BAKFlip MX4 Review: Comparison with BAKFlip F1, Fibermax and G2

BAK is a well-known aftermarket cover company that produces a full line of different tonneau covers for truck owners. The BAKFlip covers are some of their most popular covers told today. These covers are rated highly by many of their users, but there are several different models to choose from. The Bakflip MX4 cover is one of the newer options, and the focus of this review, but I’ll also take the time to compare the cover to other top options like the BAKFlip F1, the Fibermax and the G2 covers to help interested buyers determine which option is best for them. Below is an overview of the MX4 followed by a comparison of the different models.

Design

The Bakflip MX4 is a panel-style tonneau cover made from four EPS foam-filled aluminum panels. It unfolds into position and folds back up when bed access is necessary. The cover operates using simple slider mechanisms that are simple to understand and use.

When in the open position the cover folds up and out of the way of the bed, opening it into a partially open, or fully open position. The open cover will flip up and out of the way when necessary. This creates more room than a roll-up style tonneau cover but impedes rear vision by blocking the full rear window. When folded out, the tonneau cover locks into a position that allows the tailgate to lift up and down. It unlocks with a sliding latch system on the underside that is only accessible when the tailgate is folded down for added security.

Installation System

The Bak Industries MX4 cover installs simply with a series of clamps and adhesive rubber bumpers. The cover rails lock into position at either side of the truck bed using four clamps that are tightened into position. The tonneau cover itself attaches with a pair of bolts that lock onto brackets built into the clamped-on rails.

Once bolted into position the cover can be unfolded into position over the truck bed. The installation is finished up by adding a drain tube that exits out the side of the truck bed. Installation doesn’t require any retrofitting and can be completed by most in less than an hour. Most customers remark that installation is simple, and few complain about complications during the process.

Security

While there is no lock system built into the Bakflip MX4 tonneau cover, it is designed with security in mind. The panels of the cover are difficult to deform and can withstand up to 400 lbs. of weight on them during use.

The cover is locked into position with a slide latch, and that latch is only accessible when the tailgate is folded down. This effectively secures the cover in position as long as the tailgate isn’t readily accessible. Adding a locking tailgate protects the cover as well and prevents truck bed access.

Leak Resistance

The tonneau cover is designed to repel water and does a good job of keeping moisture out along its surface. There is an opportunity for water to leak in along the rail edges of the cover though even though there is a rubber seal system.

There are built-in drains that empty moisture off the rail and out the sides of the truck. Most moisture will drain out, but a small amount will get down into the bed. Even during heavy rain moisture leaks are minimal, but it’s important to note that your truck bed won’t ever be 100% dry using this cover.

Bakflip MX4 vs Bakflip F1 – The Main Differences

The MX4 and F1 tonneau cover models are very similar in design but there are some key differences to be aware of. The F1 has a rougher texture, while the MX4 has a smoother appearance. The MX4 also features a new design that allows the tonneau cover to remain latched in position when the tailgate is closed, the F1 must be lifted up to close the tailgate and then snapped into position.

Aside from the aesthetic differences, the F1 cover is rated more highly against dents and scratches and should hold its form a bit better in tough performance conditions.

Bakflip MX4 vs Bakflip G2- Exploring The Differences

One of the most important differences is that the MX4 tonneau cover can remain latched in position when latching the tailgate. With the G2 the cover must be unlatched to latch the tailgate. This can become tiresome when leaving the cover in position for an extended period.

The G2 cover has a glossy upper coat layer while the MX4 has a matte finished finish coat on the tonneau cover top. The G2 cover has a .5″ cover core, while the MX4 has a thicker .75″ EPS foam core. The G2 features a weaker aluminum latch housing compared to the injection-molded latch housing of the MX4. The G2 comes with a two-year warranty, compared to the three-year warranty on the MX4.

The MX4 is also rated to withstand a bit more weight with a 400 lbs.cover rating compared to the 300 lbs. rating on the G2. The G2 is an older product and normally given a lower price, so it’s important to consider the product differences and to decide which is the better value at their comparative prices.

Bakflip MX4 vs Fibermax – The Differences

They’re both designed the same, but come with some major differences that are worth exploring before making a final purchase decision. One of the most obvious differences is in the style of the covers. Both have a matte finish, but the Fiber model is split into three cover panels while the Backflip MX4 is split into four. The MX4 comes with an injection molded latch system that’s supposed to hold up better than the aluminum latch system used on the Fiber. The Fibermax cover must be lifted at the end when shutting your truck’s tailgate, the MX4 can be latched when the tailgate is closed with no problems.

The Bakflip Fiber has a .5″ EPS core compared to the .75″ core on the MX4 and is rated at 300 lbs. Compared to the 400 lbs. rating on the MX4. The Fiber is supposed to be more dent and scratch resistant and customers remark that it’s more likely to look like new for longer than the MX4 does. The Fiber has just a two-year warranty while the MX4 is protected by a lengthier three-year warranty. Other than these key differences the covers are quite similar and operate about the same. The MX4 and Fiber covers are often sold at a similar price point as well, but a price comparison should be performed before deciding on a cover at your local supplier.

FAQ

1. Are the Bakflip covers easy to install?
   Yes, each cover installs in less than one hour and does not require drilling or fabricating.
2. Are the covers fully weather resistant?
   No, while each cover is good at keeping moisture out thanks to effective seals and drain systems, some moisture will likely get in during everyday operation. The moisture amount will be minimal though with proper installation.
3. Is the Bak warranty transferrable?
   No, Bak cover warranties are not transferrable which means that a new owner will not be protected by the original warranty.
4. Can the covers be locked in partially open conditions?
   Yes, somewhat. Each of the Bakflip covers has a partially open position that exposes a portion of the truck bed while covering some. The cover gets locked in position with a simple clip. Owners can’t lock the cover in multiple partial positions, but between the one partial covered position and the flipped up position of the tonneau covers there is some flexibility available.

Bakflip MX4 Prices

Conclusion – Which Tonneau Cover is Right for You?

After this in-depth feature overview and comparison, it will hopefully be easier to select the right cover for you. Each cover has benefits and drawbacks, and I’ll break down the options one last time to help point buyers in the right direction.

For the cheapest cover option, the G2 cover is likely the best option. It sacrifices a bit on strength, and on dent resistance. It’s also the only glossy cover.

The F1 and MX4 covers both offer the highest strength rating with a 400 lbs. Load rating, but the F1 cover takes it a step further with dent and scratch resistance. The MX4 has a superior latching system though.

The Bakflip Fiber offers the same dent and scratch resistance as the F1 at a lower price. It’s rated for 300 lbs. and uses an aluminum latch system, both lesser quality features compared to the MX4.

Another major difference to note is that the MX4 is the only cover that can be locked into position when the tailgate is closed. All the others must be lifted up at the end when closing the tailgate. This makes it slightly more convenient to use on a daily basis.

Each cover installs in the same way and operates similarly, so the slight differences emphasized above should be used as deciding factors when trying to select a popular Bakflip cover.

Hopefully, this comparison makes choosing a Bakflip tonneau cover a bit easier. If you’ve owned any of these covers in the past, or you own one now, please leave your feedback along with any personal stories you have about your experience. Any input helps everyone to select the very best cover option.

Are you looking for the best tonneau cover for your Ram 1500 or Silverado truck? Then check our comprehensive comparison articles.