Soft roll-up
Access Original Roll-Up vs Gator ETX Roll-Up
Security, weather sealing, bed access, material, weight and warranty — side by side, then a straight verdict on who each one suits.
Access Original Roll-Up
A well-built soft roll-up with AutoLatch one-handed operation and Hook & Loop rails that let you set it at any position, not just fully open or closed.
Best for: Refined soft roll-up
Gator ETX Roll-Up
A simple, affordable soft roll-up for daily bed coverage, with a low-profile mount and tool-free clamp install.
Best for: Budget roll-up
Side by side
Ratings are ours, on a three-point scale, and comparable across every cover in the database. Specs are as published by the manufacturer and vary by truck and bed length.
| Access Original Roll-Up | Gator ETX Roll-Up | |
|---|---|---|
| Security | Low | Low |
| Weather | Medium | Medium |
| Bed access | High | High |
| Type | Soft roll-up | Soft roll-up |
| Brand | Access | Gator |
| Material | Vinyl over aluminium bows | Vinyl over aluminium frame |
| Weight | ~23 lb (5.5 ft) | ~21 lb (5.5 ft) |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime | Limited lifetime |
| Install | Clamp-on, no drilling | Clamp-on, no drilling |
| Price | $$ | $ |
What each one gets right and wrong
Access Original Roll-Up
Strengths
- Adjustable open positions
- Quality build and seals
Trade-offs
- Low security
- Costs more than basic roll-ups
Gator ETX Roll-Up
Strengths
- Low cost
- Easy install
Trade-offs
- Low security
- Light weather protection
The verdict
Pick the Access Original Roll-Up if…
Its balance of security, weather protection and access matches how you use the bed.
Refined soft roll-up
Pick the Gator ETX Roll-Up if…
Its balance of security, weather protection and access matches how you use the bed, and it is the cheaper option.
Budget roll-up
Both are sold per truck and bed length. Confirm fitment for your exact year and bed before ordering either — the comparison above is about the cover, not about whether it fits you.
Other comparisons
Still shortlisting? These involve one of the two covers above.
Access Original Roll-Up vs Gator ETX Roll-Up — frequently asked
Access Original Roll-Up or Gator ETX Roll-Up — which should I buy?
Buy the Access Original Roll-Up if its balance suits how you use the bed. Buy the Gator ETX Roll-Up if its balance suits you better, and it is the cheaper of the two. Both are the same type of cover, so the decision is about execution rather than category.
Is the Access Original Roll-Up more secure than the Gator ETX Roll-Up?
On our rating the Access Original Roll-Up scores Low for security and the Gator ETX Roll-Up scores Low. Treat that as resistance to an opportunist rather than as a safe — no tonneau cover stops someone determined with tools and time.
Will either of these fit my truck?
Both are sold per truck and bed length rather than as one universal part, so the answer depends on your year, model and bed. Most full-size & mid-size beds — confirm your year and bed length. Check your exact fitment before ordering either.
Do either need drilling to install?
Access Original Roll-Up: Clamp-on, no drilling. Gator ETX Roll-Up: Clamp-on, no drilling. Mainstream covers clamp to the bed rails and need no drilling, which keeps them removable and the truck's finish intact.