Glorious! Thanks for the great review, Mitch! Love that it’s completely weather-sealed and that it has the ability to hold so much weight on top of it!
I have had the traditional one for several years, and have been very, very happy with it. I think for people trying to decide whether they want this one or the traditional one, the main question is how often will you need to put something taller than the bed in your truck? Advantages of the traditional: gas struts that open the two panels for loading and unloading, so easier and quicker to open, a much easier and potentially more robust lock mechanism, and more substantial tie down cleats for exterior loads. Disadvantage of the traditional design: when I have to remove it entirely, it is a 10 minute+ job, requires a socket set, and because it is two panels not three, at least on my long bed the panels are a bit unwieldy to manhandle to wherever you are storing them when they are off the truck. I take mine off the truck maybe 2-3 times a year, and if that is how often you would likely have to remove yours, I'd probably get the traditional design. But if you think you will need to haul taller things with any frequency, folding it back like that would be really nice. I would definitely get this one if I was constantly hauling stuff like appliances, lawn mowers, bikes etc. Both of them basically turn your entire truck bed into an enormous car trunk or tool box, with anything you put in there safely out of the weather and stored more securely than it would be in the cab. It is going to require an angle grinder and some time to get inside either one. Both of them let you put a bunch of stuff on top, are strong enough to walk on, even set up a tent on. Both of them are expensive, but are almost comically superior to anything else on the market. It is pretty well the definition of a buy once, cry once product.
@@Academy_Farm I'm well over 6" tall, and I hadn't really considered that issue, but you are definitely right. I got their tool box drop in insert for the front of the bed, and even I have trouble reaching for stuff in the middle of that tool box, I put everything I need more frequently closer to the edges on each side.
@@Academy_Farmthat’s exactly why I went with the switchback, I can’t reach over the bed. I have an 2024 AT4x and, so same truck basically. My main issue is the latch system. I wish they had a central lock, like the one on the HD versions but in the underside.
That was an informative video if you have a need for one of those. I think a nice pull out deck system in the back of bed would be awesome and probably something you could mill out with all your “spare time”! 😂 The property looked pretty inviting especially throwing a line into the water! I bet you really see the meteor showers during the times present without all the city light pollution. Cheers🎉
Great review! I'm thinking about the Switchback as well, mainly because I would like to fit some fuel jugs (upright) in the truck bed, but they are about 1" taller than the plastic covering over the bed rail (on a 2024 f250). It looks like the DH Switchback would give you some extra headroom if the jugs were place in the right position (not where the cross members are). Can you see if there is extra headroom so that the Switchback can be closed and locked with fuel jugs standing in the bed? On my truck, the fuel jugs stick out about 1" above the bed rails. Assuming there is headroom, is there anyway that you could measure how much there is? Also, how wide is the channel where the fuel jug tops would have to fit (next to the crossmembers)? Thanks so much!
Is taking the entire cover off pretty quick/easy? Could you do a quick video on it? Looking to get the switchback but need something that’s fairly easy to fully remove somewhat frequently.
@DocBSF I admittedly haven't taken it off yet, but yes, just 4 9/16ths bolts hold it down. It weighs about 80 pounds in the short bed configuration so a bit of muscling is involved, but no harder than any other cover to remove/reinstall, besides the weight.
I've been going back and forth on the smooth black HD with tie down cleats around the periphery vs the Switchback for a while now. Just plain torn. But do you know, can you add those cleats to the Switchback, without affecting ability to fold them over fully? I'm also considering a front runner rack on top, and not sure that will work with the Switchback, even if I remove all attachments. Your comment pointing out you aren't supposed to drive with the Switchback open, that concerns me. If can't do that why get it at all. Maybe they mean don't drive with it open unless tied down? If you can't drive with it open on highways what good is the 5th wheel ability, makes me think I don't understand what they mean about not driving with it open, can you clarify? Thanks for a good vid.
I was also concerned about not being able to drive with it open when he said that. I thought the main selling point for this model was being able to use it with a fifth wheel? If you have one hooked up then you have to have the cover folded back and open, right???
@t.g.7700 looks like they hold their value pretty well if you end up unhappy with your decision. I was just saying that you need to strap it down if you want to drive with both rear panels open. You "can't" drive with just the rear panel open. Good luck!
