5 Common BakFlip MX4 Problems (Explained)

Out of the many tonneau covers that exist, the Bakflip MX4 is definitely among the top choices. Made by BAK Industries, this cover can help protect your cargo by covering the truck bed.

It is easy to install, functional and it’s quite sturdy. Despite offering you all you could ever want from a bed cover, the Bakflip MX4 has some downsides that have been reported by a couple of users.

These issues are what we are going to discuss today so that whether you have got one or you are planning to buy one, you can familiarize yourself with the different types of issues these covers are susceptible to.

BAKFlip MX4

What are the Common Bakflip MX4 Problems?

1. Leaks

The biggest problem with Bakflip MX4 covers is leaks. This is the commonly reported issue with these covers. And it’s shocking how BAK has yet to acknowledge and fix this issue.

Most Bakflip MX4 covers leak at the tailgate. And this doesn’t just happen when the cover ages, there have been cases where new MX4s leak.

Covers have been known to leak at the tailgate. And even though this won’t get your cargo wet, there is a good chance that it may damage certain goods in the process.

Be as it may, there are other covers out there that do not leak easily. And this is why some people refrain from getting these MX4s.

Regarding leaks, BAK clearly states that their cover is water-resistant but it is not waterproof. What this means is that it will keep water away from its surface, but there is a chance of water leaking into the cargo area, especially if it’s allowed to sit on top of the cover.

The Bakflip MX4 features a robust rubber seal system that will keep water from getting into your cargo. To enjoy the benefits of the rubber seal, you have to install this cover correctly. Any seal that is loosely installed will act as an entry point of water.

Because of the MX4’s rampant leaking issues, this is not the ideal cover to get for your truck if you live in an area that experiences heavy rainfall.

Even though no folding tonneau cover is 100% watertight, the MX4 tends to leak more than other covers in its price range.

If you realize that you have got leaks, then the best way is to seal them using butyl putty which is used to seal windows. You can also modify a drainage system inside your truck bed to prevent water from sitting on the surface.

2. Fitting Issues

Unless you drive your truck to a Bakflip MX4 dealer and have it fitted on the spot when you order one online and fit it yourself, there is a chance that it may not fit easily.

In the MX4, there is a variation at the tailgate that prevents the cover from fitting perfectly.

The number one rule when buying a tonneau cover online is to ensure that you are familiar with the measurements.

Regarding fitting, if a cover doesn’t fit properly over your truck bed, it also won’t be fully sealed.

The best solution to the Bakflip MX4 fitting issues is to get the right size. Identify how big your truck bed is and get a cover with the same measurements.

BAK is known to have an average customer support team, and if you communicate with them, they can send a replacement.

3. The MX4 Rail Trucks Clamps Engage Well on the Truck Bed Rails

The quality of the Bakflip MX4 clamps has always been in the spotlight because of their low quality.

These clamps do not attach firmly to the truck bed rails. And this doesn’t promise total security of cargo when the truck is left outside.

Another issue that is closely related to this is that the latches don’t slide easily. What this does is that it affects how easily you can slide the tonneau cover back and forth.

About the clamps, there is pretty much nothing you can do not unless you ask for a replacement. And it is unlikely that BAK support will give much attention to such a complaint. About the latches, lubrication should allow them to slide easily.

4. Newer BakFlip MX4s Have Been Reported to Use More Plastic than Aluminum

Individuals who have been using the MX4 for a while now can testify that this cover has gone through a lot of changes.

The design has improved, but one thing we don’t like is the fact that they have replaced aluminum with plastic. As a result of this change, their quality has decreased drastically.

Plastic isn’t as strong as aluminum and that means that the newer Bakflip MX4s aren’t as strong and durable as the old ones. Those who are used to the old models have expressed their dissatisfaction with this change in quality.

5. BAK’s Customer Service Needs Improvement

When you have any of the above problems, contacting BAK and getting assistance usually isn’t easy. They rarely answer calls and if they do, you won’t get much help.

In some cases, some people have experienced excellent customer support, but a majority of the comments related to customer support aren’t so positive.

These are some of the negative attributes of the Bakflip MX4 tonneau cover. Familiarizing yourself with these problems allows you to make a more informed choice when shopping for a cover.

The other thing it does is that it ensures that those who already own these covers know what to do when they come across them.

Are There Any Good Things about the Bakflip MX4?

Despite having its drawbacks, the MX4 also has some perks. This is why they remain to be a popular choice for car owners interested in truck bed covers. These pros include;

• When you get the Bakflip MX4, you are assured of premium UV resistance. Even though truck bed covers are mostly designed to keep water at bay, most of the time they are exposed to harsh UV rays. Thanks to the MX4 UV resistance capabilities, you don’t have to worry about your cover fading or cracking because of the sun.

• The Bakflip MX4 is a very durable tonneau cover. Thanks to its design and overall build, this cover can last for a longer duration.

• This cover is also very functional. It is very light and can slide easily without using a lot of effort. The MX4 folds without any fuss and if it was installed correctly, you don’t have to worry about operating the cover.

• Installation is fairly easy. But if you know nothing about these covers, let a professional do it for you.

• Even though the Bakflip has a bad reputation for leaking easily, it is water-repellent.

• And when you know the size of your truck bed, the Bakflip you order should fit perfectly. Most people often get the size of their trucks wrong and come to complain that BAK covers don’t fit easily.

• It also enhances the security of cargo.

As you can see, the Bakflip MX4 has got both pros and cons. And even though the pros are slightly more than the cons, we can’t overlook these issues.

Some issues such as leaking can be a source of headaches, but the good thing is that not unless the rubber seal is faulty, this problem is fixable.

What Do I Need to Know about the Bakflip MX4?

For those who aren’t familiar with what the Bakflip MX4 is and what it can do for you. This is a hard folding cover that is designed to protect your cargo from the elements as well as enhance security. This cover gives you access to the entire truck bed.

The Bakflip MX4 has got tons of features. It comes with automatic latching panels that are located under the truck bed. As mentioned earlier, it gives you total access to the truck bed.

The cover is made from premium-density foam and light aluminum. There are also some plastic parts that many users have shared their frustrations against. The cover has got a matte finish that looks great on your bed.

How is the Design of the Bakflip MX4?

This truck bed cover boasts a foldable design. You can therefore get both full and partial access to the truck bed. You can also cover some part of the bed or the entire thing depending on your preferences.

In matters related to functionality, this truck bed exceeds extremely well. There is a cable release that is located below the cover. This is what you use to fold the cover.

Is the MX4 Difficult to Install?

Not at all. It is very easy to install and this is a procedure you can do by yourself.

This cover features clamps that can be mounted on the railings without the need to drill into the truck bed.

You don’t have to make any modifications as well and neither do you need extra help. When installing the Bakflip MX4, do not forget about the drain tube as this plays a key role.

Quite often, car owners never complain about the installation of this cover because the process is very easy.

Was this article helpful?
YesNo

1 thought on “5 Common BakFlip MX4 Problems (Explained)”

  1. I have had my bakflip MX4 for almost 3 years and the rubber hinges that join the hard sections are starting to tear. The center one has torn all the way across the width of the bed. I called Bakflip left a message and also tried to find replacement rubber hinges. No luck so far.
    Any support would be appreciated. If this cannot be replaced or fixed the whole cover is garbage.

Leave a Comment