The BakFlip F1 Tonneau Cover is the flagship tonneau cover in BAK Industries line-up of hard folding tonneau covers.
Resting on our laurels is not something that BAK has ever been inclined to do. So, once we reached the summit of our game with the introduction the the BakFlip G2, we continued to study the tonneau cover arena. BAK Industries is always looking for areas where we might be able to implement improvement. For all intents and purposes the BakFlip G2 seemed to be the ultimate tonneau cover. Between the BakFlip that, the BakFlip HD and the BakFlip CS, you might imagine that finding a way to better the product would be somewhat redundant. After all, what could we possibly do to make a better tonneau? At some point, one may look at the landscape and say “if it works don’t fix it”. Well, we decided not to fix it, but rather to add another BakFlip member to the family. This time, the BakFlip F1 and here’s why:
There are parts of the world where the weather can be particularly harsh. Whether it’s deep in Alaska or even in the sweltering Arizona sun, the elements can have devastating effects on your vehicle and it’s accessories. After 2 years of having aluminum tonneau covers in the field, we’d been privy to happenings where hail had damaged a few of out covers. We’d heard stories where folks vehicles got so hot that they could literally fry an egg on them and that my friends, is where we decided to lend our focus. So we set out to find a material that could handle the harshest of elements and ultimately eneded up with the BakFlip F1.
The BakFlip F1 is made to the exact same specifications as the BakFlip HD. It has all the same attributes in terms of strength, function, design, fit, appearance, warranty and install. But, where it differs is that the top surface of the panels, rather being aluminum, are covered with a fiberglass reinforced polymer. This stuff is super strong, impact resistant, fade proof, ding proof, scuff proof, won’t expand or contract and stays cooler to the touch in comparison to aluminum. As a black tonneau cover, the FRP surface will still get hot, but certainly not like metal.
When we first began to explore the option of a polymer to use on the top surface of our F1 cover we were extremely skeptical. In the past we’d tried ABS, but didn’t have enough faith in an ABS tonneau cover. We toyed with TPO which is what motorcycle chest plates and boots are made out of, but TPO seemed to scuff to easily and didn’t quite look good enough. So when we finally stumbled across FRP it was like finding the holy grail itself!
The BakFlip F1 still has an aluminum substrate as we have confidence that aluminum provides the structural stability the BakFlip panels need and is still lightweight. We also prefer to attach components to aluminum, rather than a polymer for obvious reasons. The latch mechanisms etc., are all attached to the aluminum substrate, making the cover extremely strong.
The BakFlip F1 is actually a few LBS lighter than it’s G2 and HD brother and sister, but is every bit as strong and can certainly withstand a beating and emerge without a scratch.
If you’re heavy on your truck cover, feel the need to throw something on top of it every now and then, live in a climate with lots of ice or hail or simply want your tonneau cover to stay cooler in the summer months than a metal tonneau cover, then the BakFlip F1 is for you.
The BakFlip F1 has superior injection molded cable covers, adding elegance, style and refinement to the operational components of your BakFlip cover.
BakFlip F1 latch covers
The BakFlip F1 also has a newly designed flush fit square hinge. It has superior weather resistance as well.
BakFlip F1 Hinge
BakFlip F1 flush hinge design
44 Comments
I am currently looking for a tonneau cover. I found Bakflip and got very interested. I own a 2009 F350 long bok and haul a fifth wheel. I went to a Ford dealer in my neck of the woods (Ottawa Canada) and it seems that they have a very similar product but they can’t tell me if it is made by Bak.
Anyhow, I’d like to get more information because I would be using it to drive with the cover 1/2 open when I have the fifth wheel hooked on. Nowhere in your well made video did I see a fifth wheel pin or making use of the backflip while pinned to a fifth wheel.
My question, would the G2 of HD be a good choice to put on my truck and hook to the fifth wheel? Can I drive 60-70 miles per hours with 2 or 3 pannels flipped opend?
Thanks a lot…. Mike
Hi Mike,
The Ford OEM tonneau cover is indeed made by BAK Industries. With that said, the BakFlip tonneau covers will operate the identical way. The differences are subtle, but include a longer warranty through Ford and a few minor refinements in terms of drain valves, rubber seals, modified latch release handles etc. By and large though, the covers are pretty much the same.
As far as being able to use the BakFlip with a 5th wheel: You can most certainly do so. BakFlip covers (both G2 and HD) have D-rings positioned on top of the cover (right behind your cab). The paels also have D-rings underneath. So when you fold over one, two or three panels, you have the luxury of being able to easily secure them down by making use of the automatic latching system which holds the panels down to the rails as well as using the D-rings to further secure the panels down to allow you to drive with the BakFlip tonneau cover open in any incremental position. In short, it’s a match made in heaven for anyone who hauls a 5th wheel.