Great video, been considering a Switchback for my AT4X crew cab short box, do you think it would fit? How did you work around getting the c-clamps installed with the flare outs on inside wall of bed for the panel nearest the cab? Like to chat more?
@Miles68-705 yes, that sounds like the same configuration I ordered. The C-clamps fit in these irregular bed rails no problem. I think the only setup it won't work on is the Carbon Pro bed.
Great review! I do have a couple questions. without the center panel having anything to draw it downward, have you noticed it being any different height from your bed rail than the front or back and also with the rhino material on the top does it seem to collect a lot of dust and hard to keep it clean? Thanks
The center panel stays drawn tight to the bedrails when the cover is locked. Same level; you really need to "pry" it open when the gasket is still settling in. No, the bedcover stays cleaner than the rest of the truck! Muddy footprints will last a bit up there.
It's still awesome. Gets lots of compliments. I love the utility of keeping things clean and dry in the bed while being able to use the cover as an additional work surface.
@@Academy_Farm I was thinking on this or renegade but I heard they leak a lot. Does you leak by when every is closed and lock? And also can you explain why it says it can “haul 400 but supports 1200” I’m assuming the anchor points hold up to 400lbs? And if the truck is stationary and not moving you can put 1200? And thank you for your response! I’m really leaning on the diamondback even though renegade does have a pretty sweet locking mechanism
@LamMa-dj6hh Drats. I believe even if you were unable to remove the fasteners from the hinges, the front and rear connections would prohibit you from slinding/removing the middle panel.
Nice job with your review!
@@cjgetreal Thanks!
Glorious! Thanks for the great review, Mitch! Love that it’s completely weather-sealed and that it has the ability to hold so much weight on top of it!
@@603Steward we could strap a Grom or two up there!
I have had the traditional one for several years, and have been very, very happy with it. I think for people trying to decide whether they want this one or the traditional one, the main question is how often will you need to put something taller than the bed in your truck? Advantages of the traditional: gas struts that open the two panels for loading and unloading, so easier and quicker to open, a much easier and potentially more robust lock mechanism, and more substantial tie down cleats for exterior loads. Disadvantage of the traditional design: when I have to remove it entirely, it is a 10 minute+ job, requires a socket set, and because it is two panels not three, at least on my long bed the panels are a bit unwieldy to manhandle to wherever you are storing them when they are off the truck. I take mine off the truck maybe 2-3 times a year, and if that is how often you would likely have to remove yours, I'd probably get the traditional design. But if you think you will need to haul taller things with any frequency, folding it back like that would be really nice. I would definitely get this one if I was constantly hauling stuff like appliances, lawn mowers, bikes etc. Both of them basically turn your entire truck bed into an enormous car trunk or tool box, with anything you put in there safely out of the weather and stored more securely than it would be in the cab. It is going to require an angle grinder and some time to get inside either one. Both of them let you put a bunch of stuff on top, are strong enough to walk on, even set up a tent on. Both of them are expensive, but are almost comically superior to anything else on the market. It is pretty well the definition of a buy once, cry once product.
@@trustbuster23 great points! If I was taller, I would have considered the HD more seriously; I just can't reach over the bed rails.
@@Academy_Farm I'm well over 6" tall, and I hadn't really considered that issue, but you are definitely right. I got their tool box drop in insert for the front of the bed, and even I have trouble reaching for stuff in the middle of that tool box, I put everything I need more frequently closer to the edges on each side.
@@Academy_Farmthat’s exactly why I went with the switchback, I can’t reach over the bed. I have an 2024 AT4x and, so same truck basically. My main issue is the latch system. I wish they had a central lock, like the one on the HD versions but in the underside.
Phenomenal review. I’m now super excited about mine!!
That was an informative video if you have a need for one of those. I think a nice pull out deck system in the back of bed would be awesome and probably something you could mill out with all your “spare time”! 😂 The property looked pretty inviting especially throwing a line into the water! I bet you really see the meteor showers during the times present without all the city light pollution.
Cheers🎉
@badgerlandturf I do like those decked drawers but am still enjoying the versatility of this set up. Oh, yes. Plenty of dark skies here! Thanks.
I just got notified yesterday that mine is shipping!
@mikeaninger7388 exciting news! I couldn't wait to install and enjoy it. Folks at work are eyeballing these covers now too.
Thanks for the review! Debating between this cover and the renegade.
Both look awesome but the renegade is a 6 month wait…
5 star review. Great video. Thanks
Nice review, practical.
