-cover-for-ram-1500/) Gator Soft Roll-Up $$$$ Budget Price tier: Budget [Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08WCHHYPB?tag=truckcoverguide.com-20)