Equipping a high-quality truck bed cover is a must if you off-road in your pickup. BAK Industries is a leader in this category, producing some of the best folding and rolling covers in the industry. BAK tonneau covers consistently earn high praise and ratings for their durability, versatility and convenience. The BAKFlip F1 is just one example, but some key features make it a standout. A quick review of these shows why the BAKFlip F1 is one of the best hard-folding tonneau covers on the market.
Best Features of the BAKFlip F1
Durable Construction and Surface
The BAKFlip F1 features an advanced impact-resistant construction, with premium density foam core and heavy-duty aluminum underside panels. The F1’s fiberglass reinforced polymer surface is one of the most resilient in the industry – dent-, ding- and scratch-resistant. Not only that, the F1 includes an upgraded latch housing. Thanks to this superior strength and durability, the F1 stays looking great while protecting your gear for the long haul.
Improved Water Resistance
Moisture is another major enemy when you’re carrying cargo. Fortunately, BAK Industries thought of everything. The BAKFlip F1’s outer rail seals are made from EPDM – that’s short for ethylene propylene diene monomer. EPDM is a synthetic rubber compound boasting superb resistance to environmental damage, including surface-fading UV radiation. UV rays and ozone are a nasty combination: Both can break down chemical bonds and cause materials to disintegrate. Thanks to these properties, EPDM resists weathering and keeps water out of your truck bed.
Sophisticated Drainage System
BAK Industries’ design team shows off its innovative expertise with the BAKFlip F1’s drainage system. Incorporated into the cover itself, this system consists of channels that route liquids away from the cover and into drainage tubes. With this plus the EPDM seals, your truck bed and cargo stay dry.
Complete Truck Bed Access
You want to protect your gear, but you also need easy access to your precious cargo space. BAK bed covers, including the BAKFlip F1, give you access to your entire truck bed. The F1’s unique tri-fold cover completely opens from your tailgate to your cab. Simply fasten the support struts and your bed is 100% open. Whether you’re unloading or just riding the trails, the F1 cover can stay open while installed onto your bed.
Easy Open and Close
Protecting your truck bed is one thing, but a tonneau cover must also be easy to use. The BAKFlip F1 scores high marks in both categories. The trifold cover integrates string latches that let you fold it back toward your truck’s cab. And when you close the cover, those same latches instantly connect with the F1’s rail.
Off-roaders choose BAK Industries truck bed covers for many reasons. With so many top-performing models in its BAKFlip series, it’s easy to understand why. The BAKFlip F1, plus BAK Industries Revolver X2 tonneau covers and rack-integrated models like the BAKFlip CS, have plenty to offer for protection, durability and convenience. Selecting the best one for your pickup is important, but don’t forget to shop at a reputable off-roading parts and accessories retailer.
Types of Tonneau Cover
Truck bed covers have undergone many changes and have been perfected in design and material. You can choose from two main types of Tonneau covers, and each has its pros and cons. The two kinds of Tonneau covers include soft and hardcovers.
Soft covers use an industrial-strength vinyl that is both seamless and lightweight. On the other hand, hardcovers use a rigid material, which can be aluminum or something similar, for an added layer of security. Tonneau covers are further divided on how they open and operate. Therefore, there are four types of Tonneau covers; rolling, folding, retractable, and one-piece/hinged.
Rolling Covers
Rolling covers are designed to open up from the rear and then roll up towards the front. This allows you to have full access to your trunk bed so you can drive with the cover fully open as well.
Rolling covers are divided into soft and hard rolling covers. The former is cost-effective and designed for general use, while the latter is more suitable for those needing added security.
Folding Covers
Folding covers are constructed using a frame, allowing you to fold them into sections. If your cover is tri-fold, you will have access to ⅔ of your bed; if it is a quad-fold, you will have full access to the trunk bed. These covers also come in hard and soft materials. Hard folding covers are great for security, but soft folding is lightweight and economical.
Retractable
Retractable tonneau covers are also called rolling and locking, as the bed cover rolls inside the canister attached to the bed under the back window. These covers are usually made using durable aluminum that glides smoothly in and out of the canister. One downside is that the canister occupies quite a bit of space inside your trunk bed.
Hinged
Hinged or Lid tonneau covers have a seamless and clean look. These covers are excellent at keeping water out and providing security. However, they are difficult to remove and store and can be a nuisance when you want to carry tall items.
Conclusion
A high-quality bed cover is essential in your off-road pickup truck, and having the right kind of bed truck will help you keep your vehicle safe and carry your items with you. Of the many different kinds of covers available, BAKFlip F1 is one of the best out there with its array of features.