Is the Truxedo Sentry Hard Roll Up Tonneau the Best Choice for Overlanding? 3-Year Review
- Muddy Ruttzz
- Oct 29, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: Jan 4
I’m diving into a subject that is near and dear to my heart - keeping my gear safe and sound, come rain or shine... or sneaky thieves! 10 Reasons For Installing A Tonneau Cover On Your Rig.
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Truxedo Hard Roll Up Tonneau Covers: Tough As Nails And Made In USA
The Truxedo Sentry came pre-installed On my Exventure XV-3 Off-Road Trailer and let me tell you, it has been a lifesaver on my Overlanding trips. The Exventure has been my trusty companion for the last 3 years. I drove from California to the beautiful town of Clintonville Wisconsin to pick it up – that was a awesome road trip! My Truxedo Sentry And Sentry CT Review is based on my 3 years Overlanding with them.
Truxedo Sentry CT Installed On My Jeep Gladiator
I liked the Sentry so much, I decided to give my Gladiator the royal treatment with a Truxedo Sentry CT. They’re similar, like two peas in a pod, but there are a couple of key differences. The Sentry has a 3 year warranty and is covered with "industrial grade, leather look vinyl." Sentry CT has a 5 year warranty and is covered with "premium mat black canvas tarp."
Truxedo Sentry And Sentry CT Review Is Based On Overlanding Trips And Daily Driving Our Gladiator For 3 Years
So, after spending more time with these 2 hard roll up tonneau covers than I have with some of my friends, I decided it was time to spill the beans in a video and a blog post article. Stay tuned for some riveting truck bed cover content!
Why A Tonneau Cover Instead Of A Truck Cap Or Canopy Top?
Out on the trails a good Tonneau cover protects your gear, and when your driving to your awesome Overlanding destinations your gear won’t end up all over the highway. Here are a few reasons why a Truxedo Tonneau is a great choice.
Security: A tonneau cover keeps your belongings out of sight and deters opportunistic thieves. Many covers are lockable for even greater security.
Weather Protection: Your cargo stays dry and protected from rain, snow, and harsh UV rays that can damage or fade items.
Keeps Things Clean: No more leaves, dirt, or debris collecting in your truck bed.
Improved Fuel Efficiency: Some covers improve aerodynamics, reducing drag and slightly increasing your gas mileage.
Organization: A tonneau cover provides a contained space, making it easier to organize and secure items.
Peace of Mind: Knowing your belongings are protected allows for worry-free travel and parking.
Increased Resale Value: A well-maintained truck bed with a tonneau cover can increase the resale value of your truck.
Versatility: Many tonneau covers are designed for easy access to the truck bed, with options like folding, rolling, or retractable covers.
Durability: Tonneau covers are made from durable materials designed to withstand the elements and daily wear and tear.
Aesthetics: A tonneau cover can enhance the look of your truck, giving it a sleek and finished appearance.
Related Content
How Does The Truxedo Keep Water Out? A Look At The Truxedo Sentry Installed On My Xventure XV-3 Off-Road Trailer
This weather strip seals the cover to the tailgate, tighter than a drum. This seal, along with the others, does a bang-up job of keeping water out. Dust, on the other hand... well, dust has a knack for finding its way in, like an uninvited guest crashing your party after a day out on the trails.
Built Tough And Built To Last With A 3 Year Warranty: I Managed To Mess It Up Anyway
The Truxedo Sentry is built solid, with these interlocking aluminum slats that act like a hinge, allowing it to roll up smoothly. It comes with a 3-year warranty and It's tough as nails. I managed to find a way to mess it up. I learned this the hard way: never try to cover gear that's sticking up higher than the side rails. The vinyl stretched and rails disconected. Using my heat gun, some industrial-strength spray glue, I reconnected the slats and glued the vinyl back on. Luckily, I was able to patch it up, good as new.
Surface That Holds Up To Wear And Tear And Protects Gear
The Standard Truxedo Sentry then gets what they call "industrial-grade, leather-grained vinyl bonded to the slats. Mine needs a good cleaning but it is in great condition after 3 years of heavy use.
Load Up The Bed Of Your Truck Or Trailer Then Load The Top Of The Truxedo
One of the best things about this cover is that it can hold a whopping 400 pounds! Just make sure you spread that weight out evenly. Don't go dropping a 400-pound anvil on it – that's just asking for trouble. I added these rings here as lashing points for my folding camp table and welcome mat. Handy as a pocket on a shirt!
Variety Of Installation Methods Depending On Type Of Rig
Truxedo has different ways of attaching these rails depending on your rig. This one was mounted with clamps, but they stuck down a bit, taking up precious cargo space. So, I did what any self-respecting retired Sheet Metal Worker would do – I took 'em off and pop-riveted the rails on. Gave me a little more wiggle room for my gear.
These Next 4 Photos Show Installation Of The Truxedo Rails On The Gladiator - The Tonneau Pops Right On Rails
Installation can be a bit different depending on your vehicle. In my case, I didn't have the Mopar Cargo Management rails, but you do use the existing threaded holes in the bed of the Gladiator.
Install The Truxedo Yourself - Easy Peasy DIY
Let's move on to the Gladiator and see how the Sentry CT stacks up. This one I installed myself – piece of cake! If you're just starting out with DIY projects, this is a great place to begin. The main difference between the two covers is that the Sentry CT has this "premium matte black canvas tarp" instead of the smooth vinyl. Plus, it comes with a 5-year warranty, which is a nice bonus.
Drive with the Truxedo Rolled Up
You can roll this cover up all the way, and it's got these handy straps to keep it in place.
If You Want To Take The Whole Thing Off It's Easier Than Falling Off A Log
Loosen the bolt and release two Header Guides, one on each side and lift it right off. Putting it back on is just as simple. This comes in handy when you need to haul something big and bulky.
Accessories That Allow You To Add A Roof Rack And Still Use The Truxedo
Truxedo makes a whole line of products from soft to hard roll up covers and accessories like their Elevate Rack system that are compatible with many of the covers. That will allow you to carry kayaks or a rooftop tent and still protect the gear in your bed.
Conslusion:
So, there you have it! I can wholeheartedly recommend Truxedo covers. They're tough, reliable, and built to last. And with that rack system they offer, you can even haul kayaks or a rooftop tent without sacrificing your cargo space. Talk about having your cake and eating it too!
Remember folks, keep it simple, keep it practical, and keep exploring. And don't forget, here on Muddy Ruttzz, the best is yet to come!
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