BakFlip flips beyond 90 degrees!
It is extremely important to note that all BakFlip covers flip beyond 90 degrees. It's been about 4 years now since BAK Industries adopted and patented this new design of ensuring that the BakFlip folds beyond the 90 degree point and I felt it important enough to let you all know why we did this.
BakFlip folds beyond the 90 degree point
Producing great tonneau covers is sometimes a matter of trial and error. What you think is a great design, sometimes turns out to be less than perfect. This was definitely the case when it came to the original "old G1 version" of the BakFlip tonneau cover. Specifically, one of the biggest issues we found was that folding the panels of the old BakFlip G1 cover to 90 degrees or less was problematic to say the least.
While the old BakFlip was kept at a distance from the cab itself, the design lent itself to problems in the following areas:
1. The panels in the folded up position were not able to withstand impact from a shifting load without potentially damaging the rods that kept them up, as well as the cab itself. relying on a single attachment point to withstand impact from heavy loads was both dangerous and resulted in a excessive amount of warranty claims.
Old G1 style BakFlip with panels at 90 degrees or less
2. Driving with the panels at 90 degrees or less meant that large loads like motorcycles with mudguards, couldn't quite fit properly. In addition, pressure against the panels was put directly on the attachment rods and the rails of the tonneau. This was a bad idea, which ultimately gave rise to our new design, evident in all BakFlip tonneau covers today.
3. Heavy wind gusts resulted in extreme danger in driving with the cover in the upright position. It was extremely important for BAK Industries to produce a cover that was not affected by side winds and shifting loads. In addition, we wanted to produce a cover that not only folded up to provide full access to the bed, but one that actually protected the cab from potential damage.
The result is what you see today in all BakFlip covers. The panels fold completely forward to protect the cab. They are uniquely designed and patented to be impervious to strong wind gusts and the ingenious design puts absolutely zero pressure on the rods that keep the cover in the upright position.
Slamming the cover in the upright position will not affect the rods, the rails or the cover whatsoever. While the old design would likely see damage to the cover, the rails or the cab of the truck itself with a heavy slam to the panels, the new BakFlip remains free from potential damage.
BakFlip's pressure free prop rod
What you get when you buy a BakFlip is not simply a tonneau cover that gives you full access to the truck bed. you get a product that's been tried and tested in real life environments for over 8 years. There's a reason for all the design elements that are evident in all BakFlip covers.
It's extremely noteworthy to understand the importance for the panels to fold completely beyond the 90 degree point. Any compromise on this feature will result in a less than perfect tonneau cover.
In addition to the superior design of the BakFlip cover, specially integrated rubber pads on the back of the BakFlip panels protect the cab of the truck from any damage. There are competitors that will try to say that our covers will cause vibration rub or squeak, but the only thing that squeaks is them. Trust me when I tell you, that were it not for our fine patents, they'd be making covers just like ours.
OEM companies like Ford Motor Company have embraced the BAKFLIP design as the best on the market, because it protects the cab and eliminates potential damage and liability to the tonneau cover and the truck.That's why they use Bakflip covers and not any others as their factory choice to cover their trucks.
For more information, contact us at (818) 365-9000 or visit at www.bakliner.com