Tyger and Gator are among the most recognized brands in the industry, and their popularity comes from their ability to offer top-quality products at very affordable prices.
Truck enthusiasts especially love these brands because of their unique designs, which provide a sleek appearance and protection from the elements and nefarious types.
In this day and age, it’s not surprising that there are so many options when buying a tonneau cover. The problem is, if you don’t do your homework, you could end up with a disappointing tonneau cover.
Don’t worry though, they have their differences, but both Gator and Tyger will not disappoint.
This comparison will help you make an informed decision as to which brand will offer you more bang for your buck.
Table of Contents
Types each brand offers:
Tyger tonneau covers offer a smaller selection of covers than Gator does, but that is not necessarily bad because the company focuses on providing quality products rather than quantity.
While Gator offers a more extensive selection, they are a company that only makes tonneau covers, making them the experts.
Tyger Auto offers three types:
- Hard tri-fold cover
- Soft tri-fold cover
- Soft roll-up cover
Gator Covers offers five types:
- Hard tri-fold cover
- Soft tri-fold cover
- Soft roll-up cover
- Hard roll-up cover
- Retractable covers
GATOR VS TYGER HARD TRI-FOLD
Hard folding covers are the second most popular style of tonneau cover. The advantage of a hardcover is that it provides maximum protection for your cargo and is very easy to install.
The disadvantage of a hardcover is that it is heavier, and thus harder to open when you need to access your cargo, especially if your truck is lifted.
Price comparison
- Tyger’s hardcover price point is $550 to $650
- Gator’s hardcover price point is $550 to $950 They even have a Bi-fold hardcover which is the lowest price but it doesn’t fold all the way up.
Gator hardcovers
These are made from aluminum and powder-coated metal. Gator offers six hard folding cover models, each with its unique characteristic. From rubber seals and hinges to drain tubes that provide excellent water resistance or from 2/3rds to full bed access.
Ream more: Retractable tonneau cover vs. tri-fold.
The lower price point covers have fewer options, whereas the more expensive ones have all the best options.
Tyger hardcovers
These are made of aluminum as well and are lightweight and easy to handle. Tyger offers only one hard tri-fold tonneau cover. The Tyger T5 panels provide maximum protection and security because they are made with powder-coated aircraft-grade alloy metal sheets.
It’s a no-drill install that takes one person but a few minutes to complete.
GATOR VS TIGER SOFT TRI-FOLD
These covers are the most popular type of tonneau cover. The advantage of a soft tonneau cover is it is much easier to install and remove than a hard tonneau cover.
The disadvantage is it offers less cargo protection than a hard truck bed cover.
Price comparison
- Tyger’s softcover price point is $550 to $650
- Gator’s hardcover price point is $550 to $950
Gator’s tri-fold covers
These are a favorite among truck owners. Yes, they are a more expensive tonneau cover, but you do get what you pay for.
Truck owners love these covers because they are incredibly durable and easy to install. They are made of aluminum and heavy-duty vinyl, making them lightweight and tear-resistant.
Gator soft truck bed covers come in a variety of sizes to fit almost any truck. They are designed to be removed and replaced with minimal effort. These covers will protect your truck bed from the elements for many years.
Tyger auto’s tri-fold covers
These are yet another favorite among truck owners and are guaranteed for life.
They are dual-coated and made of heavy-duty 24oz—marine-grade vinyl for long-lasting, durable soft covers that will stand up to the harshest elements.
The Tyger cover is easy to use and comes pre-assembled and ready to install; it takes a few minutes. It is easily removed and replaced with minimal effort.
What else makes this cover stand out? Well, for one thing, it has a weather-tight gasket design that has excellent weather protection to prevent rain, snow, dirt, and other elements from getting inside the truck bed.
GATOR VS TYGER ROLL-UP
These covers are the most cost-effective option offered by both Gator and Tyger. Like the folding covers, soft roll-up covers are also easy to install and remove.
These covers are not for those who plan on using their truck as a daily driver because the soft tonneau cover will wear out faster than a hardcover and need replacing.
However, if you use your truck to haul large loads, this is the best tonneau cover you can get because it rolls completely out of the way.
Price comparison
- Gator covers price point is $240 – $400 Note: They also have a hard roll-up for between $899 – $949
- Tyger covers price point is $230 – $290
Tyger’s roll-up
Tyger’s roll-up tonneau cover is dual-coated and made of heavy-duty vinyl, with crossbars that support the cover. The tarp rolls entirely out of the way to provide full bed access when in need. It also comes with aluminum side rails and stainless steel clamps for mounting to the truck bed, and a latch lock system at the tailgate. A tension mechanism can be adjusted on the end of the side rails to keep the cover tight and vinyl wrinkle-free in any weather conditions.
Gator’s roll-up
Gators tonneau covers are made in the USA and come with a lifetime warranty on the frame, 10-years on the tarp.
An easily operated trigger latch makes the operation simple. To use, open the tarp by pulling on the trigger latch located near the tailgate.
The tarp will easily roll to the front of the bed, which will remain secured by the tarp straps. This design allows you to have 100% truck bed access. The tarp itself is solid, and the system is rugged and easy to use.
The Gator roll-up tonneau cover is simple and effective weather protection from the elements for your cargo.
As mentioned before, Gator has a more extensive selection of tonneau covers, and it wouldn’t be right if I didn’t go over them in this Tyger vs Gator tonneau cover article.
Gator hard roll-up cover
The Gator HR1 Tonneau Cover is the best tonneau cover for security, durability, and ease of use.
This tonneau cover features a heavy-duty vinyl tarp with a soft vinyl overlay and an aluminum frame. A hook-and-loop fastener secures the cargo bed liner to the tonneau cover, and vinyl-covered hinges fold up the tarp to access the cargo area.
The HR1 also locks with your truck’s tailgate to secure the cargo inside your bed. When opening the HR1, pull the string latch at the rear and roll the cover toward your bulkhead. Once the cover is open, secure it in place with buckle straps.
Gator retractable covers
The GatorTrax is the most rugged, best-looking, and totally dependable electric truck bed cover on the market. It comes with a 3-year warranty and is designed to give you many, many years of trouble-free service.
It locks in any position you need it to, a strong magnet that secures the cover with the push of a button. When you’re ready to go, use the included key fob to release the magnet, and open the cover for easy access to your stuff.
We really love the included LED bed light that provides plenty of illumination for loading and unloading.
Warranties
Tyger Auto has a lifetime warranty and 30-day return policy on all products except TYGER T5 (Alloy Tri-Fold); it only has five Years.
Gator covers have a BUY IT, TRY IT, LOVE IT! program that ensures you get the cover you love. Once you find the perfect cover, you’re covered by a limited lifetime warranty on frame, and ten years on vinyl.
Final thoughts
For those of you that are in a hurry and scrolled to the bottom of this article for the answer to Tyger vs Gator tonneau cover, which is best, here it is:
I think both companies are outstanding, and I have no ax to grind here. But, I feel obligated to give you, the reader, a few “clues” as to which company I believe to be the better of the two.
It just depends on how much you value your truck. If you are like me and looking for a deal, go with the Tyger. If you want the more popular tonneau cover, get the Gator.
Check this article if you drive a Silverado.
Here’s another comparison you might enjoy!
If you want to learn more, I suggest you read my free Tonneau Cover Buyer’s Guide or Best Tonneau Cover For Your Money