Looking for a reliable and versatile tonneau cover that won’t break the bank? The Extang Trifecta E-Series might be just what you need.
This soft tri-fold cover combines premium features with an attractive price point, making it a popular choice for truck owners.
From its weather-resistant design to its easy installation process, let’s dive into what makes the Trifecta E-Series stand out in the crowded tonneau cover market.
Extang Trifecta E-Series Review
Key Features We Like:
- Five-year warranty for peace of mind
- Triple-fin perimeter seals for excellent weather resistance
- Durable yet lightweight aircraft-grade aluminum frame
- Tool-free installation and removal
- Integrated buckle straps for secure open position
What We Don’t Like:
- Limited color options
- May require additional adjustments for a perfect fit on some truck models
Superior Weather Resistance: Triple-Fin Perimeter Seals and Marine-Grade Vinyl
One of the primary reasons you’re probably considering a tonneau cover is to protect your cargo from the elements.
The Extang Trifecta E-Series excels in this department, thanks to its innovative triple-fin perimeter seals and high-quality marine-grade vinyl construction.
The triple-fin seals create a tight barrier around the edges of your truck bed, effectively keeping out rain, snow, and debris.
You’ll appreciate this feature when you open your tailgate after a heavy downpour and find your truck bed dry and your cargo protected.
The marine-grade vinyl tarp is not only durable but also resistant to UV rays and extreme temperatures, ensuring long-lasting performance in various weather conditions.
However, it’s worth noting that no soft tonneau cover is 100% waterproof. In cases of heavy, prolonged rain or if you frequently wash your truck with high-pressure water, you might notice some moisture seepage.
But for everyday use and typical weather conditions, you’ll find the Trifecta E-Series more than capable of keeping your gear dry and secure.
Durable and Lightweight Design: Aircraft-Grade Aluminum Frame
Don’t let the Trifecta E-Series’ competitive price fool you – this cover is built to last. The frame is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, striking an ideal balance between durability and weight.
Why does this matter to you? For starters, the lightweight design means you won’t be wrestling with a heavy cover every time you need to access your truck bed.
The aluminum frame is also corrosion-resistant, which is crucial for withstanding the elements year after year.
Extang has taken it a step further by applying their proprietary textured-black EnduraCoat finish to all aluminum components.
This not only enhances the cover’s durability but also gives it a sleek, uniform appearance that complements your truck’s style.
The frame includes heavy-duty support bows that span the width of your truck bed, providing additional rigidity to the cover. This design helps prevent sagging and ensures that water and snow don’t pool on top of the cover.
Easy Installation and Removal: Tool-Free Clamps and No-Drill Setup
If you’re like most truck owners, you value your time and don’t want to spend hours installing a tonneau cover. The Extang Trifecta E-Series shines in this aspect with its user-friendly installation process.
The cover comes fully assembled and features tool-free Jaw-Grip front clamps and spring-loaded rear clamps.
What does this mean for you? You can install or remove the cover without needing any special tools or making permanent modifications to your truck.
This is particularly handy if you occasionally need full bed access for larger loads. The no-drill installation also means you won’t void your truck’s warranty or leave behind any holes if you decide to remove the cover later.
While most users find the installation straightforward, you might need to make some minor adjustments to achieve a perfect fit, especially if your truck has unique bed features or accessories.
Take your time during the initial setup to ensure everything is properly aligned and tensioned. Once you’ve got it dialed in, you’ll appreciate how quickly you can install or remove the cover as needed.
Convenient Bed Access: Simple Folding Mechanism with Integrated Buckle Straps
One of the standout features of the Trifecta E-Series is its user-friendly folding design. When you need to access your truck bed, simply release the rear clamps and fold the cover towards the cab.
The tri-fold design allows you to expose up to 2/3 of your bed, giving you plenty of room to load or unload cargo.
But what about when you need to haul taller items or want full bed access? Extang has thought of that too. The cover comes with integrated nylon buckle straps that secure it in the fully folded position.
