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Truxedo Sentry Review: Best Overlanding Pickup Tonneau

Writer: Muddy Ruttzz
Muddy Ruttzz
Oct 29, 2024
8 min read

Updated: Aug 29

Affiliate Disclosure: This post is unsponsored, I don't take products for free to do reviews on them. To support the studio, I use affiliate links from Amazon and eBay. If you click and purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Quick Summary / TL;DR

  • 3-Year Real-World Test: Proven long-term trail durability across both an Xventure XV-3 overland trailer (Sentry) and a Jeep Gladiator daily driver (Sentry CT).

  • Sentry vs. Sentry CT: The standard Sentry features leather-grain vinyl with a 3-year warranty; the upgraded Sentry CT utilizes premium matte black woven canvas backed by a 5-year warranty.

  • Heavy-Duty Utility: Interlocking aluminum slats support up to 400 lbs of evenly distributed weight and roll up tight against the cab for full bed access.

  • Rack & Overlanding Compatibility: Integrates cleanly with T-slot rail systems and the RealTruck Truxedo Elevate CS rack, allowing you to run rooftop tents or crossbars without losing covered bed storage.


What You Will Learn In This Post

Protecting critical camping gear, recovery tools, and luggage from harsh trail weather and prying eyes is an absolute must for any serious overlanding setup. In this comprehensive review, you will discover why a hard roll-up tonneau cover often beats out bulky truck caps and folding covers, balancing lightweight low-profile security with quick bed accessibility.

We will break down the hands-on differences between the standard vinyl Truxedo Sentry and the premium canvas Truxedo Sentry CT after three years of daily driving and remote backcountry travel. You will also get real-world feedback on weather sealing, how the aluminum slat construction holds up against trail abuse, and practical tips on DIY installation, custom mounting adjustments, and how to recover from over-stuffing the bed.

Finally, you will see how to maximize your rig’s cargo versatility by combining the Truxedo platform with T-slot rails and elevated rack systems. Whether you need to secure gear inside the truck bed or haul a rooftop tent, kayaks, and camp tables up top, this guide covers everything required to build a reliable, trail-ready cargo management system.




Protecting Gear In A Pickup Truck Bed

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.


Exventure XV-3 Off-Road Trailer with Truxedo Sentry Tonneau Cover Installed. Folding Table and Rubber mat are strapped to the top and it is covered with snow.
Truxedo Sentry On My Xventure Trailer Is Protecting My Gear From Snow Here At Joshua Tree National Park

Truxedo Hard Roll Up Tonneau Covers: Tough As Nails And Made In USA


The Truxedo Sentry came pre-installed On my Xventure XV-3 Off-Road Trailer and let me tell you, it has been a lifesaver on my Overlanding trips. The Xventure 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.


Jeep Gladiator with Truxedo Sentry CT Hard Roll Up Tonneau Cover installed over the bed. Man is sitting on the back of Jeep and the cover.
Truxedo CT On Our Gladiator - The Canvas Cover Is Nice Soft Material Pleasant To The Touch And Easy To Clean

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."


Exventure Trailer outfitted with Truxedo Sentry and Jeep Gladiator with Truxedo Sentyry CT installed. Camp is set up at Alabama Hills National Recreation Area.
The Truxedo Sentry & Sentry CT keep our gear safe from folks that might be a little bit to curious.

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!


Truxedo Sentry CT Tonneau Cover. It is installed on a Jeep Gladiator.
The Truxedo Is A Great Cargo Management Tool

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.

  1. Security: A tonneau cover keeps your belongings out of sight and deters opportunistic thieves. Many covers are lockable for even greater security.

  2. Weather Protection:  Your cargo stays dry and protected from rain, snow, and harsh UV rays that can damage or fade items.

  3. Keeps Things Clean:  No more leaves, dirt, or debris collecting in your truck bed.

  4. Improved Fuel Efficiency: Some covers improve aerodynamics, reducing drag and slightly increasing your gas mileage.

  5. Organization:  A tonneau cover provides a contained space, making it easier to organize and secure items.

  6. Peace of Mind:  Knowing your belongings are protected allows for worry-free travel and parking.

  7. Increased Resale Value: A well-maintained truck bed with a tonneau cover can increase the resale value of your truck.

  8. Versatility:  Many tonneau covers are designed for easy access to the truck bed, with options like folding, rolling, or retractable covers.

  9. Durability: Tonneau covers are made from durable materials designed to withstand the elements and daily wear and tear.

  10. Aesthetics:  A tonneau cover can enhance the look of your truck, giving it a sleek and finished appearance.



Related Content







Truxedo Sentry installed on Exventure Trailer has a weather strip that seals the cover to the tailgate. The seal keeps water out of the cargo area.
Truxedo Sentry Weather Strip Effectively Seals To Tailgate Keeping Water Out, Dust Is Another Issue.

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.


Truxedo Senty rolled up showing how the interlocking aluminum slats act as a hinge.
This Tonneau Is Solid Because It Is Constructed Using Aluminum Slats
Truxedo Sentry mounted on Exventure XV-3 partly rolled up.
Rolls Up And Back To Flat Smoothly

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.


Truxedo Sentry Tonneau Cover has a industrial grade leather grained vinyl surface. Extremely durable and tough material.
The Vinyl Truxedo Uses Is A Very Tough And DurableMaterial.

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.


Rubber mat and folding table are strapped to the top of the Truxedo. It can hold 400 lbs spread out evenly.
Load It Up Inside And Outside!

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!


Truxedo sits on rails that are installed on the side of bed. Installation varies by vehicle.
Installation Of The Truxedo Is Simple - Rails Get Attached To Side Of Bed And Tonneau Is Latched On

Want to run a bed rack without losing your tonneau cover? The RealTruck Truxedo Elevate CS Rack System mounts cleanly to the T-slots without interfering with your bed cover.


Need the T-Slots? What you want is the Real Truck Truxedo TS Rails. Having a Tonneau and a nice roof rack on your rig is like having your cake and eating it too!

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.


4 Photos - 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. 


Bracket attached to bed of Gladiator. Truxedo Rails Are Then Attached to The Bracket.
Brackets Use Existing Threaded Holes To Mount
Bracket attached to bed of Gladiator. Truxedo Rails Are Then Attached to The Bracket.
Bracket attached to bed of Gladiator. Truxedo Rails Are Then Attached to The Bracket
Bracket attached to bed of Gladiator. Truxedo Rails Are Then Attached to The Bracket.
Bracket attached to bed of Gladiator. Truxedo Rails Are Then Attached to The Bracket
Bracket attached to bed of Gladiator. Truxedo Rails Are Then Attached to The Bracket.
I Added Extra Bracket - Was Not Needed

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.


Truxedo Tonneau is rolled up in the bed of Jeep Gladiator.
Roll It Up, Strap It Down, Hit The Highway

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. 

Loosening Bolt and sliding header guide over allows for easy removal of Truxedo Cover.
Loosen Bolt And Slide Header Guide Over To Remove Truxedo

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.


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!


About the Author

Muddy Ruttzz is a digital creator, overlander, and DIY builder documenting rugged vehicle builds and outdoor adventures. Backed by a career in industrial sheet metal fabrication, heavy infrastructure construction, and mechanical maintenance, he provides practical, trade-tested technical guides for real-world off-road performance.


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!

Thanks For Spending Your Valuable Time Checking Out The Muddy Ruttzz Gazette!


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