I just installed a BakFlip F1 on my 2004 F150. It was a super easy install and I love the way it looks on the truck. EXTREMELY well built unit. With my locking tailgate this will be a very secure top. I am very happy with my BakFlip and a buddy is also going to order one for his truck
i need one of these for my 03 avalanche!!!!
Can I use a product like spray detailer or Turtle Wax Ice on my F1 cover?
IM LOOKING FOR A ALUMINUM COVER FOR MY 1950 FORD F-1,,,,,,,,,,,DO YOU CARRY IT? THANKS JERRY
Can you close the tailgate with the Bakflip F1 in place (ie without having to fold/lift the last segment, as per the original Bakflips)?
Does anyone know if you can install the Bakflip F1 with a Ford factory plastic bed liner?
You can most definitely install the BakFlip with a Ford plastic bedliner.
Just got the F1 for my 10′ Tacoma looks awesome easy to install however shortly after in stalling it it began to rain so looked under the cover and it’s leaking from a few spots I’m thinking the seals just need time to reset from being shipped is this common?
Erik
Hi Erik,
It does take a while sometimes for your seals to settle. Usually the heat will welp expedite this. leave your truck parked out in direct sunlight for a while and you should be good in a matter of an hour or so.
Debating between the HD and F1. This will be going on a Ford SD. I pull a gooseneck trailer so the cover will be partially open for a period of time. Does the F1 have the D rings as mentioned installed on the HD? Would the F1 have less expansion/contaction in heat/cold to stay watertight better?
I think that the F1 is the best of the best. It has better impact resistance than the HD, it doesn’t get as hot to the touch and is frankly speaking, as strong as you’ll ever need a tonneau cover to be. The F1 has all the D-rings and bells and whistles built into it and actually has an aluminum substrate, which means it will absolutely not expand or contract. It’s water resistance is fantastic as well.
i need one for a dodge ram 2010 short bed with rambox im from P.R how much it cost
Can I buy the rails for a CS but not the rack? Would you sell the racks separately?
Hello,
I really want to buy the F1, however I am concerned about it fitting with the bed rails I have on my 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 Outdoorsman. I will try to attach a link to picture of the area I am concerned with. Can anyone provide any guidance?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v479/diablo0813/Truck/PhotoJan14215943.jpg
Thank you in advance,
Chris Douin
Hi Chris,
I looked at your rails and will tell you that the BakFlip F1 will fit with them. You may need to do some extremely minor trimming of rubber with a scissors, but it’s no big deal at all and even if necessary, will take less than a minute. The F1 will look incredible with your rails.
Hi Julian,
You mention in a post above that the Ford OEM product produced by BAK Industries differs “with a few minor refinements in terms of drain valves, rubber seals, modified latch release handles etc.” When I hear “refinements” I instantly think “better.” I have not seen the Ford accessory product (or the F1 yet either for that matter) but I’m wondering if you could elaborate on the three items you mentioned were refined and if these are things that could be upgraded through your service dept if I purchase an F1? Thanks again for an awesome company to work with.
Good day,
Is the bakFlip for the mitsubishi tritron 2010 double cab already available if so please give us info and how much? Im from the philippines how can i get the said product?
Hi there, I recently purchased the F1 for my 2009 Honda Ridgeline. I installed the cover last week and it was a breeze. The cover looks great and really dolls up the overall look of the truck. Today, a buddy and I installed a manual Pop-N-Lock tailgate lock, which actually took longer than the BakFlip. Anyway, it works well and my truck bed is now secure. Thanks for a great product!
I have a 2009 Dodge 1500 RamBox. What is the exact BakFlip tonneau model for my Rambox? And does one have to go through a dealer?
You need part 72207RB. The best place to find one I. Yiur area is on Tonneaucovers.com
Mr. Maimin,
Very interested in the F1. Do you offer military discounts? Thanks!
Tony
Hi Tony,
We ABSOLUTELY offer Military discounts. We love all of our service men and women in uniform and are indebted to you guys. We will help you out wherever we can. Drop me a personal email at julian@bakliner.com and I will assist you.
I have a 2011 F-150, FX4 with an STK drop in liner. I purchased and F1 Cover which should be delivered this week sometime. Is the F1 fully compatible with my liner? Do you foresee and any difficulty with installation?
Just purchased a 2011 F150 supercrew FX4 with the Ford cargo management rail system and installed a duraliner 5 piece boxliner … will the F1 work for me and if so what about the bakbox?
