Hi there,
If you are looking to purchase a BAKFlip tonneau cover then you are probably wondering which one is best for your truck.
There are 6 different BAKFlip tonneaus, and it’s not easy to distinguish the differences between them.
While any of these are good for general use, they each have specific differences that may appeal to you.
We put together this detailed comparison guide with all the different features of the BAKFlip folding tonneau covers.
We hope this will help you clear up the confusion and help you decide.
For the best price on BAK tonneau covers, please text our team at 281-761-6097.
-Alan
Comparison Table
| Features | BAKFlip F1 | BAKFlip FiberMax | BAKFlip MX4 | BAKFlip G2 | BAKFlip Contractor Series | BAKFlip Contractor Series/F1 |
| Type | Hard folding | Hard folding | Hard folding | Hard folding | Rack integrated | Rack integrated |
| Construction | Aluminum | Fiberglass | Aluminum | Aluminum | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Top surface | Fiberglass | Fiberglass | Aluminum | Aluminum | Aluminum | Fiberglass |
| Finish | Gloss | Gloss | Matte | Gloss | Gloss | Gloss |
| Folding panels | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Weight capacity | 400 lbs | 300 lbs | 400 lbs | 300 lbs | 500 lbs | 500 lbs |
| Dual-action tailgate | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Dent and scratch resistance | High | High | Low | Low | Low | High |
| Visible 3rd brake light when open | No | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Warranty | 3 years | 2 years | 3 years | 2 years | 5 years | 5 years |
| Purchasing | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
BAKFlip F1 Tonneau Cover Differences
The BAKFlip F1 is a top of the line series that has all the features most people would want in a tonneau cover. It is BAK’s most refined and top-grade hard folding tonneau cover, featuring advanced technological and functional benefits.
Aluminum Construction
The F1 truck bed cover has 5/8″ thick triple-layer construction. This consists of a strong aluminum underside that offers it strength and durability. The middle layer is a closed-cell foam which makes it even stronger, allowing it to support up to 400 lbs of evenly distributed weight.
The tonneau cover comes in a sleek and sheen high gloss powder coat finish.
Fiberglass top surface
At the top is a fiberglass-reinforced polymer (FRP) that is resistant to scratch, dents, and impacts, more than an aluminum surface. The FRP top also stays cooler and does not absorb as much heat as aluminum does.
Weather-proof protection
In terms of protection against weather, the cover has a rubber flange that rests on top of the gasket for maximum moisture protection. But, even with the flange gasket, a little water may still pass through. These are channeled out by the gutter system designed into the rails. It directs all the water that gets past the larger outer seal into the tubes and outside the vehicle.
Dual action tailgate operation
Another great feature with the BAKFlip F1 tonneau cover is that you can close and open the tailgate whether the cover is open or closed. This is not the case with most tonneau covers, as you can only close your truck’s tailgate with the cover open.
This cover locks with the tailgate, it does not have a separate locking system.
Installation
The cover has a no-drill, clamp-on installation. It sits flush inside the truck bed and leaves the stake hole pockets exposed for installation of other accessories.
A major downside of the cover though, is that it is more expensive compared to other BAK folding truck bed covers.
The BAKFlip F1 is the perfect option for any truck owner with heavy-duty contractor needs and is ready to invest.
BAKFlip FiberMax Differences
The FiberMax tonneau cover is the more affordable version of F1. It is for any customer who requires almost the same features as the F1 but at a much cheaper price.
But this will also mean it will lack some of the contractor-friendly benefits found in F1.
Fiberglass construction
The FiberMax bed cover has a strong aluminum construction with a fiberglass top. It features a 0.5 inch EPS core that gives it a standard weight capacity rating of 300lbs.
This is the same weight capacity as G2 but way below the 400 lbs for both F1 and MX4. This makes it best for non-heavy-duty contractor work.
The cover has an aluminum latch system which works great but is not as durable as the injection molded one in F1 and MX4.
Fiberglass top surface
This is one of the features both the FiberMax and F1 share. Just like the F1, FiberMax also has a fiberglass reinforced polymer surface. The FRP surface is more impact-resistant and resists scratches, scuffling, and dents. The cover will thus hold up well against hails, snow, and road rocks.
The tonneau cover will also remain cooler to touch even during hot days, which cannot be said for aluminum surfaces.
Weatherproof protection
The BAKFlip FiberMax has EPDM outer rail seals that prevent water from entering the truck bed. The little water that will pass through will be channeled out by the drainage tubes.
The fiberglass reinforced polymer offers standard UV protection.
No dual action tailgate operation
All BAKFlip tonneau covers lock with the tailgate for maximum security, and FiberMax is no exception. It does not come with a separate locking system.
Unfortunately, FiberMax lacks the dual-action tailgate design featured in MX4 and F1. Similar to G2, it has an overlapping tailgate seal. This means the tailgate cannot close when the cover is shut. You have to first lift the cover at the end, close the tailgate, the close the tonneau cover.
Installation
The FiberMax has a drill-free installation and has 6 clamps that hold it steady and in position. It allows for installation of stake-pocket-mounted accessories.
The bed cover is backed by a 2-year warranty
Working on a budget but still need a fiberglass cover? MX4 is the one for you.
