GatorTrax Tonneau Cover Product Review

My Experience with the GatorTrax Tonneau Cover

Tonneau covers come in all different styles. There are roll-up tonneau covers, tri-fold tonneau covers, retracting tonneau covers, bed toppers, and even single-piece carbon fiber tonneau covers. Which tonneau cover is best though? The simple answer is the one that makes the most sense for you. For my 2018 Ram 2500, the Gatortrax tonneau cover from RealTruck looked like it checked all the boxes.

I wanted a retractable tonneau cover that locked, and provided a very good seal so my cargo would stay dry. Retractable covers are also much easier to open or close. They still let you use almost your entire bed should you need to store something large and tall. Retractable Covers come in two variations, electronically controlled retracting covers and manually operated covers. I’m a fan of simplicity and function. The manually operated retracting tonneau cover seemed like a no-brainer to me.

Installing the GatorTrax Bed Cover

Installing the GatorTrax tonneau cover was a breeze. The whole process only took about half an hour. It’s important to know ahead of time that the installation is a two person job. Once you attach the rails to the case that holds the cover with a couple of bolts, and assemble everything according to the install instructions, you simply lift the assembled cover into the bed. It’s really important to make sure you get the gasket that sits cabin-side to sit flush for a waterproof seal!

Install Picture of Side-Rails for Gatortrax Cover
GatorTrax Tonneau Cover can be used with the undercover swing case toolboxes.

Be sure to use the drain lines found on the bottom of the GatorTrax tonneau cover. Drain lines mount to the bottom of the casing and then exit the truck through bed drain holes. My truck had two plastic caps covering outlets for draining water. You want to stick the drain lines into these holes and mess with the hoses to make sure they drain properly! I think the fact that they incorporated these drains is brilliant. When it rains or when you pull the cover into the casing, the water enters. These drain lines keep water from accumulating and help ensure extended product life.

Drain Tubes found on the bottom of GatorTrax Cover
Drain Tubes are found at the bottom of the case.

The Review:

After driving my 2018 Ram 2500 over 2,000 miles on the trip to The Ultimate Callout Challenge 2019, Im ready to report everything I like and dislike about the GatorTrax tonneau cover. I really had the opportunity to gauge just how good this tonneau cover is at keeping cargo dry as it rained the entire weekend in Indianapolis for the event. Here is my full GatorTrax Tonneau Cover review.

2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel Information Revealed

Until now, the new body-style 2019+ Ram 1500 trucks have only been available with the 5.7L V-8 Hemi, or the 3.6L V-6 Pentastar engine. Modern gasoline powered engines are significantly more fuel efficient in 2020 than they were even a few years ago. While their fuel economy is impressive, it’s no match for EcoDiesel engine introduced in the Ram 1500 trucks in 2014. Previous Ram 1500 trucks equipped with the 3.0L V-6 EcoDiesel Engine have brought fuel economy of up to 29 miles per gallon on the highway, while also posting impressive tow ratings. Until now, an EcoDiesel hasn’t been available on the newest generation trucks. The year 2020, however, will mark the availability of a redesigned, 3rd generation 3.0L V6 EcoDiesel Engine in Ram 1500 trucks.

The new 3-Liter V6 EcoDiesel Engine received an increase of 60 lb-ft torque, and 20 horsepower over the previous generation. Peak torque is reached at 1,600 Rpm, that’s 400 rpms lower than the previous generation. Max tow capacity has been improved to a whopping 12,560 lbs. Ram expects this new EcoDiesel to lead its class in fuel economy, while also leading the segment in torque with a total of 480 lb-ft of torque. Ram certainly seems to be making a statement in 2019, as they also released their 5th Generation Cummins that can produce 1,000 lb./ft of torque.

2020 Ram 1500 3rd Generation Eco Diesel engine

The 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel is Available in Every Configuration

The 2020 Ram 1500 featuring the new 3.0L V6 EcoDiesel engine will be available in all models and trims. For the first time ever, the Ram Rebel will be available with an EcoDiesel engine!

Changes In The 2020 3.0L EcoDiesel Engine

EcoDiesel owners are in love with the fuel economy, but in 2020, they’re going to be in love with the new-found power these trucks contain as well. Significant changes had to be made to accomplish these higher numbers though. Aspiration changes included a water-cooled Variable Geometry Turbo (VGT). A new EGR system design incorporates a low-pressure circulation system. Essentially, this low pressure system pulls exhaust gases after the trucks’ DPF. New Cylinder head intake ports increase flow for fuel economy and performance gains. Fuel injection changes include new high-pressure injector nozzles (29,000 PSI). Lastly, Aluminum Alloy Pistons were totally redesigned with thinner rings and low-friction coating on pins and side-skirts.

2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel Engine
Under-the-Hood View of the 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel

Focus on The Ram 1500 EcoDiesel Experience

Just like with the 2019 Ram 1500 trucks noise, vibration, and harshness were a primary concern. Ram wanted to provide Ram 1500 truck owners a more powerful and more quiet truck. Improvements were made to many components on the truck to make them quieter. Examples include offset piston pins, a re-designed bottom end to the trucks’ oil sumps, and the usage of a CGI block to reduce vibrations. Expect this to be the most quiet EcoDiesel to date!

2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel Specs (So Far)

Year:2020
Engine:3.0L DOHC Turbodiesel V6
Engine Manufacturing
Plant:
FCA Cento Facility in Ferrara, Italy
Block:Compacted Graphite Iron (CGI)
Cylinder Head:Heat Treated Aluminum
EmissionsDual Loop EGR System-High Pressure & Low
Pressure systems, DPF, SCR
Aspiration:Water-cooled Variable Geometry Turbo
Fuel Injection: High Pressure 29,000 PSI Injector nozzles
Compression Ratio:16.0:1
Max Tow Capacity:12,560 Lbs
Horsepower:260 HP @ 3600 rpm
Torque:480 Lb-Ft @ 1600 rpm

Ram EcoDiesel Warranty

The 2020 Ram EcoDiesel will feature a five year/100,000 mile powertrain limited warranty. A bumper-to-bumper three year/36,000 mile warranty is also included.

Want to Learn More About the 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel?

Click here for the FCA website 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel Page. Make sure you stay posted! We will be writing more about the new 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel as more details become available to us!