We recently installed the BAKFlip F1 hard folding truck bed cover on our 2023 Ram 1500 and spent several weeks using it daily. Our goal was to see if the F1 lives up to its reputation as a premium tonneau cover. We ran it through some pretty rigorous tests, looking at everything from installation and build quality to how it handles weather, security, and everyday use.
Below, we share our experience with the BAKFlip F1 Hard Folding Tonneau Cover after several days of rigorous testing.
Solid Construction, Dent and Scratch Resistant
Right out of the box, the BAKFlip F1 looks amazing with its solid construction and black finish. The cover’s panels are built as a sandwich of a fiberglass-reinforced polymer (FRP) top surface bonded to an aluminum underside. It’s a strong yet relatively lightweight panel.
BAK rates the F1’s panels to withstand up to 400 lbs of evenly distributed weight on top. You can set luggage, lumber, or even stand on it (within reason) without flexing or damage. The top panel’s finish is a glossy, textured black with a sturdy, factory-like appearance.
The FRP top layer is dent and scratch resistant. Unlike all-aluminum covers that might ding if you drop a tool, the F1’s surface shrugs off minor impacts. The underside frame and mounting rails are heavy-duty aluminum with a powder-coated finish to prevent corrosion.
There’s a heft to each panel, the hinges provide exceptional support, and all the seals and hardware are built to last. We didn’t see any flimsy parts. Everything from the rubber seals to the clamp mechanisms gave us confidence in the durability of the materials.
Super Easy DIY Installation Process
If you’re a truck owner who prefers DIY installation, the F1 fits the mold. Installation on our Ram 1500 took us about 45 minutes from start to finish. The tonneau truck bed cover uses a no-drill, clamp-on design. So, we didn’t have to mess up our truck bed with new holes.
The kit included two mounting rails (one for each bed side) and all necessary clamps and hardware. After lining up the rails inside the bed, we clamped them on near the front, middle, and tail. The instructions were clear, and we appreciated that BAK labeled the parts well.
No special tools were required beyond a socket wrench. We also installed the provided drain tubes that connect to the front corners of the rails. Our Ram had pre-existing bed drain holes, so we just routed the tubes through those to channel water out of the bed.
Quick tip: Take a moment to adjust the rails and cover alignment before tightening everything down. We made small tweaks to ensure the tailgate closed smoothly against the cover’s rear seal. The F1 features a dual-action tailgate seal (on most newer truck applications) which allows you to close the tailgate with the cover either open or closed. Once everything was aligned, we could shut the tailgate freely without lifting the cover.
No-Brainer Daily Use
To open the cover, simply drop the tailgate. Then, pull on the release cable under the rearmost panel. The F1 has hidden latches on each panel that automatically lock into the side rails when closed, and they release with a simple tug of a cable. We could open the tailgate, pull the cable, and fold the cover panel by panel towards the cab.
There are buckle straps that secure the cover in a stable position when driving. This came in handy when we had medium-sized cargo that didn’t require fully opening the cover. For full bed access, we continued and folded the whole cover up against the cab.
The F1 includes prop rods that clip into place to hold the cover upright at the front of the bed. Engaging the prop rods took only a few seconds and they felt secure, holding the cover steady even on bumpy roads. Even when the cover is propped fully open, it does not block the third brake light on the cab.
When closing the cover back up, it’s just as easy. Drop it panel by panel, and each section automatically latches to the rails with an audible click. Finally, close the tailgate and everything is locked down. We also like that you can operate the tailgate independently thanks to that dual-action seal.
Throughout our testing, the cover didn’t rattle or bounce; it stayed solidly in place even at highway speeds. There’s also no fluttering fabric noise.
Durability & Weather Protection
Over the test period, we put the cover through heavy rain, a dusty off-road trail, and a couple of hot 90°F sunny days. The F1 has thick EPDM rubber seals along all edges of the cover and between panels. When the cover is closed, they’re compressed against the bed rails and between each folding joint.
We noticed the seals are designed with a rounded hinge style, which prevents water from sneaking in at the seams. However, while the F1 is water resistant, it’s important to note that it’s not waterproof. You have to allow for some leakage on heavy rain days or when going through an automatic car wash. Items along the edge of the truck bed will likely get wet in these scenarios.
