The Gator EFX stands out as one of the most affordable tonneau covers available, offering solid protection and security for your truck bed without breaking the bank.
Meanwhile, the BAKFlip MX4 is praised for its sleek and refined appearance, adding a touch of sophistication to your vehicle.
Both are tri-folding covers with low-profile designs. While the Gator EFX offers robust protection and practicality with its sturdy construction, the BakFlip MX4 stands out for its blend of aesthetic sophistication and adaptive design. Both covers serve as reliable shields for truck beds, promising both security and style.
What I like about them?
BAKFlip MX4 is pretty great with its:
- Sleek Jet black look
- Aluminum panels
- 5-year Warranty
Gator EFX on the other hand:
- Is budget-friendly, (almost half the price of MX4).
- comes with robust enough aluminum panels
- Has 3-year warranty, which is cool, I mean again, given it’s price.
Things that can be improved:
In case of BAKFlip MX4, the cover can improve from:
- Waterproofing a little more, of both the cabin side and near the tailgate
- Making it more scratch-proof.
- More adhesive stripping.
- Lowering it’s price a little bit.
On the other hand, the Gator EFX can be improved in terms of:
- Rubbers and stripping, which aren’t neatly cut.
- Fixing up its leakage, particularly from the middle.
- Providing full bed access, currently just opens up to 2/3rd only.
- Making it more dust-resistant.
Table of Contents
Overall Design
So the Gator EFX features three hinged aluminum panels textured finish, that is resistant to UV rays and rust. The hinges are made of heavy-duty rubber compound.
The frame is also made of aluminum and is coated powder black. The cover comes with EPDM seals and stripping.
For a deeper look at Gator EFX, read the detailed article here. Click the link.
Furthermore, it features a pull-cord spring latch at two panels to lock the cover.
EFX cover provides access to 2/3 of the bed with two movable panels; the third panel remains fixed. Nylon buckle straps are included to secure the panels when the vehicle is in motion. It can bear 300 lbs of equally distributed weight.
On the “flip” side, the BAKFlip MX4 is not just a pretty face, it’s tough, with its heavy-duty aluminum build. And about it’s matte black finish? Well, it’s pretty sleek, and kind of gives the truck a more streamlined look, which gives a clear cut difference.
What’s really handy is how you can flip it open and use the whole truck bed. It’s perfect when you need to haul bigger items without a hitch, all while keeping your stuff safe from the usual rain or the occasional snow dump.
BAKFlip MX4 has a sturdy aluminum frame which is also coated black to compliment the panels. It also features premium quality EPDM seals which are durable and do a great job of keeping the elements out (will come to that point later). Plus, it’s strong enough to handle up to 400 lbs spread out on top.
For a deeper dive at BAKFlip MX4, Check out the detailed article.
In summary, both the Gator EFX and BAKFlip MX4 are aluminum covers. The Gator EFX features a textured finish and allows partial access to the truck bed, while the BAKFlip MX4 features a sleek matte finish and provides full bed access.
Weather Performance and Durability
When it comes to standing up to weather, both the BAKFlip MX4 and the Gator EFX have their strengths, but they aren’t invincible—no tonneau cover is.
The BAKFlip MX4 is pretty solid against your average rains and daily splashes, thanks to its good seals and weatherstripping. It’s built to keep most of the water out of your truck bed as long as it’s installed right.
Do you wanna know which type of tonneau cover is more prone to leakage? Read the detailed article here https://toptonneaureview.com/do-all-tonneau-covers-leak/.
But don’t expect it to handle a hurricane, it’s water-resistant, not waterproof. Its matte black finish looks great but it is more prone to scratches. So you need to keep it in mind and should take care of its top.
A little care will keep it looking like new, after all, it is a head-turner, and popular for its looks. That’s the reason, I put it on my list of top tri-fold hard tonneau covers. Click to see the list.
Speaking of dust and sand, BAKFlip does a great job of keeping most of the dust and sand particles away. Its EPDM seals keep the particles out from the truckbed leaving your stuff clean.
The BAKFlip MX4 sports that heavy-duty aluminum that’s not going to let a little rough weather bend it out of shape. Also, its protective coating doesn’t let it fade.
Now, about the Gator EFX, it does a decent job at keeping things dry under normal rainy conditions, and that’s due to its water drainage system.
But when it rains heavily you may see some water get through the tailgate seal, especially if the cover is not installed or aligned properly.
But Gator EFX may not be able to keep all the dust away if you drive through a rough patch or desert.
The Gator EFX, with its solid construction, is also good at providing resistance from rust with its anti-corrosion layer.
So, it boils down to this, BAKFlip MX4 is a strong choice if you’re looking for durability and decent weather protection. The Gator EFX won’t let you down when the rain starts pouring, and it’ll hold up well over time against rust and corrosion.
Just remember, regular check-ups will keep either cover doing their job for the long haul.
Usage
Both the Gator EFX and BAKFlip MX4 tonneau covers have unique features that impact ease of use and practicality for truck owners. Here’s how they stack up
The Gator EFX Tonneau Cover is a smart addition for any truck owner looking to secure their cargo. Once you’ve locked your tailgate, the EFX is also locked and cannot be opened without opening the tailgate.
It does a great job when it comes to keeping your stuff out of sight and locked away. You can pop the cover open with a simple release mechanism and access your gear with minimal fuss.
And if you’re not filling the bed, it can stay partially open, secured, and stable, with no annoying noises or unsafe shifting around.
As for aerodynamics, the Gator EFX has a sleek, low-profile design that helps your truck slip through the wind, potentially keeping your fuel consumption in check.
That means a smoother ride and maybe a little extra cash for your road trip snacks. Plus, it’s low maintenance. Regular quick cleans keep it looking sharp and functioning well.
Switching gears to the BAKFlip MX4, this cover takes ease of use up a notch. Opening and closing it is a piece of cake, thanks to the handy cable pulls. You can fold this up fully or partially, depending on your cargo size, and it locks into place with robust prop rods that won’t buckle under pressure. It’s all about access without the hassle.
The MX4’s design chops cut through the wind like a hot knife through butter, keeping your ride quiet and your fuel gauge happy. The aerodynamic benefits are a nod to thoughtful engineering, ensuring you don’t sacrifice performance for protection.
Maintenance is also simple. A little bit of cleaning, and it stays in top form, meaning more time on the road and less time in the driveway with a bucket and sponge.
In essence, both covers serve the fundamental purpose of protecting and securing your cargo. BAKFlip MX4 offers better performance in comparison.
Value Comparison
Among these two covers the BAKFlip MX4 and the Gator EFX, there’s a pretty clear difference in price. The BAKFlip MX4 is on the higher end, costing between $1,199 to $1,249. It’s got that premium feel to it.
On the other hand, the Gator EFX is more wallet-friendly at $699. If you’re new to tonneau covers and don’t want to spend a ton right out of the gate, the Gator EFX is a solid choice.
The Gator EFX is practical and functional. It’s easy to open, also it is also built to handle bad weather.
On the other hand, the BakFlip MX4 tonneau cover is a mid-range cover when it comes to price point offering great durability and protection along with the premium vibes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Gator EFX Tonneau Cover stands out for its affordability and practical design, providing robust protection and a secure locking system alongside benefits like improved aerodynamics and easy maintenance.
In contrast, the BAKFlip MX4 with its sleek matte finish, superior durability, full bed access, and an advanced water drainage system, albeit at a higher price point.
While the Gator EFX is ideal for cost-conscious consumers looking for reliable bed security and simplicity, the BAKFlip MX4 caters to those prioritizing premium features, aesthetics, and the flexibility to carry larger cargo securely.
