GATOR ETX SOFT ROLL UP BED COVER
Thank you for your purchase of the Gator ETX Soft Roll Up Tonneau Cover. Gator is committed to product quality and customer experience. Our experienced customer service team is available to assist you.
SOMETHING DAMAGED? MISSING PARTS?
CALL US FIRST
GATOR ETX SOFT ROLL UP COVER
1-800-244-2826 (Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM CST)
Please have proof of purchase and serial number available before calling. The serial number can be found on the front aluminum bar on the driver side of the cover.
PRODUCT FEEDBACK
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- Walmart: Go to walmart.com/account. If prompted, log in, go to your Purchase History, find your Gator ETX purchase, and leave a review.
WARRANTY REGISTRATION
LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY / 10-YEAR TARP
Register your cover to benefit from our industry-leading warranty and support. Gator aims to provide quality, innovative products and a hassle-free ownership experience. Registration helps us serve you better throughout the product's lifetime.
To register your warranty, please visit: www.gatorcovers.com/warranty
ETX INSTALLATION GUIDE
This section provides step-by-step instructions for installing the Gator ETX Soft Roll Up Bed Cover.
Components
- A: Front Header Bar
- B: Side Rails (Driver and Passenger sides)
- C: Roll-up Cover Fabric
- D: Clamps (6x)
- E: End Caps/Plugs (2x)
- F: Tension Adjustment Blocks (2x)
- G: Hitch Pins (2x)
- H: Retainer Straps (2x)
Tools Required
- 9/16" Wrench
- 1/2" Socket
- (Visual indicator: Checkmark symbol ✔️ indicating correct tools)
Step 1: Prepare and Position Side Rails
With the tailgate closed, position the side rails (B) on the truck bed rails. Ensure the end seals are compressed equally between the cab and the tailgate. The end seals should be compressed at both the tailgate and the cab.
[Visual: Diagram showing side rails positioned on truck bed, with end seals compressed between cab and tailgate.]
Step 2: Install Clamps
When installing clamps (D), finger-tighten the nut on the back side of the clamp. Ensure the teeth of the clamp engage with the grooves of the side rail. Hold the clamp firmly with one hand while tightening the bolt. Avoid twisting or rotating the clamp during this process.
[Visual: Diagram showing a clamp being attached to a side rail, with a close-up of the clamp teeth engaging the rail groove. A 1/2" wrench is shown for tightening.]
WARNING: Tighten clamps securely on side rails before driving the vehicle to prevent the cover from blowing off.
Step 3: Repeat for Passenger Side
Repeat steps for installing clamps (Step 2) on the passenger side for item C (likely referring to the other side rail or a related component).
Step 4: Set Tension Adjustment Blocks
Cover tension is controlled by four position adjustable blocks (F). To start, place the blocks in the position shown in the diagram. Position 4 is typically on top and closest to the front header, offering the least amount of tension. Secure the blocks with a hitch pin (G) in the #2 hole.
[Visual: Diagram showing the side rail with tension adjustment blocks (F) and hitch pins (G). The adjustment zones and positions (1-4) are indicated, with Position 4 marked as minimum tension.]
Setting Cover Tension:
- Set cover tension during the warmest part of the day for optimal fabric stretch.
- Roll the cover up to the adjustable block.
- Pull the hitch pin (G) and rotate the blocks (F) to the next position needed. Replace the hitch pin. Ensure driver and passenger side blocks are always in the same position.
- Close the cover and re-check the adjustment. Repeat until satisfactory tension has been achieved.
Step 5: Assemble Clamp Components
This step involves assembling the clamp components. A side view shows how the clamp assembly (D) connects to the side rail (B) using parts like the retainer loop (A), flat spring (F), and plastic washer (E).
[Visual: Side view diagram illustrating the assembly of a clamp (D) onto a side rail (B), showing the connection points with retainer loop (A), flat spring (F), and plastic washer (E).]
Step 6: Secure Clamps
Thread the nut onto the bolt enough to be tight but still able to move freely. DO NOT over-tighten the nut and plastic washer connection. Use a 9/16" wrench for tightening.
[Visual: Close-up diagrams of the driver's side and passenger's side showing the nut being threaded onto the bolt for the clamp, with a 9/16" wrench.]
Step 7: Unroll Cover
Unhook the cover (B) and unroll it towards the tailgate.
[Visual: Diagram showing the cover being unrolled towards the tailgate.]
Step 8: Close Cover
The preferred method to close the cover is to roll it closed, then close the tailgate. The seal will be inside the tailgate. If the tailgate has a key lock, the truck bed cover is secured until the tailgate is unlocked and opened.
[Visual: Diagram showing the cover being rolled and the tailgate being closed, with a close-up of the seal within the tailgate.]
