Recommendations for hard tonneau
08-14-2016, 10:16 PM
#1
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Recommendations for hard tonneau
I want to get a hard tonneau for my SCREW '16 5.5" box.
I like the look of the Bak MX4, but as with all tonneaus that sit on user installed rails, it needs a drain, and I don't want to start drilling holes in a leased truck.
OTOH, while I like the look of the Extang that sits on top, the bed extender makes operating the securing handles difficult. (Used a soft Extang on my last truck) I also thought that they damaged the rail of the truck which seems a little bendy for such strongly sprung latches.
I don't want soft or roll-up, so what do you all think is the best solution for me.
Thanks for the help.
TJ
I like the look of the Bak MX4, but as with all tonneaus that sit on user installed rails, it needs a drain, and I don't want to start drilling holes in a leased truck.
OTOH, while I like the look of the Extang that sits on top, the bed extender makes operating the securing handles difficult. (Used a soft Extang on my last truck) I also thought that they damaged the rail of the truck which seems a little bendy for such strongly sprung latches.
I don't want soft or roll-up, so what do you all think is the best solution for me.
Thanks for the help.
TJ
08-15-2016, 08:36 AM
#2
Was in a similar situation. Didn't want to drill, wanted a secure cover. After research and recommendations, went with the Bak Revolver X2 from tonneaufactoryoutlet.com. Great cover, great service both pre and post sale. No drilling, strong aluminum cover, no loss of visibility when rolled up, no loss of space in the bed.
08-15-2016, 08:58 AM
#3
Senior Member
I would suggest undercover hard cover. No drilling, installs in a few minutes (took me maybe 20 to install on my '13), and comes off in about 3 minutes if you need to haul something big in the bed. It's light enough you can put it on and take it off by yourself, and strong enough you can stand on it (I did every time I washed my truck, and at the time I weighed 275 lbs). And they're not too expensive.
08-15-2016, 03:47 PM
#4
Senior Member
I have had 4 Undercover solid (non-folding) tonneau covers over the years. Great covers. Would highly recommend them for sure !
However, I decided to go the solid folding cover route with my 2016 as I found myself more and more with the solid cover partly lifted up in the back because I would have items that were too large to fit under the solid cover.
So, I have researched to death the folding solid style covers and ended up narrowing it down to 3 for me: the Undercover Flex, the Bak MX4, and the Extang Encore (opens in the front also).
The Flex and MX4 are very similar in the way they are rail mounted, have drains, fold up to get full access of the bed (MX4 rests against the back window - Flex stands straight up with rods holding it), and clip 3/4 of the way open. Biggest differnces I saw :
-- MX4 is coated aluminum where the Flex is FRP (fiberglass reinforced plastic)
-- MX4 is 4 panels, Flex is 3 so when partially open, the MX4 does give you a slight bit more bed access without standing them up.
-- MX4 allows you to close the tailgate without lifting the last section of the cover, Flex has to have the last section lifted to close tailgate
The Encore is a bit different than the other 2. Although mounted on a rail, it isn't "flush" fitting like the other 2.... it sits on the bed caps but attaches to a rail. But it opens both front and back. And it has the "BOLT" one-key lock system on the front section that opens. And looks to be a bit more water tight than the other 2 being that it mount on top of the rails instead of flush with them. Also, the panels are a similar FRP material as the Flex for dent and scratch resistance.
So..... after all of this, I ended up with a Flex. I stuck with Undercover since I've had such a great experience previously with their covers. And I wanted the dent and scratch resistance of the FRP panels over the aluminum. The Flex installed easily and quickly. All said, about 20-25 mins alone to install. It folds up nice, seem secure when all the sections are closed, and looks real nice on the truck. It's not water tight for sure.... but the small amount of water that does get in isn't an issue for me. I'm hoping once it's been on the truck longer and the rubber edges relax more, that it will seal up better. And having to lift the last section of the cover to close the tailgate isn't an issue for me after have the solid covers for so long...had to have the cover lifted to close AND open the tailgate with the solid covers.
One note on the drains, there are enough places on these Fords to run the drain tubes out of the bed without having to drill holes into the box... mine's a lease too so I understand the concern with this.
So far I'm happy with Flex. If the Encore wasn't almost $200 more than the Flex or MX4, I might have gone that way instead. And if these rubber seals don't relax and seal up a bit more, I may sell the FLEX and go to the Encore still.....
However, I decided to go the solid folding cover route with my 2016 as I found myself more and more with the solid cover partly lifted up in the back because I would have items that were too large to fit under the solid cover.
So, I have researched to death the folding solid style covers and ended up narrowing it down to 3 for me: the Undercover Flex, the Bak MX4, and the Extang Encore (opens in the front also).
The Flex and MX4 are very similar in the way they are rail mounted, have drains, fold up to get full access of the bed (MX4 rests against the back window - Flex stands straight up with rods holding it), and clip 3/4 of the way open. Biggest differnces I saw :
-- MX4 is coated aluminum where the Flex is FRP (fiberglass reinforced plastic)
-- MX4 is 4 panels, Flex is 3 so when partially open, the MX4 does give you a slight bit more bed access without standing them up.
-- MX4 allows you to close the tailgate without lifting the last section of the cover, Flex has to have the last section lifted to close tailgate
The Encore is a bit different than the other 2. Although mounted on a rail, it isn't "flush" fitting like the other 2.... it sits on the bed caps but attaches to a rail. But it opens both front and back. And it has the "BOLT" one-key lock system on the front section that opens. And looks to be a bit more water tight than the other 2 being that it mount on top of the rails instead of flush with them. Also, the panels are a similar FRP material as the Flex for dent and scratch resistance.