Hi Kraemer, the F1 will work perfectly for you. Make sure to add the letter “T” after your part number. In your case, you’ll need part 72309T. This will ensure that the cover integrates perfectly with your track rail system. The BakBox will also work perfectly.
Great, thanks Julian. How does it attach … bolt on or slide into the track?
Im trying to decide on the f1 or the hd model my concern is the finish on the outer panels is f1 have the same shine and texture as the hd model
I HAVE A 2011 GMC SIERRA EXT CAB WILL THE F1 FIT ALL RIGHT ON MY TRUCK.
Yes, use part number 72101. It will fit the GMC Sierra perfectly.
Will a BakFlip F1 fit with a Thule TracRac G2 system on a 2011 F150 with a 6 1/2′ bed? I’ve heard conflicting answers on this. If it will work, please provide the product number for the F1 that fits with the Thule TracRac. Thanks.
Hi Mark,
BAK, in conjunction with Thule, has developed a bracket kit that allows you to mount your Thule rack slightly wider than normal. This allows you to use the rack and the BakFlip at the same time. It’s pretty cool. Your best bet is to reach out to Charly@bakliner.com and ask him to assist you. Charly has been instrumental in spearheading this project and will be able to steer you in the right direction.
Will the Bak work with an “in bed” truck box? The truck box sit sets flush with the bed rails and/or sits down inside of the bed? I have a 2005 Toy Trunda
Does the F1 seal well with an over the rail boxliner spray?
Just received the BakFlip F1 tonnoeau cover purchased from an eBay seller. After checking the content of the box I am not sure if it really is the BackFlip F1.
The instruction manual is for BakFlip G2. There were only 6 clamps however the 2011 BakFlip catalog says the F1 comes with 8 clamps. Also the sticker on the rails says the rails are for G2 (also lists part number 26309 = G2).
Can anyone tell me how can I check whether I received the BackFlip F1 I paid for?
Marian: I just recieved and installed my Bakflip F1 a couple of days ago and have the labels setting in front of me from doing the warranty registration. There were two boxes/labels one marked rails only and one marked cover only. Both labels have Bak industries logos printed on them and were clearly marked BAK FLIP – F1. The instuction manual is marked BakFlip G2 Instruction Manual. The F1 has fiberglass reinforced composit cover panels, the G2 has aluminum panels. It does seems like the rails did have a small sticker on them that I pealed off and threw away marked G2. As for the number of clamps mine came with 8 but was ordered for my 2011 Chevy Silverado with an 8 ft bed. Make shure you have someone give you a hand when you install the front two flat head elevator bolts and Star knobs, there is a rubber washer a flat washer and a lock washer involved that doing it by myself left me a tad bit frustrated. The rest of the installation went great. Hope this was helpful too you.
Talking about safety of cargo, we should always keep in mind that hard tonneau covers are the best sources. Very helpful site! Great review as well.
It is very much convenient to have an access to your truck bed in all possible directions.
I ordered the F1 & BAKBOX for my 2012 Tacoma and love the fit. Was disappointed to find out the BAKBOX does not work with the Short bed. I also have an issue with the seals that run along my bed on top. During shipping they were damaged and Oscar is working on replacement. Thanks Oscar!! I am also curious if you will be coming out with a BAKBOX in the future for the Short Bed?? I see you now have attachment points also for the F1 for tiedown straps. I will be ordering those soon.
I bought a Bakflip F1 for my Ford F150 and was disappointed to receive the G2 instructions. I watched the installation video and was able to install it, and it looks great. Unfortunately, I’m left with a long piece of weatherstripping that was not shown on the video. Where does it go? I have had some minor leaking up at the front of the bed and I’m wondering if that’s the problem.
The bak flip f1 I have fitted to my 2012 Ford ranger t6 is great my only concern is the last panel does not latch down tightly how do I over come this ? The fitting rails are as close to the body as they can go any ideas . Also can you let me know when the alarm is going to become available in the UK.
Hi I received the bakflip f1 from Auto Parts Warehouse (MVP auto parts). I had a question on the installation and also asked if on the F1 whether or not I get 6 or 8 hold down brackets. I contacted your company of the website and explained waht I need and received an email back stating “Contact your retailer for support”. Is this how your company supports its products? What if a warranty issue came up? The cover looks good, but your customer service is lacking. Please respond. Thank you
I just had a great talk with Ivan. He gave me the instructions that I need and I was very impressed with the honesty and integrity that I heard. Thanks so much for the great it is on and looks great. Marty
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