[Visual: Indicator showing a 'CLICK' sound when the cover is latched.]
Step 9: Secure Fasteners
Secure the hook and loop fasteners by pressing down along the entire length of both side rails before driving the vehicle. This prevents wind lifting the cover and causing damage.
[Visual: Diagram showing the hook and loop fasteners being pressed along the side rails.]
Step 10: Unlatch Cover
To unlatch the cover, pull the toggle.
[Visual: Diagram showing the toggle being pulled to unlatch the cover.]
Step 11: Stow Cover
CAUTION: Roll the cover tight and secure both retainer straps. DO NOT stow the cover against the cab window.
To stow the cover open, roll it to the front and secure both hooks. Ensure the cover is not stowed against the cab window.
[Visual: Diagram showing the cover being rolled tightly and secured with retainer straps, with a warning symbol indicating not to stow against the cab window.]
REPLACEMENT PARTS
The following parts are available for replacement. Please specify length or make and model of vehicle when ordering.
- 1: Replacement Cover
- 2: Front Header
- 3: 1705310 Front Header End Plug RH
- 4: 1705311 Front Header End Plug LH
- 5: Retainer Strap
- 6: 1115745 Plastic Washer
- 7: 1703455 Square Head Cap Screw
- 8: Bow Assembly
- 9: 1705192 Retainer Loop
- 10: 1705318 Tension Adjustment Block
- 11: 1705364 Header Insert Retainer Clip
- 12: Hook Strip
- 13: 1703332 Hitch Pin
- 14: 1705234 Clamp Assembly (6x)
- 15: Side Rail, Passenger's Side
- 16: Side Rail, Driver's Side
- 17: 1114773 Flat Spring
- 18: 1704213 Latch Assembled
- 19: 1703455 Cap Screw
- 20: 1705336 Header Stop
- 21: 1703690 Self Drill Screw
- 22: 1705405 Rear Header End Plug RH
- 23: 1705404 Rear Header End Plug LH
- 24: Rear Header
- 25: 1117958 Side Rail End Plug Assy LH
- 26: 1117959 Side Rail End Plug Assy RH
- 27: 1701580 Hex Nut Full Nylon Lock
- 28: Extruded Header Seal
WARRANTY AND MAINTENANCE
LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY: The full hardware kit (rails, clamps, bows) carries a lifetime warranty. The fabric cover is warranted for 10 years. The warranty is for the original consumer purchaser and is non-transferable. Gator Covers warrants the product to be free of defects in material and workmanship at the time of purchase. Gator Covers disclaims other warranties, express or implied, including fitness for a particular purpose. If the product is found defective, Gator Covers may replace or repair it at their option, upon prepaid return with proof of purchase. Alteration, improper installation, or misuse voids the warranty. Gator Covers' liability is limited to repair or replacement and excludes incidental or consequential loss or damage.
WARNING: Tighten clamps securely on side rails before driving the vehicle to prevent the cover from blowing off.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
- Do not place objects on or against the cover or framework.
- Do not tie cargo to the cover framework.
- Never allow children or pets to occupy the pickup box while the cover is closed.
- The cover is not airtight; special care is required to keep cargo clean and dry.
- The fabric cover will not prevent theft of contents inside the truck box.
- When towing a vehicle backward, the cover must be rolled fully open and secured with retainer straps.
- When driving, the opened cover must be secured with both retainer straps.
- If any part of the truck bed cover is worn or damaged, the cover must be rolled fully open and secured with retainer straps.
OWNER/USER RESPONSIBILITIES
It is the owner/user's responsibility to read this manual and comply with operating procedures. The owner/user is also responsible for inspecting their truck bed cover system and having worn or damaged parts repaired or replaced. Failure to follow safety instructions and warning labels could result in cover system failure and/or personal injury.
MESSAGES TO INSTALLER
- Always wear safety glasses and/or other necessary protective equipment when installing your truck bed cover system.
- These instructions are complete for most pickup models. Additional instructions may be included if required for your specific pickup. Please read the entire manual before installing your truck bed cover system.
COVER MAINTENANCE
The vinyl cover can be hand washed with mild soap and water or cleaned in a car wash. Rinse thoroughly to remove soap residue. The cover can be treated with any vinyl protectant made for truck bed covers. Never use vinyl conditioners (e.g., Armor All®) that contain silicone, petroleum, or citrus-based products, as they may crack and shrink the vinyl.
DIRECT ALL WARRANTY CLAIMS TO:
Gator Tonneau Covers
2303 SE 17th Street, Suite 102, Ocala, FL 34471
1-800-244-2826 or etxsoftroll@gatorcovers.com
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM CST