Yet Another Bed Cover Thread

Leadman · May 20, 2011

I'm ready to pull the trigger on getting a bed cover, but need some help with the options. After plenty of research I feel like the flip type cover is the best combination of sturdy, easy, functional, plus the benefit of having full access to the bed. I like the BakFlip, but their site lists 4 different models. What are the differences and which ones have you used? Other brands besides Bak I should consider?

Bonus question - I don't have a lock on my tailgate. What is the best way to add one?

BurroWDMS · May 20, 2011

http://www.bakfliptonneaucover.com

Highlights the differences on that website.

Extang makes a nice looking solid fold, but it covers up the stake pocket holes (if that matters to you) as it sits on top of the bed instead of flush like the backflip.

http://www.extang.com/docs/solidfold.html

Pop & Lock makes a tailgate lock, if you don't want to have a factory one installed or if it's too expensive (I've never priced adding the factory one)

http://www.popandlock.net/index.php?p=prod...=8&parent=0

I've found that just about every local truck accessory store stocks these and will install them for you on the spot. YMMV.

Doug_Scott · May 20, 2011

Factory lock for my 2010 was about $50CAN. It uses your original truck key. Easy to install.

AzDragonLord · May 21, 2011

I think the Bakflip is great! I bought this tailgate lock for my truck...it's codeable to work with your existing key and looks great...

http://www.gmaccessorydealer.com/details.asp?prod_id=74060

MikeNH · May 22, 2011

Bakflip has one made of aluminum, this is the least expensive. Next up is a poly something or other that is stronger. Then they have one that works with their own version of the cargo management stuff then a tougher aluminum one. I was real torn when I picked out a cover as I loved that the BakFlips sit flush but in the end I wanted something easily removable to gain full bed access and I went with the Extang Solid Fold. It sits on top of the bed, but it is very durable, extremely watertight (doesn't leak in the high-pressure touch free washes) and still is lockable.

Leadman · May 23, 2011

Thanks for the responses guys. Good to know the lock shouldn't be too costly and it sounds like I need to also consider the Extang.

MikeNH · May 23, 2011

Thanks for the responses guys. Good to know the lock shouldn't be too costly and it sounds like I need to also consider the Extang.

I'm happy with mine. This is a quick cell pic I took after installing it:

lfb57 · May 28, 2011

I had a bakflip. It was nice but I was not impressed with the cheap plastic latches and the pull wire. Not very secure in my opinion. I have a fold-a-cover now and the latch mechanism is much sturdier. I hope bakflip has improved their design.

2010SSRS · June 19, 2011

not sure if ya pulled the trigger yet, but i found a GMC hard folding that i LOVE for less than $250 shipped on ebay. i see more on there too. looks smooth and flat, appears to be aluminum, tri-fold and secures with 4 levers at the corners. takes 1 minute to put it on and take it off.......

Leadman · June 20, 2011

not sure if ya pulled the trigger yet, but i found a GMC hard folding that i LOVE for less than $250 shipped on ebay. i see more on there too. looks smooth and flat, appears to be aluminum, tri-fold and secures with 4 levers at the corners. takes 1 minute to put it on and take it off.......

All I see on eBay for that price range look like vinyl on an aluminum frame. I really want a solid material.

OKLAGMCRUISER · June 20, 2011

not sure if ya pulled the trigger yet, but i found a GMC hard folding that i LOVE for less than $250 shipped on ebay. i see more on there too. looks smooth and flat, appears to be aluminum, tri-fold and secures with 4 levers at the corners. takes 1 minute to put it on and take it off.......

link?

Zral · June 24, 2011

not sure if ya pulled the trigger yet, but i found a GMC hard folding that i LOVE for less than $250 shipped on ebay. i see more on there too. looks smooth and flat, appears to be aluminum, tri-fold and secures with 4 levers at the corners. takes 1 minute to put it on and take it off.......

All I see on eBay for that price range look like vinyl on an aluminum frame. I really want a solid material.

My Solid Fold arrived yesterday! Wedding anniversary gift from my super pregnant, super awesome wife. It took me about an hour to install. It really does take about 3 minutes. Why an hour? 1) I'm ADD 2) OCD. ;-) Broke out the tape measure, beer, washed the bed, beer, dried the bed, beer and alcohol wipes (for the tailgate seal). I think it was 50lbs or so. Unboxed it, grabbed it, crawled in the bed still carrying it and placed at the back. Can't get over how easy this thing is.

1. Light weight - honey comb aluminum

2. SOLID! - honey comb aluminum

3. Low Profile - it's not flush but it's not LineX high

4. No holes, screws, bolts, hydraulics

5. Complete and full access to bed if desired

rmoncello · June 25, 2011

not sure if ya pulled the trigger yet, but i found a GMC hard folding that i LOVE for less than $250 shipped on ebay. i see more on there too. looks smooth and flat, appears to be aluminum, tri-fold and secures with 4 levers at the corners. takes 1 minute to put it on and take it off.......

All I see on eBay for that price range look like vinyl on an aluminum frame. I really want a solid material.

I've had a BakFlip F1 for about 3 weeks now. I see you're a bit south of me in TX. The main difference between the BakFlip G2 and F1 is that the G2 is aluminum shell and F1 is a FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Polymer or something). BIG advantage is that it doesn't get so hot. Still need to be careful, nearly burned by fingers on the frame even though the panels were cool. Of course, if you want to fry eggs on your cover in the coming months, get the G2. :-) Their other two options are the HD (has cargo rack with a G2) and the RollBak (but that's something entirely different).

My truck came with a factory lock. I'd just get the parts from somewhere (original GM) and install it myself.