I've never had a tonneau cover and have always managed with a large, lockable cargo container in my bed. I'd like to purchase a lockable, folding tonneau cover for my F350 and I'm not really getting the differences.

For now, I'll just start with the Bakflip models. First, from a construction standpoint it seems there are aluminum, composite, fiberglass - what is the real differences? Their site seems to assume you already know why you would pick one over the other. I don't know that I care much about what is made of, I just want it to be secure. So going off that, it seems like my top two choices would be the MX4 or F1 because of the ability to open/close the tailgate with the rear panel up or down. And then, of the two the MX4 seems to make a bit more sense to me because 4 panels vs. 3 allow different depths of the open bed while more easily tucking under the high mounted center cab light.

Lastly, I want something waterproof, but from appearances all the Bakflip models use the same/similar design so maybe I need to look at some other brands to understand the differences and pros/cons there. Otherwise, it seems like the MX4 fits my needs if I'm going with a Bakflip tonneau. So, are there some construction or materials differences I'm not understanding or need to take into account? If I should look at other brands, what's the primary reason - better construction, other features, better weather resistance, better security or lower price?

Thanks in advance for the help and suggestions. Oh, and I know some folks are a big fan of the Line-X version of the F1 (LXP), but I asked them for a quote so I could do an apples-to-apples and they told me the LXP doesn't have a version for the 8' bed.

 

A couple thoughts on the MX4 on my 2015.

• I would call the MX4 water resistant, not waterproof. Seems to me that unless the tonneau wraps completely over the bed, like some hard caps, they will leak some water, That said, the MX4 is pretty tight and water has not been an issue, but I get a lot of dust.
• One thing I like about the MX4 is the ability to completely fold it up so you gain the use of the whole bed. It works pretty slick.
• Security is iffy at best. Theoretically, you lock the tailgate and the load is secure. The problem is that it wouldn't take much to pop the top with a prybar or large screwdriver. The latches are a pretty strong plastic, but not invincible.
• Another plus on the MX4 is that the tonneau sits between the bed rails. That allows you to add tiedowns like the Bullrings (pretty handy IMHO)
• I could never figure out pricing. I bought directly from Bakflip. My experience has been that you can negotiate price, and I got three different prices each time I called. That said, I got a pretty decent discount.
• I think the mat finish looks good.

 

I use a Lomax Professional Series. This is my 3rd Lomax cover....obviously very pleased with both the quality and ease of use and their customer service is 2nd to none.

 

Do you have a desire or need to see the gooseneck ball or 5th wheel hitch through your camera? If so, a flip cover may not allow you to do that. I know they don't on the short beds.

I like the flip covers outside of that. I like the Under Cover Ultra Flex better than any of the Bak Models. It has some design tweaks that are a little better. But they only make 3 panel covers so may not make one for a long bed.

On my current truck, I ended up with the Bak Revolver X4. Doesn't take up bed space, and allows me to see the gooseneck ball. But have had Bak flip covers and the Ultra Flex in the past. Both good covers.

 

A few answers to your specific questions because I just recently went through this same exercise.

• The difference between the MX4 and F1 is 2 things, one is matte and one is glossy. The matte one is highly UV resistant, the glossy one is highly hail resistant.
• Don't expect either to be water proof, I tested them both and they are not, close but not 100% (they both allow some water in at the tailgate corners.
• The panel count depends on bed length, 3 for shortbed and 4 for longbed.

I did not look at any other brands I found appealing but that is largely personal preference.

 

I have the AgriCover LoMax. I picked it because of its low profile design and it appeared to be more watertight than others. I was right. It looks great, functions great, and no water in my bed other than a few drops at the tailgate which you just about cant avoid. I wouldnt own anything else. Keep in mind that anything that sits between the rails is going to have a potential for water leakage. This one sits just over the bed rails hence no water coming in.

https://www.agricover.com/hard-tonne...hoCPHcQAvD_BwE

 

 

Just my two cents on the tonneau covers. I see you're talking about about folding covers and that wasnt going to work for me. I did a ton of research on the retractable covers and while they're practical for applications where you need to travel with a partially covered bed not one review nor the one I ended up purchasing are waterproof. Primarily the issue is sealing at the tailgate. I bought the Pace Edwards aluminum and it keeps things relatively dry however after a downpour I've had water at the tailgate. They also use what I'd call a "gutter & downspout" approach where the tracks for the tonneau has a gutter that runs to three drains setup in the corners and it can (and has) get blocked up with gunk falling on the cover.

If waterproof is an imperative, your best bet is probably a solid tonnueau, however I would be interested in hearing from anyone that has a solid cover with regards to how it works with a power tailgate.

 

 

Hi everyone, thanks for the great feedback so far. A few questions and clarifications:

1. By waterproof, I mean to the best standards available in folding tonneaus. A solid cover would not work for me at all (almost any time I need to pack gear, it usually includes bicycles and our TT doesn't have a rear hitch for our bike carrier, nor do I like loading 4 bikes on the carrier anyhow).
2. I will have the factory spray in bedliner, so blowing or washing out dirt and dust is no problem at all. I want to be able to store things like camping gear with an assumption everything will be dry on arrival, permitting a few drops to leak hear and there. Once I learn the most likely ingress points, I'll keep anything water sensitive away.
3. I don't think I mentioned it as a requirement, but I want something that opens the entire bed up without having to remove the tonneau. So folding covers that don't fold up against the back of the cab are going to be a no-go.
4. The Bakflip specifically listed which do and which do not allow tailgate open/close with the rear section down. I didn't see that on the Lomax, for example, but I may have missed where they specified it does/doesn't work that way.
5. Thanks for the 3-panel vs. 4-panel understanding. They didn't have a demo video for the F1 and the stock photo showed a 3 panel even after I specified my 8' bed.
6. I don't currently need to see 5r or GN hookups, although I did get the fifth wheel prep. I assume it would work just fine with the way the MX4 folds up to the cab.

Thanks again for all the first hand knowledge.

 

I don't think one cover is going to meet all of your requirements. What is your top 2 must haves? I have a diamondback cover and I can fit 2 kids and 2 full size mountain bikes in the bed. Just take the front tires off the full size bikes. The unit is very secure and so far has not leaked at all. Made it through harvey with a bone dry bed. It is by no means perfect in regards to easily accessing the full bed, but meets my top 2 needs of security and keeping the bed dry. It will also support up to 1600lbs on top.

 

After reading requirement #3, your pretty much stuck with a folding cover. I'm not a fan of covering the rear window unless I'm towing a camper. That said, look at the Peragon. You lose 4-6 inches folded and it is removable. It was the one I was picking if not going rolling retractable. Like RobRoy7768 said, you can't have it all.

One thing I really miss from my solid cover on my F150 is when it's pouring rain I can open it up and grab what I need without soaking the bed on the tailgate end. Just food for thought here.

 

 

Wait, what have I said I wanted the MX4 doesn't do? I think it would work fine - so I guess the question is really, is there a better choice and why? I think the level of water resistance it has is just fine, but would tend to pick a different model if it had better waterproofing and did everything else. I think the other options people have suggested might have better waterproofing, but I'd have to give up a real feature to get it. My standard was "good for a folding tonneau", not "the best waterproofing available". I recognize that's only going to come from a full cover that wraps the top edges, but I don't want to give up the folding features for that.

 

#4 - the site has been updated. It says the MX4 and F1 allow the tailgate to be opened and closed with the panel down. I said that in my first post because I got it from the site.