We always welcome any customer photos, especially when they look like this (maybe photography is a hobby of Dave’s?). So submit your cover photos and stories!

“I am writing this post about my former Bakflip f1 tonneau cover because people tend to only talk about the bad things on the net that happen with car accessories rather than the good and usually I am one of those too. But I was wishing I had my tonneau cover back the other day and thought I would make this post, note I am not a troll and do not work for Bakflip.

About 2 years ago I had a 2007 Tundra double cab and after much research on covers (I know there are lots of good ones and I am not saying anyone else’s is bad and much comes down to preference) decided to get a Bakflip f1 even though there were some bad reviews (as with all on the internet) it seemed like a good company and I really wanted a flip style cover that could be flipped up all the way and liked the idea of just locking my tailgate and not having to have a separate key, plus I liked the look. Anyway for a year or so I used it as a most would with only a leak or two at the corner during car washes or the like which I expected, but that is not really the point of my story and why I was impressed with it.

You see my home was one of those homes completely destroyed by a direct hit of the EF5 tornadoes in North Alabama back last April 27 of 2011. It has been almost a year, a crazy year at that, like starting from scratch it seems one minute you have a house, 3 cars, a boat, and everything in-between and the next nothing but the shirt on you back, but the family was safe we have moved bought a new home, replace our cars (I got another Tundra as well this time a 2008 Crewmax) and most of our stuff. Plus a picture of my family and I coming out of our storm shelter in my detached garage went viral and resulted in more coverage and media response than I was expecting, and kind of making us limelight advocates for getting a storm room of some type even if you have to build one like the one I was in when the tornado hit, I highly recommend getting one. 

There is one of the links to that pic below if interested. Photo 28. There is a lot more info out there about it including a cnn story if one is interested in google’in it.

http://blogs.denverpost.com/captured/2011/04/28/captured-tornados-rip-through-the-south/4419/

In the pic you can see the old Tundra I had with the Bakflip but that pic nor the rest I took really do it justice as seeing in person, the truck looked like it took little damage in the pics (really it held up well compared to my neighbors two trucks that got thrown into the side of my garage and storm room or other neighbors blown away completely) But it was totaled, it was pushed back about 18 feet from where it was parked before the storm (the front should have been about where I was standing before the storm), all the glass knocked out, the windshield crushed in, and the whole body looked like one took a sledge hammer and beat every square inch from the debris hitting it and the garage being knocked in on it. However the bakflip held up rather well compared to the rest of the truck and things involved.

I had the F1 Bakflip, the biggest damaged spot was where an eight inch block from the garage landed on its corner and went through the top layer but did not completely pierce through the cover as well as a few other damaged spots. I wish I had taken more pics of the truck but at the time it was not on the top of my list of things to worry about. The few things I had in the back of the truck made it and where completely dry also on the first night a few things of importance that I did not want looted and would not fit in the safe room or my father’s truck I actually but in the truck bed under the BakFlip and locked the tailgate to keep them safe until the next day (yeah sad I know).

Not sure if it was worth saving after the storm because it did have some damage but was low on the list of priorities and the insurance took the truck before I had time anyway.

Anyway I was just putting stuff in my truck bed the other day and thought about my old cover, that is my 2 cents, I was impressed with how well the cover took an EF5 tornado and once I get all my finances straight and I can afford and justify the purchase I plan on getting another for my replacement Tundra and maybe one of the new boxes as well."

The F1 had it all in one package! The looks, the functionality, the strength, but it also had one more thing…. A high price! The F1 is worth every dollar, but now Bak Industries has created the VP  with many of the same features and at a much cheaper price! Below is a chart to help show the differences between the 2 covers.

The Bottom Line

As you can see from the charts, the BakFlip VP and the BakFlip F1 allow full bed space, protect the cab and provide outstanding protection against water! So the overall decision simply depends on what you are looking for. If you’re willing to spend the extra  $250-$300 and want the appearance of a rugged hard cover, then the F1 would make the perfect choice. However, if you’re someone who is looking for a low price, stylish and durable cover the VP would probably be the better choice!

Similarities And Differences Between The BakFlip VP and the BakFlip HD

There are a lot of similarities between these 2 covers! They are both made out of aircraft grade material and can withstand a beating! Also another similarity between these covers is that Bak made sure they would provide you with the best protection from the weather. The HD features a more in depth drainage system while the VP offers the same protection but without the drainage tubes.

Both covers feature a no-drill installation and can usually be completed within 45 minutes. Once on, each cover can also provide you with full bed access in a matter of seconds! Simply fold each panel back and you’re ready to go! One of the biggest differences is the appearance. The VP is a hard cover with vinyl on top for a one piece soft cover look. On the other hand the HD is a hard folding cover that is black powder coated for a unique look.

Below is a chart to help break down the differences between both of these Bak tonneau covers.

The Bottom Line

As you can see from the charts above, there is alot of similarities between the 2 covers. Both are made out of high quality aluminum for maximum strength and offer great protection no matter what type of weather there exposed to! However the BakFlip VP is the newest cover out from Bak so of course there is some new upgrades that have been made and help this cover function better. Not to mention the price of the BakFlip VP is less than the price of the BakFlip HD!

Buying a tonneau cover can be confusing because there are so many types that provide different styles for your truck. Many people pay attention only to the finer details forgetting about how they will be using it on a day to day basis. For example, many home buyers will choose the big, fancy house instead of the smaller, more ergonomic house that is closer to the town center or grocery store. After much contemplation, they forget what it will be like driving 25+ minutes to work 5 days of the week.