@@nekton.avenger thanks!
Very nice !!! 🙂
Great review! I'm thinking about the Switchback as well, mainly because I would like to fit some fuel jugs (upright) in the truck bed, but they are about 1" taller than the plastic covering over the bed rail (on a 2024 f250). It looks like the DH Switchback would give you some extra headroom if the jugs were place in the right position (not where the cross members are).
Can you see if there is extra headroom so that the Switchback can be closed and locked with fuel jugs standing in the bed? On my truck, the fuel jugs stick out about 1" above the bed rails. Assuming there is headroom, is there anyway that you could measure how much there is?
Also, how wide is the channel where the fuel jug tops would have to fit (next to the crossmembers)?
Thanks so much!
Looks cool. Only wish it could strap down when open like the lomax which lets you drive with it open
You sure can strap this one down when opened.
@@Academy_Farm YES you can!
Is taking the entire cover off pretty quick/easy? Could you do a quick video on it? Looking to get the switchback but need something that’s fairly easy to fully remove somewhat frequently.
@DocBSF I admittedly haven't taken it off yet, but yes, just 4 9/16ths bolts hold it down. It weighs about 80 pounds in the short bed configuration so a bit of muscling is involved, but no harder than any other cover to remove/reinstall, besides the weight.
There is no locking mechanism midle of that cover?
@petepeto9335 Nope! You'd have to see it to believe it.
I've been going back and forth on the smooth black HD with tie down cleats around the periphery vs the Switchback for a while now. Just plain torn. But do you know, can you add those cleats to the Switchback, without affecting ability to fold them over fully? I'm also considering a front runner rack on top, and not sure that will work with the Switchback, even if I remove all attachments. Your comment pointing out you aren't supposed to drive with the Switchback open, that concerns me. If can't do that why get it at all. Maybe they mean don't drive with it open unless tied down? If you can't drive with it open on highways what good is the 5th wheel ability, makes me think I don't understand what they mean about not driving with it open, can you clarify? Thanks for a good vid.
@@Nate-zy5ce Lots to consider, for sure. Try both! They have pretty good resale value unless you've got a rare truck/configuration 😅
I was also concerned about not being able to drive with it open when he said that. I thought the main selling point for this model was being able to use it with a fifth wheel? If you have one hooked up then you have to have the cover folded back and open, right???
@t.g.7700 looks like they hold their value pretty well if you end up unhappy with your decision. I was just saying that you need to strap it down if you want to drive with both rear panels open. You "can't" drive with just the rear panel open. Good luck!
Great video, been considering a Switchback for my AT4X crew cab short box, do you think it would fit? How did you work around getting the c-clamps installed with the flare outs on inside wall of bed for the panel nearest the cab?
Like to chat more?
@Miles68-705 yes, that sounds like the same configuration I ordered. The C-clamps fit in these irregular bed rails no problem. I think the only setup it won't work on is the Carbon Pro bed.
Thank you, much appreciated!
Great review! I do have a couple questions. without the center panel having anything to draw it downward, have you noticed it being any different height from your bed rail than the front or back and also with the rhino material on the top does it seem to collect a lot of dust and hard to keep it clean? Thanks
The center panel stays drawn tight to the bedrails when the cover is locked. Same level; you really need to "pry" it open when the gasket is still settling in. No, the bedcover stays cleaner than the rest of the truck! Muddy footprints will last a bit up there.
@@Academy_Farm
Thank you! I appreciate the reply.
Update on the bed cover?
It's still awesome. Gets lots of compliments. I love the utility of keeping things clean and dry in the bed while being able to use the cover as an additional work surface.
@@Academy_Farm I was thinking on this or renegade but I heard they leak a lot. Does you leak by when every is closed and lock? And also can you explain why it says it can “haul 400 but supports 1200” I’m assuming the anchor points hold up to 400lbs? And if the truck is stationary and not moving you can put 1200? And thank you for your response! I’m really leaning on the diamondback even though renegade does have a pretty sweet locking mechanism
You had it until I saw the hinges on top about the security.
@LamMa-dj6hh Drats. I believe even if you were unable to remove the fasteners from the hinges, the front and rear connections would prohibit you from slinding/removing the middle panel.
Exactly. I would want a continuous piano hinge with hardened security fasteners.
What have you found that you believe is more secure?
Renegade