This means you can drive with the cover open without worrying about it flapping in the wind or obstructing your view.
Keep in mind that while the folding mechanism is straightforward, it does require two hands to operate smoothly.
Also, in very cold weather, the vinyl might become less pliable, making it slightly more challenging to fold.
Premium Build Quality: Heavy-Duty Leather-Grain Vinyl Tarp
The heart of any soft tonneau cover is its tarp, and the Extang Trifecta E-Series doesn’t disappoint.
The cover features a heavy-duty, leather-grain vinyl tarp that not only looks great but also provides excellent durability and weather resistance.
This premium vinyl material is designed to withstand the rigors of daily use and harsh weather conditions. It’s resistant to fading, cracking, and UV damage, ensuring that your cover continues to look good and perform well for years to come.
The leather-grain texture adds a touch of sophistication to your truck’s appearance while also helping to hide minor scratches and scuffs that might occur over time.
One thing to keep in mind is that like all vinyl covers, the Trifecta E-Series requires some maintenance to keep it in top condition.
Regular cleaning with mild soap and water, along with occasional treatment with a vinyl protectant (avoid silicone-based products), will help extend the life of your cover and maintain its appearance.
Enhanced Security: Rail Latch System and Self-Locking Clamps
While soft tonneau covers aren’t typically as secure as their hard counterparts, the Extang Trifecta E-Series incorporates some clever features to deter opportunistic thieves.
The cover uses a rail latch system that automatically locks in place when you close the cover. This means you don’t have to fumble with separate locks or remember to secure the cover every time you use it.
The self-locking clamps provide an additional layer of security by firmly attaching the cover to your truck’s bed rails.
While determined thieves with the right tools could still potentially gain access, these features offer a significant deterrent against quick “smash and grab” attempts.
It’s worth noting that for maximum security, you’ll want to ensure your tailgate is locked, as the cover can still be accessed if the tailgate is open.
Also, while the rail latch system is generally reliable, it’s a good idea to double-check that it’s fully engaged before leaving your truck unattended, especially in high-crime areas.
Low-Profile Appearance: Sleek Design for a Streamlined Look
If you’re particular about your truck’s aesthetics, you’ll appreciate the Trifecta E-Series’ low-profile design.
When closed, the cover sits just a few inches above your truck’s bed rails, creating a sleek, streamlined appearance that complements your vehicle’s lines.
The textured-black EnduraCoat finish on the aluminum components blends seamlessly with the vinyl tarp, giving the cover a uniform, professional look.
This low-profile design not only enhances your truck’s appearance but can also contribute to improved fuel efficiency by reducing air drag.
One potential downside is that the cover currently comes only in black. While this color option suits most trucks and is practical for hiding dirt and minor wear, some users might prefer more color choices to match.
Five-Year Warranty: Peace of Mind for Long-Term Use
When investing in a tonneau cover, you want assurance that it’ll stand the test of time. The Extang Trifecta E-Series comes with a robust 5-year warranty against defective materials or workmanship.
This coverage extends to all major components, including the rails, aluminum parts, clamps, bows, hardware, and vinyl covering.
What does this mean for you? Simply put, you can rest easy knowing that your investment is protected. If you encounter any issues due to manufacturing defects, Extang has got your back.
This long-term warranty not only speaks to the company’s confidence in their product but also provides you with valuable peace of mind.
Keep in mind, though, that normal wear and tear or damage from improper use aren’t covered, so be sure to follow the care instructions to get the most out of your cover.
Final Thoughts: Is the Extang Trifecta E-Series the Right Choice for Your Truck?
After diving deep into the features and benefits of the Extang Trifecta E-Series, it’s clear that this tonneau cover offers exceptional value for its price point.
With its blend of durability, weather resistance, and user-friendly design, it’s an excellent choice for many truck owners.
If you’re looking for a reliable, easy-to-use cover that won’t break the bank, the Trifecta E-Series should definitely be on your shortlist.
Ready to upgrade your truck? The Extang Trifecta E-Series is waiting to transform your pickup’s functionality and appearance.