At the company I work for, TruckXL, we don’t all drive trucks. imagine that. I believe there are more Mustang owners than truck owners. From time to time, us Mustang drivers will need to borrow a truck to run an errand or two. There are plenty of company trucks to choose from. I chose the 2011 Tundra to help me bring home a few boxes from the furniture store. On it, is the brand new Bakflip Fibermax. Julian, owner of Bak Industries, recently came to TruckXL and showed us what’s new with the Fibermax and left us this cover. At the furnitur store I drove around back to pickup…6 huge boxes!?!?!?! I thought there as no way I would be able to make it home in one trip. Luckily, I had a Bakflip.

If I had chosen the big truck with the Undercover or the one with the painted cover or any other hard cover on the market, it would’ve been a long forgettable day. Needless to say, I would definitely have not gotten my project done. The Bakflip saved me time…and literally saved my day.

A Quick Overview Of The New BakFlip Vp

The BakFlip VP is a hard folding tonneau cover that is a quick and simple install. It is manufactured out of  air craft aluminum! On top of the panels is a tough and durable vinyl skin, giving it the strength of a hard cover but the looks of a soft cover! It was built to endure all weather conditions and will never sag due to rain or snow like other vinyl covers will . It allows for full bed access in just a few seconds and is a low no profile cover. If that doesn’t make you want it, maybe the fact that it’s the lowest price hard folding cover out there, will!

A Quick Overview of the BakFlip G2

Just like the VP, the G2 also features a quick and easy installation.  However, the special element of the G2 is, it is made out of 1/2″ EPS on top of the aluminum panels. Because of this, it is one of the strongest BakFlip covers available! It offers the same features that the VP offers but also has integrated drainage system to prevent any water from entering the bed!

Below is a chart to help break down the differences between the VP and the G2!

Some Noticeable Differences

#1

The first difference that most people will see is the top of the BakFlip VP.  Both covers are constructed out of high quality aluminum but the BakFlip VP has DuraBak vinyl on top of it to give the cover a unique stylish look. On the other hand the BakFlip FiberMax has FRP (Fiberglass Reinfored Polymer) on top of the cover and gives it a whole different look.

#2

The second difference between the BakFlip VP and the BakFlip FiberMax is that the BakFlip VP does block you’re third brake light, while the FiberMax allows for full visibility of it. To some people this won’t matter and to others it will help their decision on which cover to purchase.

The Bottom Line

Both covers are very simple to install, usually only taking around 30-45 minutes. Another similarity between the VP and the FiberMax is both tonneau covers allow for full bed access in a matter of seconds. Not only do they both have an easy installation and are built out of aircraft aluminum so we know they’re built to last! it all comes done to what you’re looking for though. If you like the sleek look of a soft cover then the VP may be the right cover for you. However, if you’re looking for more of a natural look the Fibermax also makes an excellent choice. One thing to definitely keep in mind, is that the VP offers just as much as the FiberMax but at a lower price!

There have not been any videos or installation instructions released yet. However it appears that it will most likely install just like the other BakFlip tonneau covers do. One thing is confirmed and that is that it will be a hassle free, no drill install.  We have one of the covers already on the way and will be sure to update it asap! So make sure to check back with us periodically for updates and for a installation video!

New Features

Superior Strength offered with a Stylish Look

To start it off, the BakFlip VP looks like a soft vinyl tonneau cover, but is actually as hard as a rock! Bak Industries manufactured the BakFlip VP panels out of strong aircraft grade aluminum and then wrapped the entire cover with a DuraBak vinyl! This gives it top of the line strength but also allows it to have a sleek stylish look. Just like its other “brothers and sisters” (The BakFlip F1,HD,ect) The VP does fold in three different places, but it actually looks like a one piece tonneau!

Seamless No-Hinge Design

Bak always makes sure to only release stylish products but they don’t just settle for that. They always make sure to incorporate great looks with great functionality! The BakFlip VP has a no visible hinges which give it a superior look but even more importantly, allows for better performance in all weather conditions!

A Price That Is More Attractive Than Any Other Hard Folding Cover

Perhaps one of the best things about this cover is the affordable price it will be selling for! Bak Industries has done an excellent job creating a cover such as this one that not only offers amazing strength and durability, but also outstanding looks and for a cheaper cost than any other hard folding cover!

Some Of The Same Amazing Features

Easy Installation

The BakFlip VP installs easily in under 1 hour and requires no drilling at all! Simply mount the rails to the bed with the included clamps, then just line up the cover and tighten the cover down with the included fastening knobs.

Full Bed Access

One of the main importance’s of owning a truck is being able to use it as a truck! So Bak Industries always makes sure to give you the possibility of using your truck bed, without having to go through a hassle of constantly removing your hard or soft tonneau cover. Simply fold the cover towards the cab 3 different times and in just a matter of seconds you will have complete bed space!

The cover sports a vinyl top with hidden hinges, making the already low profile BakFlip series look that much better. Underneath the vinyl are aluminum panels that boast a 400 lb capacity of evenly distributed weight, much like the HD. An elephant could stand on this cover, as long as that elephant weighed 400 lbs. The tonneau cover is much lighter than others making it easier to operate but still offers robust security.

In the video below, Bak CEO Julian Maimin goes over all the features of the BakFlip VP one at a time. Leave your comments below and keep looking out for this cover to become available.