That said, a cool feature of the F1 is the drainage channels, which work as advertised. The side rails funnel water towards the front, where it exits via drain tubes out of the bed. Unless you’re spraying directly with a pressure washer at weird angles, the F1 should keep your gear safe from the elements.
Durability-wise, we paid attention to how the cover itself held up. Driving gravel roads, a lot of dust coated the cover, but none made it into the bed. The cover’s FRP surface is UV-treated, and after leaving the truck in the sun, we didn’t observe any immediate fading or chalking.
We also tested the toughness by gently knocking on the panels and placing a loaded cooler (probably ~100 lbs) on top. The F1 handled it without a flex. We even sat on the closed cover (two adults, about 350 lbs combined) briefly. It felt solid under us.
We did read reports from other owners that over multiple years, the FRP skin can fade to a duller finish if not maintained, especially in harsh sun. A few have also mentioned the little rubber bumpers or adhesive on hinge components might wear out over time.
The good news is the F1 comes with a 5-year warranty, and BAK stands behind it. Given the solid build, we expect the cover to hold up well, but we’ll keep an eye on those hinge areas over the long haul. Regular cleaning and a UV protectant now and then wouldn’t hurt either, to keep it looking its best.
Secure Latching System
We carry valuable tools and gear in our truck. The F1 turned our bed into a reasonably secure trunk. When the cover is closed and the tailgate is locked, there’s no exposed handle or key for a thief to mess with. That’s because the latches are all underneath and inaccessible from the outside.
The cover’s aluminum underside and panels would require a ton of effort and noisy tools to break through. It’s effectively locked by the tailgate; as long as your tailgate is locked, the bed is secure. We liked that the F1’s design overlaps the tailgate a bit. You can’t just pry the tailgate open without opening the cover first.
The F1 uses an automatic latching system that hooks into the side rails, making it very difficult to pry up any panel when everything is shut. We tested the security features by trying common break-ins. Can you slip a wire coat hanger in? (No, there’s no gap to reach the cable release.) Could you force the front panel up? (Not without extreme force; the cover is clamped down and also has a locked hinge at the front).
No bed cover is 100% theft-proof. But the F1 increases the effort and time needed, which is usually enough to send would-be thieves looking for an easier target.
Another aspect of security is the cover itself staying put. We had read horror stories of cheap covers flying open on the highway or flimsy latches popping loose. We’re happy to report the F1 stayed rock-solid at speed. The panels did not flutter or lift, and the latch mechanisms kept everything tightly closed.
The cover has a built-in stake strap system (those buckle straps we mentioned) so if you only fold it partway, you can secure it from moving. When fully closed, it’s essentially part of the truck.
Low-Profile Design & Appearance
The BAKFlip F1 cover mounts inside the bed rails and doesn’t protrude up like some older covers do. From the side of the truck, the F1 is so flush that it practically vanishes. On our Ram 1500, which has a black trim package, the cover blended right in and almost looked factory-installed.
The surface has a vinyl grain texture over it, which hides minor scratches and also adds grip if you’re climbing up to reach something on top. The high-gloss black finish might show dust or water spots a tad more than a matte cover. However, when it’s clean, it really pops and gives a premium vibe.
In terms of aerodynamics, any tonneau cover will help a bit with reducing drag. The F1’s flush fit and smooth top don’t create any wind noise or turbulence. The cover also doesn’t obstruct your view when it’s closed. Only when folded up against the cab will it block your rear view mirror, which is common to all folding covers.
Flexible and Compatible with Other Accessories
Truck owners often have other bed accessories, so compatibility is a valid concern. We found the BAKFlip F1 to be pretty accommodating. Because it mounts inside the bed rails, your stake pocket holes at the top of the bed remain mostly free. You can likely use ladder racks or overland racks in conjunction with the cover, as long as it can still fold.
BAK makes a companion product called the BAKBox 2 toolbox that is designed to hang from the F1’s rails. The collapsible toolbox doesn’t conflict with the cover. We didn’t test a BAKBox, but it’s nice to know the option exists for adding storage.
We did have a drop-in bed liner in our Ram. The F1 was compatible. We had to trim tiny slits in the plastic liner at the clamp locations so the clamps could grab the metal bed rail tightly. If you have a spray-in liner, you won’t have any issues at all. The cover also worked fine with the factory LED truck bed lighting.
