If you want a secure, weather-resistant bed cover for towing heavy loads with full access to your cargo, choose MaxMate Soft Roll-up Truck; if you need rugged side steps to safely enter a lifted Jeep and protect the rocker panels during off-road adventures, choose Tyger Auto 3.5.
These two products serve entirely different functions on a vehicle, yet both are critical upgrades for serious truck and SUV owners who refuse to compromise on utility or durability. The MaxMate is engineered to turn an open bed into a locked, sealed storage space without sacrificing the ability to roll it up quickly when you need the full length of the bed for lumber or kayaks. In contrast, the Tyger Auto 3.5 is designed to bridge the gap between a lifted chassis and the ground, offering a wider, more stable platform for getting in and out while acting as a shield against trail debris. One protects what you carry; the other helps you get into the machine that carries it. Choosing between them isn't about which brand is better, but rather which part of your vehicle needs reinforcement right now.
• MaxMate Soft Roll-up Truck: Its biggest strength is the dual-coated marine-grade vinyl combined with adjustable tension rails that keep the cover tight against wind and rain; its trade-off is the requirement to cut small holes in over-the-bedrail bedliners for clamp installation. This pick is for Dodge Ram owners who tow frequently and need a secure, retractable tonneau cover.
• Tyger Auto 3.5: Its biggest strength is the 3.5-inch oval tube step pad that provides significantly more stability than round bars, backed by a rust-proof E-coated carbon steel frame; its trade-off is the necessity to remove factory rock rails before installation. This pick is for Jeep Wrangler JL 4-Door drivers who tackle rough terrain and need easier entry and exit points.
The MaxMate Soft Roll-up Truck is built specifically for the owner who treats their pickup bed as a versatile workspace that needs to be secured every time they walk away. This isn't just standard tarp material; it is selected for its ability to withstand harsh UV exposure and moisture without degrading quickly. When you are towing a trailer or hauling equipment down a highway, wind can whip loose tarps into flapping messes that damage paint or tear seams. The MaxMate addresses this with a tension system located on the end of the aircraft-grade aluminum side rails. You can adjust this tension to ensure the vinyl stays wrinkle-free and taut, regardless of whether you are parked in a desert heatwave or a freezing winter storm.
Access to your bed is another major consideration for anyone who hauls long items like pipes or ladders. Unlike hard folding covers that require you to remove multiple panels, this soft roll-up design features built-in horizontal crossbars. These bars provide support when the cover is lying flat across the bed, preventing sagging, but they also allow the entire unit to roll up smoothly toward the cab. This gives you full bed access instantly. The locking mechanism at the tailgate uses a latch system that secures the rolled portion, keeping your gear safe from prying hands. While the installation is marketed as "no drilling," users with trucks equipped with over-the-bedrail bedliners will find that small holes must be cut in the liner to accommodate the stainless steel clamps. If you have an under-the-bedrail bedliner, the process remains truly drill-free, making it a flexible solution for various truck configurations.
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-11-07 · 8 min read · Independent comparison
Who should buy this? It is ideal for the Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, or 3500 owner who wants a balance of security and convenience. If you often tow boats or campers where the bed is used for gear storage, the weather sealing provided by the Velcro strips along the sides is a game-changer. However, you should skip this if you are looking for a rigid, hard-shell protection or if your bedliner setup cannot accommodate the necessary clamp modifications. The three-year warranty suggests the manufacturer stands behind the longevity of the materials, which is crucial for a product exposed to the elements daily. It is a practical, functional choice for the working truck owner who values the ability to roll the cover up in seconds when the job requires it.
For the Jeep Wrangler JL 4-Door enthusiast, the Tyger Auto 3.5 Running Boards solve a specific problem created by lifting kits and larger tires: the gap between the ground and the door sill. Standard running boards often feature narrow, round tubes that offer a precarious foothold, especially when wearing heavy hiking boots or muddy work shoes. The Tyger Auto 3.5 distinguishes itself immediately with its distinctive oval tube design. This geometry creates a wider 3.5-inch step pad surface compared to single round tube counterparts. That extra width translates directly to greater stability when you are stepping up into a vehicle that sits higher off the ground. The non-slip surface on top of that pad ensures you don't lose traction even when wet or covered in mud, which is a common scenario for anyone taking their Jeep off-road.