BAKFlip MX4 Tonneau Cover Differences
The BAKFlip MX4 is a panel-style tonneau cover that is split into four panels. This is different from the usual three in all the other BAKFlip tonneau covers.
Aluminum construction
The truck bed cover is made of aircraft-grade aluminum panels which are filled with premium density EPS foam as the core. The core is 0.75″ thick, and this gives it the same weight capacity rating as F1 which is 400 lbs.
One of the unique features of MX4’s design is its four folding panels. When folded wide open and leaning on the cab, the cover becomes shorter than the tri-folds, which provides visibility for the 3rd brake lights.
This also allows it to offer full bed access. The cover also has an injection molded latch system which is stronger than the aluminum ones.
Aluminum top surface
This is one of the major distinguishing features between MX4 and F1. While the F1 has a fiberglass top surface, the MX4 has an aluminum top surface. Because of this, F1 tends to have longer durability than MX4 since fiberglass is more impact, scratch and dent resistant.
But on the other hand, aluminum is more lightweight and you can remove and reinstall it with no trouble.
Also, unlike the sleek and sheen high gloss finish of the F1, MX4 comes in a cool black matte finish that provides it with a stylish feel and look.
Weatherproof protection
As far as fading is concerned, MX4 offers premium UV protection that prevents warping and fading.To keep your truck bed dry, the cover has enhanced EPDM seals that keep excess water out. It also has channels integrated into the rails. These direct any water that gets past the seals, outside the vehicle through the drainage tubes. The seals have end caps that add style as well functionality.
Dual action tailgate operation
Just like the F1 tonneau cover, this one also has a dual-action tailgate. This means you can close your tailgate with the cover shut or open. The MX4 also does not have a separate lock, but it locks with your tailgate which gives top security.
Installation
The cover installs inside the truck bed rails, with its rails sitting only a few inches above the truck bed. It does not cover the stake hole pockets and is compatible with racks and other stake-pocket-mounted accessories.
The MX4 tonneau cover suits any truck owner who loves the matte black finish, but does not intend to do a lot of camping. It is also perfect for you if you want a higher weight capacity rating but at a lower price than the F1. Additionally, if you intend to remove your cover frequently, then MX4 should work well. The cover comes with a 3-year warranty.
From Alan, owner of PartCatalog:
The BAK MX4 is my favorite tonneau cover to recommend. This is the “best of” of all of the BAKFlip tonneau covers, with 4 folding panels, strong aluminum construction, and the dual action tailgate operation.
In my opinion, it also looks the best because it’s the only BAKFlip that comes in matte black. It gives a really rugged look that fits perfectly with most trucks.
BAKFlip G2 Tonneau Cover Differences
The BAKFlip G2 is the most affordable BakFlip tonneau cover. But it has some great features that enable it to still offer amazing folding tonneau cover benefits.
Aluminum construction
The cover comes in a rustproof aluminum construction with a standard-density foam core. This allows it to support up to 300 lbs of evenly distributed weight on its top surface.
Aluminum top surface
The top of the cover is also made of aluminum with a glossy finish. This is not as scratch and dent-proof as the fiberglass surface but it looks amazing and it resists UV, water, and dust. It can also resist light scratches and dents.
The cover will not shrink or expand with changing temperatures.
Weather-proof protection
The BAKFlip G2 tonneau cover has rubber hinges that will not allow water to pass through into the truck bed. As a backup, any water that makes it through the seals are directed into the drainage tubes and poured outside the vehicle.
No dual action tailgate operation
Like all the BAKFlip tonneau covers, G2 does not have a separate locking system. Rather, the cover locks with the tailgate. This means, when you shut the cover and lock the tailgate, the cover also gets locked and that keeps your truck bed secure.
The downside is that the cover has an overlapping tailgate seal. This denies you the luxury of opening and closing your tailgate with the truck bed cover in any position. You will only be able to close the cover after closing the tailgate. This is not a major functional downside but it can be of a little inconvenience.
Installation
The BAKFlip G2 installs inside the truck bed rails, leaving the stake pocket holes exposed for installation of other accessories.
The BAKFlip G2 is backed by a 2-year warranty. It is the perfect choice if weight capacity rating is not on top of your priority list and you are okay with an aluminum top surface.
BAKFlip Contractor Series Differences
The BAKFlip CS is an integrated tonneau cover. It has exactly similar features as the BAKFlip G2. The only distinguishing feature is the integrated rack system which is not present in G2.
Another difference between the two tonneau covers is that CS supports up to 500 lbs of evenly distributed weight against G2‘s 300lbs. It also comes with a 5-year warranty.
BAKFlip CS/F1 Differences
The BAKFlip CS/F1 is also no different. As the name suggests, it has a BAKFlip F1 truck bed cover with an integrated rack system.
The CS/F1 also supports evenly distributed weight of up to 500lbs and has a 5-year warranty.
Both the BAKFlip CS and BAKFlip CS/F1 belong to the contractor series. They offer incredible hauling flexibility since you can keep your cargo inside the truck bed, on top of the tonneau cover as well as on the racks.
All BAKFlip folding tonneau covers are made in the United States by BAK Industries.