keninsb
07-16-2010, 06:52 PM
I just upgraded from a 2002 Tundra AC to a 2008 Tundra CrewMax and one of the first upgrade that I wanted to do was the folding tonneau cover because it was so useful and practical. On my '02 I installed an Advanced Fold-a-Cover. It was nice because it was light weight, easy to remove (I installed some quick release pins to replace the nuts/bolts), and I liked that you can open the panel closest to the cab to access items underneath, or open the rear panel to access items there (which works great if you are using a tailgate extender). There were things I didn't like about it though. The clamping system was useless. I ended up having to permanently mount the latch brackets which still constantly shifted needing re-adjustment. The paint was lacking too. Over about 5 years the paint had worn off significantly exposing the bare aluminum.
Since the time I purchased the Fold-a-Cove there are many more competitive folding tonneau covers so this time I decided to try a different cover. After much research, I decided to go with the BakFlip tonneau cover and here are some of my thoughts.
1) The bolts included with the bed rail kit were WAY too long. Trying to use the supplied bolts would cause the rail to bend inward at the ends because the bolt makes contact with the truck bed. I used some shorter bolts and it alleviated the problem, but still does not fit exactly right, an causes the rail to "bow". They need to use some different hardware for this kit like some short studs (like wheel studs) pre-mounted on the brackets leaving just enough room to install the lock nut from inside the rail.
2) I was really disappointed in some of the hardware included in the kit. Like the sliding arm “retainers” used when the arms are folded down. These are loom or cable clamps, they are not really meant to be used in this manner. They should have used a plastic snap retainer (like the kind used for auto hood prop rod) or something similar. The “bumpers” provided (to protect the cab when the cover is folded and leaning against the cab) are really just foam. How about some rubber bumpers?
3) One of the drain connectors on the rails was broken. I am not sure how they install these at the factory, but it looked like it was threaded into the rail (about two threads worth) and the plastic from the rail was “melted” against the nut part of the tubing barb to prevent it from backing out. This makes for a VERY weak, brittle bond. Is there some type of resin or epoxy that could be used for a stronger more permanent bond?
4) Finally, there was the packaging. When I received my cover, the hardware bag was torn open and bolts, nuts and washers were scattered throughout the box. Luckily I did end up finding all of the hardware (even though the box had a hole in it).
Some of the things that I liked about the cover:
1) The clamping system works great. After my experience with the Fold-a-Cover clamps I was VERY skeptical about the clamps that came with the BakFlip. The clamps with the BakFlip system worked great, the rails were super easy to install, and I am confident that they will not shift/move.
2) I really like the rail system. It dropped right into place, and the latches on the tonneau cover work great.
3) I like the fact that you can leave sections of the tonneau cover open while driving, or open all the way. This is really practical, and that was what I was looking for in a cover. I am however concerned at the longevity of the “hinges” (they are a rubberized, synthetic hinge as opposed to a traditional piano hinge). I am skeptical that they can hold up over the duration.
Anyway, I do like the cover. It seems well built although they did cut some corners. Time will tell.
Just my 2 cents.
Ken
Since the time I purchased the Fold-a-Cove there are many more competitive folding tonneau covers so this time I decided to try a different cover. After much research, I decided to go with the BakFlip tonneau cover and here are some of my thoughts.
1) The bolts included with the bed rail kit were WAY too long. Trying to use the supplied bolts would cause the rail to bend inward at the ends because the bolt makes contact with the truck bed. I used some shorter bolts and it alleviated the problem, but still does not fit exactly right, an causes the rail to "bow". They need to use some different hardware for this kit like some short studs (like wheel studs) pre-mounted on the brackets leaving just enough room to install the lock nut from inside the rail.
2) I was really disappointed in some of the hardware included in the kit. Like the sliding arm “retainers” used when the arms are folded down. These are loom or cable clamps, they are not really meant to be used in this manner. They should have used a plastic snap retainer (like the kind used for auto hood prop rod) or something similar. The “bumpers” provided (to protect the cab when the cover is folded and leaning against the cab) are really just foam. How about some rubber bumpers?
3) One of the drain connectors on the rails was broken. I am not sure how they install these at the factory, but it looked like it was threaded into the rail (about two threads worth) and the plastic from the rail was “melted” against the nut part of the tubing barb to prevent it from backing out. This makes for a VERY weak, brittle bond. Is there some type of resin or epoxy that could be used for a stronger more permanent bond?
4) Finally, there was the packaging. When I received my cover, the hardware bag was torn open and bolts, nuts and washers were scattered throughout the box. Luckily I did end up finding all of the hardware (even though the box had a hole in it).
Some of the things that I liked about the cover:
1) The clamping system works great. After my experience with the Fold-a-Cover clamps I was VERY skeptical about the clamps that came with the BakFlip. The clamps with the BakFlip system worked great, the rails were super easy to install, and I am confident that they will not shift/move.
2) I really like the rail system. It dropped right into place, and the latches on the tonneau cover work great.
3) I like the fact that you can leave sections of the tonneau cover open while driving, or open all the way. This is really practical, and that was what I was looking for in a cover. I am however concerned at the longevity of the “hinges” (they are a rubberized, synthetic hinge as opposed to a traditional piano hinge). I am skeptical that they can hold up over the duration.
Anyway, I do like the cover. It seems well built although they did cut some corners. Time will tell.
Just my 2 cents.
Ken