Hard Folding Tonneau Cover

After some recent issues & then returning my Extang Solid Fold, I am once again in the market for a hard folding tonneau cover for my 2013 DCLB Taco. I definitely like the idea of a hard folding cover and believe that it will suit my needs. Some of the features that are important to me are being water tight, secure, ability to use the truck bed, & durable.

The 2 covers I have narrowed it down to are:

Fold-A-Cover G4 Elite - Pros: Ability to open cover at either end, has a good locking mechanism, ability to use the Toyota Rail system, seems fairly watertight.
Cons: The most difficult to install, takes a few tools to remove the cover to use the entire truck bed, over $100 more than the Fibermax.

Bakflip Fibermax - Pros: Easy installation, nice flush look, folds out of the way to completely utilize the truck bed, the top on cover is made fiberglass reinforced polymer which makes it dent resistant. Cheaper than G4 Elite
Cons: Can't use Toyota Rail system, some say it leaks, can open with a coat hanger.

How well does the finish hold up on these covers? Do they scratch/dent easily? Anyone have one for several years? How are they holding up?

I just wanted to get everyone's opinions on the 2 options to help make a decision, but I'm open to other suggestions as well.

 

I have had my G4 Elite for over a year. I switched from a snuglid sl. It is pretty tough. It does not scratch or dent easily.

Here are a couple reasons why I chose it over the BakFlip:
Rail system can still be used.
Tacoma bed is shallow already, the extra height of the G4 is more convenient for a little more height and still secured bed.
Locking/latching mechanism on the G4 is superior to the bakflip. More secure. I can open the tailgate or tonneau idenpendently of each other if a locking/latching mechanism fails.
I installed the electric pop n lock for added security. I did not install the L bracket connecting the tonneau to the tailgate.
I rarely need a 100% open bed. If I do, I can remove the G4 in a few minutes with a wrench.
Front bed access is nice.
New G4 clamping installation system is easy to install and adjust for water tightness.

 

I just installed the BakFlip F1 last night. It does seem like a durable product. The install was easy and it fits perfect. Looks sharp too. I did all the same research your doing and decided on the BakFlip. You are sure to get plenty of opinions good and bad. Good luck!

 

X2 on the F1. I've had it for 2 years and still very happy. Still looks new. No leaks and I've been through a couple of frog chokers. Easily removed although its best to make a two person job of taking it off the truck.

 

I was in the same boat the other month, so I researched which folding cover I wanted to buy as well. I ended up with the G4 Elite and installed it the other week. The install was quick to get it on the truck and bolt in all the hardware (under 30 min.) but it took over an hour to get it to line up perfectly.

I'd say spend the little extra and get something that fits your needs. If you do get the G4 Elite, don't rivet on the L shape bracket to the plastic (can't believe they expect that to stay). Drill the holes and bolt on the bracket instead.

 

I just bought a new to me 2010 that already had a Bakflip on it. Obviously, I don't know how the P.O treated the cover, but the rest of the truck is in very good condition.
The cover is beyond the end of it's lifespan. The rails are all boogered up at the latches (I suspect it is a result of the "slam latch" system) and won't close properly. The panels themselves are separating from the hinges. The rubber weatherstrip is all shot to heck as well.
Again, to be fair I do not know the history of this cover, but for $7-800 I would not consider buying another one.

 

Did my research on G4 and BakFlip back and forth for 2 months. I pulled the trigger on the G4. If you just want the look, go with backflip. If you want functionalities and security, go with G4.

 

That's one of the reasons I was checking out the Fibermax. It seems to have some of the best features of F1 without the price tag. It has received some pretty good reviews here. I've heard the the differences between the F1 & the Fibermax, is that the F1 has a thicker panel which allows it to support more weight. It also has a beefier latch system.

 

I purchased the G4 because the cover sits on top of the bed rails, it can be opened from both ends, and it's locked with a key. I also installed the pop-n-lock, so no need for the latch. You will notice two gaps at either end. I installed pipe installation on the cab end and a 1" aluminum angle on the tailgate end.

Gap by cab:
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/263550-diy-tonneau-cover-front-edge-gap-leak-fix-cheap-easy.html#post6447887

Gap by tailgate:
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/148891-fold-cover-elite-2.html#post6348168

The two main reasons why I did not purchase a Bakflip were the coat hanger thing and I wasn't keen on drilling holes in the bed for the drain tubes.

 

That's kind of where I've been for the past few weeks going back & forth between the 2 covers. The G4 gets some great reviews here & has some great features. My favorite being that you have the ability to open the cover at either end, it's the most secure, & best resistance to the weather. However, some things seem to be more of an after thought, like the weather seal that have to be adhered with double sided tape.

 

I've seen a few pictures on here that seems that there is a gap between the tailgate & the weather seal. It seems as though that will let some water intrude.

I'm not too crazy about the Bakflip cover being able to be opened with a coat hanger. I typically don't keep stuff in the bed, but I would like to keep anything that I put back there relatively secure. Also, I have seen some members here use a barbed brass fitting on the end of drain hoses that fit into the drain holes in the bed.

 

OP, what issues did y have with the Extang Solid Fold? I just ordered one earlier this week and am awaiting delivery .

 

Keep in mind, I seriously doubt that you will find a water tight cover unless you go with an Undercover. All you can do is try to minimize the amount of water that can enter the bed.

 

That's kind of what I'm anticipating. A couple small leaks around the edges or corners is somewhat acceptable as long as there is not a lot of water intruding. However leaking in the center of the cover where the hinge folds is not acceptable(this was one the issues I was having with my old Extang solid fold).

 

I know that the G4 connects and folds on a piano style hinge. How does the Bakflip connect the panels & hinge?

 

I installed a Hard Tri Fold cover by Rugged Cover. Fits perfectly and when adjusted correctly will not leak. When folded back it latches to keep the bed open. Very satisfied with this cover. Normally $800-$850 but I got mine on sale for $650. Well worth the price....

 

I ran my drain hoses to the front storage pocket and drilled the pocket insert. They are more out of the way than using the existing box drain holes. I also wanted the flush profile. iirc I paid about 780 to my door for the f1, a lot of money for me but I've been very happy with this cover.

 

Been satisfied with my Bakflip the past 3 yrs. Minimal leaks,durable, and sits flush with bed.The only negative I have is you lose the side rails for tie downs but at least the front rails are usable and I have D-rings in the rears. It sits flush and can be totally removed/reinstall within 5 mins solo. The panels are encased in a aluminum frame/hinges. I have a locking tailgate as theft deterrent but if I was even remotely afraid of someone with a coat hanger trying to access the Bakflip, I probably could rig a piece of L-bracket and attach it in front of the interior pull handle to prevent a coat hanger entry. Although IMO, my pull handle needs enough pressure to open that a coat hanger will bend. Any thief with a crow bar can open any bedcover so I doubt they carry around a flashlight and a coat hanger looking only for trucks with a Bakflip.

 

My Fold-A-Cover G4 Elite is the best money spent on my truck to date.

 

Here's some of the issues that I was having. They weren't exactly huge issues (mainly cosmetic), but it was enough for me.

Finally after the original cover & 3 replacement covers I had enough of it. I had came to the conclusion that Extang was sending out refurbished covers for my replacements (Extang will never admit that), & that was completely unsatisfactory for me considering how much money I had spent on the cover and that my original cover was less than a week old. Also note that it usually takes a week and a half to 2 weeks to receive your original cover, because they typically have to build them, but they will send you out a warranty replacement the next day. I would have been much more ok with the refurbs had my cover been 6 months or a year old with some wear & tear on them, but not on a new cover.