Extang solid vs Bakflip mx4 vs switchblade
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 1,502
Likes: 166
Properly installed I’d say 95%. I use a car wash regularly and it’s rare for more than a few drops of water.
the gutter system that has drain hoses on the front does not have drain hoses on the back; the channel is just open to the tailgate edge. I find water rarely gets into the channel, but when it does the back near the tailgate is where you will find those few drips. I find this is about what you’d get anyway without applying a seal hinge to the tailgate / bed joint. this is the same with the mx4 as well.
If you want 100% certain waterproof you want an unhinged or single hinge cover, and you will need to seal the bed and get a tailgate hinge seam. I’m happy with the trifold performance and it’s benefits outweigh its compromises for me.
the gutter system that has drain hoses on the front does not have drain hoses on the back; the channel is just open to the tailgate edge. I find water rarely gets into the channel, but when it does the back near the tailgate is where you will find those few drips. I find this is about what you’d get anyway without applying a seal hinge to the tailgate / bed joint. this is the same with the mx4 as well.
If you want 100% certain waterproof you want an unhinged or single hinge cover, and you will need to seal the bed and get a tailgate hinge seam. I’m happy with the trifold performance and it’s benefits outweigh its compromises for me.
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 10,180
Likes: 1,378
From: Chaz
https://4wdlife.com/bakflip-mx4-tonn...in_Differences
I use the MX4. Was the best value I saw at the time for my use.
I use the MX4. Was the best value I saw at the time for my use.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 389
Likes: 3
From: MD
I have had all three of them over the years. I am not a fan of the bakflip due to losing rear window site when folded up. The solid fold is a good one, just do not like the opening mechanism (cable).. I plan on a fold a cover for this truck, like how it opens from front and rear. THey have a tool box you can add, but I am just going to get a plastic bin with lid and put up front of the bed...
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 90
Likes: 6
I just called BAKFLIP yesterday. I have the fibermax and have thought it was great. A few days ago I noticed it looked like it was delaminating. Lumps on the surface on all the panels. After looking closely it has gotten thicker. I dont know whats inside these but it is acting like flakeboard would in water. Waiting for a call back from them.
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More Turbo
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 579
Likes: 332
From: Southwest Michigan
I like the Extang Solid Fold. It's easy to take off and put on and leave no hardware on the truck. Mine has never leaked a drop.
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 56
Likes: 3
My BakFlip
I'd opt for the MX4 for an extra $100 or so since it has a higher load rating plus a 3 year warranty vs 1 year I believe.
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 411
Likes: 106
I'm likely going with a BakFlip MX4 again. Had the F1 on an F250 and had some quality issues. I've been very pleased with the MX4 over the last two plus years. I like that you can strap it down on the last panel before the cab instead of folding it up to the window. I'll be towing a fifth wheel, so this should give me the clearance I need while retaining visibility. I've also considered a retractable cover, but I hear they can leak a bit more, and I'm not a fan of the canister.
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 10,180
Likes: 1,378
From: Chaz
My only complaint on the MX4 on my shortbed is it makes the bed camera almost unusable. They should modify it some but that might not be possible in 3 sections.
Its not a big deal, the camera sucks anyway. They must have had left overs they sourced from the 1990s.
Its not a big deal, the camera sucks anyway. They must have had left overs they sourced from the 1990s.
Tuned
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 322
Likes: 3
From: Belleville IL
I have a BAKFlip G2 on my 2019 F250 CC SB. I installed it flush with the front edge of the bed and it needs a good 1 1/2 to 2 inches to cover the tailgate adequately enough to prevent water intrusion during rain or running it through the car wash. Not pleased at all and will not buy another BAKFlip anything. In retrospect, I should've gone with the Extang...Oh well.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,219
Likes: 5
Oddly enough my Extang just arrived via freight shipment this morning! Will update when I get it installed after work. I read some many reviews that talked about water logged panels and no warranty help....scared me out of a Bakflip.
Tuned
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 322
Likes: 3
From: Belleville IL
Please post pics after your install...
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 4,738
Likes: 103
From: FL
Happy with my BAKflip F1. Like the FRP finish seems resistant to scratching. Not 100% waterproof but works well enough. Got a deal by calling BAK industries direct and mentioned I am a forum member.