So..... after all of this, I ended up with a Flex. I stuck with Undercover since I've had such a great experience previously with their covers. And I wanted the dent and scratch resistance of the FRP panels over the aluminum. The Flex installed easily and quickly. All said, about 20-25 mins alone to install. It folds up nice, seem secure when all the sections are closed, and looks real nice on the truck. It's not water tight for sure.... but the small amount of water that does get in isn't an issue for me. I'm hoping once it's been on the truck longer and the rubber edges relax more, that it will seal up better. And having to lift the last section of the cover to close the tailgate isn't an issue for me after have the solid covers for so long...had to have the cover lifted to close AND open the tailgate with the solid covers.
One note on the drains, there are enough places on these Fords to run the drain tubes out of the bed without having to drill holes into the box... mine's a lease too so I understand the concern with this.
So far I'm happy with Flex. If the Encore wasn't almost $200 more than the Flex or MX4, I might have gone that way instead. And if these rubber seals don't relax and seal up a bit more, I may sell the FLEX and go to the Encore still.....
08-15-2016, 05:14 PM
#5
I would NOT buy a BakFlip covers. I purchase a Bakflip F1 cover, 3 1/2 years ago for $1000 for my 2012 F150.
The aluminum has cracked where the cover folds over onto itself.
The middle bracket that attached to the cover and holds it to the rails has fallen off, only held on by two sided tape.
I also have to use pliers to remove the cover from the rails as the bolts have stripped in the cover.
Bakflip will not repair it as the warranty is only 3 years. They offered me 30% off another cover. I only use the cover for personal use and would never buy it again.
The aluminum has cracked where the cover folds over onto itself.
The middle bracket that attached to the cover and holds it to the rails has fallen off, only held on by two sided tape.
I also have to use pliers to remove the cover from the rails as the bolts have stripped in the cover.
Bakflip will not repair it as the warranty is only 3 years. They offered me 30% off another cover. I only use the cover for personal use and would never buy it again.
08-15-2016, 05:21 PM
#6
I have the rollup bakflip.. had it over 3 years and so far so good. It lays flat with the bed rails. Only issues i have is the long strip of felt came off on the inside glued to the aluminum slats. Other than that, I've been happy with it.
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08-16-2016, 11:43 AM
#8
Junior Member
Thumbs Down to BakFlip "Warranty"
I would NOT buy a BakFlip covers. I purchase a Bakflip F1 cover, 3 1/2 years ago for $1000 for my 2012 F150.
The aluminum has cracked where the cover folds over onto itself.
The middle bracket that attached to the cover and holds it to the rails has fallen off, only held on by two sided tape.
I also have to use pliers to remove the cover from the rails as the bolts have stripped in the cover.
Bakflip will not repair it as the warranty is only 3 years. They offered me 30% off another cover. I only use the cover for personal use and would never buy it again.
The aluminum has cracked where the cover folds over onto itself.
The middle bracket that attached to the cover and holds it to the rails has fallen off, only held on by two sided tape.
I also have to use pliers to remove the cover from the rails as the bolts have stripped in the cover.
Bakflip will not repair it as the warranty is only 3 years. They offered me 30% off another cover. I only use the cover for personal use and would never buy it again.
I was also offered 30% off a new cover and have decided to go elsewhere for my replacement cover. My dealer is so fed up with them on warranty claims and their lack of support that they have switched to Extang. I may check them out along with Undercover after the positive reviews on their products on here.
08-16-2016, 01:24 PM
#9
Zeke in SC
Flex Video
Watch this video right at about the 1:00 minute mark.
Bottom line, I wouldn't worry about drilling into the bed at the points in this video. I did mine (not lease) with the Undercover Flex and I was glad that I saw this. I have the spray in bed liner (Ford) so I would have missed them, but I think they're plastic and replaceable if necessary.
But as I saw in another post...doesn't seem like people with a lease should worry about bed damage. Looks like most lease turn-ins get a drop in bed-line to hide damage from the next owner.
Bottom line, I wouldn't worry about drilling into the bed at the points in this video. I did mine (not lease) with the Undercover Flex and I was glad that I saw this. I have the spray in bed liner (Ford) so I would have missed them, but I think they're plastic and replaceable if necessary.
But as I saw in another post...doesn't seem like people with a lease should worry about bed damage. Looks like most lease turn-ins get a drop in bed-line to hide damage from the next owner.
I want to get a hard tonneau for my SCREW '16 5.5" box.
I like the look of the Bak MX4, but as with all tonneaus that sit on user installed rails, it needs a drain, and I don't want to start drilling holes in a leased truck.
OTOH, while I like the look of the Extang that sits on top, the bed extender makes operating the securing handles difficult. (Used a soft Extang on my last truck) I also thought that they damaged the rail of the truck which seems a little bendy for such strongly sprung latches.
I don't want soft or roll-up, so what do you all think is the best solution for me.
Thanks for the help.
TJ
I like the look of the Bak MX4, but as with all tonneaus that sit on user installed rails, it needs a drain, and I don't want to start drilling holes in a leased truck.
OTOH, while I like the look of the Extang that sits on top, the bed extender makes operating the securing handles difficult. (Used a soft Extang on my last truck) I also thought that they damaged the rail of the truck which seems a little bendy for such strongly sprung latches.
I don't want soft or roll-up, so what do you all think is the best solution for me.
Thanks for the help.
TJ