For Ram owners specifically: if your truck has the optional RamBox bed storage (the built-in side toolboxes) or the multi-function split tailgate, you do need to get the specific model of F1 that fits those configurations. BAK produces versions to fit RamBox beds. The cover is compatible with the split tailgate as well. Be sure to order the correct part number for your exact truck.
Any in-bed accessories that sit below the rails should be fine. We even tested it with a simple bed extender. Since the F1 doesn’t intrude into the bed, the extender could pivot normally when the tailgate was down.
Pros and Cons
Here’s a quick list of pros and cons we noted during our hands-on review:
- Pros:
- Sturdy Build Quality: Sturdy FRP/aluminum panels and heavy-duty hardware feel built to last. No rattles or flimsy parts.
- Easy DIY Installation: Clamp-on install took under an hour with basic tools, no drilling required. Fits the 2023 Ram 1500 perfectly (vehicle-specific design).
- Convenient Operation: Panels automatically latch and unlatch with cable pulls for quick folding. Full bed access is possible in seconds, with prop rods to secure the cover upright.
- Excellent Weather Protection: Keeps rain out effectively with EPDM seals and drain tubes – our bed stayed dry through storms.
- Enhanced Security: When the tailgate is locked, the cover secures the bed like a vault. Hard panels and hidden latches deter theft.
- Low-Profile, Sleek Look: Sits flush inside the bed rails for a clean appearance. The glossy black finish and textured panels look high-end and integrate well with the truck.
- Durable & Strong: Rated to hold ~400 lbs on top – useful if you need to strap something on the cover. Resistant to dents, dings, and UV (won’t easily fade or crack).
- 5-Year Warranty: Backed by a solid warranty for peace of mind, and made in the USA, which reassures on quality control.
- Accessory Friendly: Inside-rail design works with many racks, bed extenders, and other accessories. Does not block the 3rd brake light when open (safety bonus).
- Cons:
- Premium Price: The F1 is on the higher end of tonneau cover pricing (roughly $100–$200 more than some other hard folding covers). You pay for the quality, but it’s an investment.
- Long-Term Wear: The shiny FRP surface can potentially fade to a dull gray over a few years if not maintained. Also, some small components (adhesive on hinges, foam bumpers) might require maintenance or replacements down the line.
- Rear Visibility When Open: Like all tri-fold/quad-fold covers, if you drive with it fully folded up, it will block your rear-view mirror’s line of sight (though the third brake light remains visible). This is a minor inconvenience and common to the design, but worth noting.
- Not Completely Impervious: While very secure, a determined thief with tools could still breach it, and a high-pressure water spray can force some water in. These are limitations of any tonneau cover, so we wouldn’t call them unique flaws of the F1 – just realistic caveats.
- Bulk When Removed: If you do need to remove the entire cover for some reason, it’s a bit bulky and likely a two-person job to lift off. The cover doesn’t readily disassemble; you’d unbolt it as one big piece. Most of the time you won’t need to do this, since it folds out of the way for full bed use.
Our Final Impression of the F1
After testing the BAKFlip F1 on our 2023 Ram 1500, we’ve come away impressed. In our experience, the F1 delivers on its promises of sturdiness, security, and easy use. It transformed our truck bed into a more functional and secure storage area, all while looking great.
Installation was painless. The cover seamlessly blended into our daily routine – whether it was shielding groceries from a downpour or folding open to load up a dirt bike for the weekend.
We feel that this review wouldn’t be complete without reiterating that the F1 is a premium product at a premium price. You can find cheaper tonneau covers. But in the world of truck accessories, you often get what you pay for. The BAKFlip F1’s high-quality materials and design features set it apart from budget alternatives.
Who is the BAKFlip F1 best for? In our opinion, it’s ideal for truck owners who demand real-world durability and use their trucks hard, but also care about looks and convenience. If you’re an outdoors enthusiast hauling gear, a contractor carrying tools, or just someone who wants to protect their Costco haul from the weather, the F1 will serve you well.
The few cons we noted – mainly cost and some eventual wear – are not deal-breakers, but rather points to weigh against your needs and budget. For us, the confidence the cover provides is worth it. We also appreciate the company’s backing with a long warranty.