Durability is paramount when adding accessories to a vehicle that sees abuse on trails. The Tyger Auto 3.5 is constructed from seamless carbon steel tubing, which is then finished with an end-to-end full body E-coating and a heavy textured powder finish. This combination is not merely cosmetic; it is a defensive layer against rust and corrosion. Dirt, water, and road salt can eat away at cheaper metals, but this textured finish keeps contaminants away from the tube structure while maintaining a rugged aesthetic that fits the Jeep's off-road image. The product includes all necessary hardware and brackets for a bolt-on installation onto the rocker panel, meaning no drilling is required into the vehicle's frame. However, there is a significant prerequisite: you must remove the factory rock rails prior to installation. If you already have rock rails installed, these running boards will not fit unless those rails are taken off first.
This product is best suited for the driver who prioritizes ease of entry and exit without compromising on the vehicle's rugged look. The ground clearance of approximately 15 inches is also worth noting, as it ensures the running boards won't snag on rocks or logs during low-clearance maneuvers. Installation is designed to be completed in roughly 20 minutes, making it a quick upgrade for the weekend warrior. If you own a 2018-2027 Jeep Wrangler JL 4-Door, these bars provide a reliable, high-stability platform that bridges the height gap effectively. Those with older JK models or vehicles that rely heavily on factory rock rails for protection might find the compatibility requirements too restrictive.
• Best for Weather Sealing and Cargo Security → MaxMate Soft Roll-up Truck: The marine-grade vinyl and side Velcro strips create a tighter seal against the elements compared to any open-side step system, keeping your truck bed contents dry and hidden.
• Best for Stability and Foothold Width → Tyger Auto 3.5: The 3.5-inch oval step pad offers a significantly wider surface area than standard round bars, providing a safer footing for entering and exiting a lifted vehicle.
• Best for Quick Bed Access → MaxMate Soft Roll-up Truck: The roll-up design with integrated crossbars allows for instant full-bed access, whereas running boards do not affect bed utility but are purely for entry/exit.
• Best for Rust Resistance in Harsh Environments → Tyger Auto 3.5: The seamless carbon steel construction with E-coating and textured powder finish offers superior protection against corrosion from mud, water, and road salt.
• Best for Vehicles with Over-the-Bedrail Liners → MaxMate Soft Roll-up Truck: While it requires minor cutting, it is compatible with these liners; Tyger Auto requires removing factory rock rails, which may not be desirable for all owners.
• Best for Off-Road Ground Clearance Management → Tyger Auto 3.5: At approximately 15 inches of clearance, the running board is positioned to avoid trail obstacles while still providing a useful step, whereas tonneau covers sit flush with the bed rails.
• Best for Towing and Hauling Protection → MaxMate Soft Roll-up Truck: Securing the tailgate with a latch lock system prevents cargo shift during transit, a critical feature for towing scenarios.
• Best for Simple Bolt-On Installation (No Drilling) → Tyger Auto 3.5: Provided you remove the rock rails, the bolt-on nature of the running boards makes for a very straightforward 20-minute install without modifying the bedliner.
I would choose the MaxMate Soft Roll-up Truck if my primary goal was securing gear while towing, as the adjustable tension and weather-sealing features directly address the risks of highway travel and load shifting. The ability to roll the cover up instantly is invaluable for hauling long items without disassembling a hard cover. Conversely, I would select the Tyger Auto 3.5 if I were driving a lifted Jeep Wrangler and needed a reliable, wide step to get in and out safely without worrying about slipping on narrow bars. Both products excel in their respective niches, but for the specific use case of towing and cargo management, the MaxMate offers the most comprehensive solution for protecting your investment and your haul.
Yes, the MaxMate uses a no-drilling design for mounting, though vehicles with over-the-bedrail bedliners will require cutting small holes in the liner to secure the clamps properly.
No, the Tyger Auto 3.5 is strictly compatible with the 2018-2027 Jeep Wrangler JL 4-Door and does not fit the older JK model.
Yes, MaxMate provides a 3-year no-hassle warranty for US customers, covering manufacturing defects and ensuring long-term reliability.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites.
When you buy through links on this page, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon or its affiliates. This site is an independent third-party review and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Amazon or the product brands mentioned.