BAKFlip vs Extang, Which is Better?

A tonneau cover provides various benefits to your pickup truck that I’m sure you’re aware of. A well made tonneau cover can add security and protection to your truck bed, improve gas mileage, and will undoubtedly add to the look of your ride. If you’ve come this far, I’m assuming you’re weighing the pros and cons of a few covers and trying to decide what’s best for you. If this is right, let me help you out by comparing two of the biggest names in the tonneau cover industry; BAKFlip and Extang—and then I’ll let you decide.

BAKFlip

BAK Industries is known for designing top-of-the-line hard tri-fold tonneau covers, which can be seen with their most popular product line, BAKFlip. These covers are designed for maximum durability, functionality and style. By adding a BAKFlip cover to your vehicle, you are guaranteed security. BAKFlip tonneau covers are available in aluminum and fibreglass, and they all provide full truck bed access by folding up to the cab of your truck. If you are looking for a top quality hard folding tonneau cover, BAKFlip is the cover for you.

Extang

Extang offers a wide range of tonneau covers for any budget and need. There are various tonneau cover styles available from Extang such as soft roll-up, soft tri-fold or hard tri-fold. If you are looking to purchase a vinyl cover, or are faced with a budget, an Extang tonneau cover might be what you are looking for. Extang tonneau covers are available in aluminum, fibreglass and vinyl—and each cover is made with high quality materials and craftsmanship.

Which one to choose?

Both BAKFlip and Extang make exceptional tonneau covers, which makes choosing one over the other difficult. There are, however, a couple differences that might help with your final decision.

1. Price: Both BAKFlip and Extang make top quality tonneau covers, but Extang has a wider range, with more available to those with a budget.
2. Styles Available: If you’re looking for a quality hard tri-fold cover, both Extang and BAKFlip have the best, but Extang has more to choose from with various soft vinyl tonneau covers.

Your choice may be determined by price, style or personal preference. Take some time and browse our selections of BAKFlip and Extang tonneau covers, and if you still can’t decide, give us a call and we’ll help you out.

Auto Truck Depot

107, 42 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta

Toll Free: 1-855-253-4330

Local: 1-403-253-4330

info@autotruckdepot.ca

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Choosing the Right Tonneau Cover for Your Budget

There are various types of tonneau covers available to choose from, which can make trying to choose one daunting--especially if you have a budget and want to get the best bang for your buck. Within this article, I will help you through the process by going through each tonneau cover type from the cheapest to the most expensive, and with the pros and cons of each.

Soft Roll-Up Tonneau Covers (Price Range: $329.99 - $727.65)

Soft roll up tonneau covers like the Access Original and TruXedo TruXport are some of the most popular and cost-effective truck bed covers available. These covers are designed to roll up to the front of your truck bed to provide full truck bed access when not in use. Even when they are rolled up all the way, they do not cover the back window and take up very little space. These covers are made of high quality vinyl and hardware components to provide lasting coverage. They look great and can even reduce gas mileage by reducing wind drag. The main down side is that despite their locking features, the vinyl construction can be penetrated.

Soft Tri-Fold Tonneau Covers (Price Range: $399.99 – $673.65)

Some of our most popular soft tri-fold tonneau covers include the Extang Trifecta and eMAX. These are made of vinyl, similar to soft roll-up covers, but they fold open rather than roll. Tri-fold tonneaus contain a frame, which help the cover hold shape and allow it to fold in the tri-fold style. A benefit to having a metal or aluminum frame is that these tonneau covers can generally hold more weight such as heavy snowfall. They fold all the way open, but when propped in the open position, your back window will often be covered.

Vinyl covers are the least expensive tri-fold tonneau covers available, but they are still packed with features that would compliment and add to any pickup truck. The only setback with a vinyl tonneau cover, like the roll-up cover, is the lack of security compared to a hard cover, since vinyl can be easily punctured or cut if someone really wants in.

Hard Tri-Fold Tonneau Covers (Price Range: $899.99 - $2,294.84)

Hard tri-fold covers are the most popular and least expensive of the hard tonneau cover family. Models like the BAKFlip G2 and UnderCover Flex provide incredible truck bed security with locking fibreglass and aluminum panels. They are stronger and more durable than vinyl covers, and can withstand a lot more weight. The only disadvantage of a tri-fold tonneau cover is that it obstructs the back window when propped open all the way.

Hard Roll-Up Tonneau Covers (Price Range: $1,099.99 - $1,489.99)

Hard roll-up tonneau covers such as the BAK Roll-X provide all the benefits of a roll-up tonneau cover and hard cover in one. These covers offer incredible security and strength, and the cover rolls all the way open to provide full truck bed access. These covers often have panels that lock individually, letting you lock your cover in any partially opened position, and providing even more security for your truck bed. The only flaw with these covers is that they partially block your back window when rolled all the way open and take up more space then soft roll-up tonneau covers.

Hard One-Piece Tonneau Covers (Price Range: $1,219.99 - $1,999.99)

Hard One-Piece covers like the UnderCover Classic or LUX are made of durable ABS or fibreglass materials and provide the most security of any other type of tonneau cover. Due to their one-piece solid construction, these covers are also the strongest, and can handle the most weight. If you’re goal with a tonneau cover is truck bed security, this is the choice for you, although you should be aware of one issue. Because these covers are one piece, they cannot be locked in any partially opened position, nor do they provide full truck bed access. In order to gain access to your entire truck bed, the cover must be removed.

Retractable Tonneau Covers (Price Range: $1,599.99 - $3,299.99

Retractable tonneau covers provide incredible truck bed security, while at the same time offering all the benefits of a roll-up tonneau cover. They are made of thin panels that roll into a canister at the front of the truck bed. These covers are extremely simple to use and can lock in any position. They are durable and secure, and some covers even operate via remote control, such as the Pace Edwards Bedlocker. One flaw with these covers is that the canister takes up a bit of the front of the truck bed, which can be problematic for some people.

There are various tonneau cover choices available, and for different budgets. Every type of tonneau cover has its own set of unique benefits and disadvantages. In the end, the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference, so choose a tonneau cover that’s right for you!

Auto Truck Depot

107, 42 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta

Toll Free: 1-855-253-4330

Local: 1-403-253-4330

info@autotruckdepot.ca

www.autotruckdepot.ca

10 Ways to Improve Vehicle Storage Space

1. Tonneau Cover

A tonneau cover can turn the truck bed of your pickup truck into a safe and secure place to store your extra cargo. As well as letting you lock your truck bed, most tonneau covers are also weather resistant, so you don’t have to worry about your belongings being subject to moisture damage. There are various styles, such as Roll-Up, Tri-Fold, Retractable and Hard tonneau covers, so you can be sure to find one suited to your lifestyle and specific requirements.

2. Cargo Box

Cargo boxes mount on top of roof racks to provide additional cargo space on top of your vehicle. Cargo boxes work with any kind of vehicle, but are especially useful for small cars that don’t offer a lot of space. The solid construction and integrated lock systems ensure that your items remain safe and secure inside your cargo box at all times, so you never have to worry.

3. Roof Rack

Roof racks consist of cross bars, which are held on top of the vehicle by feet or towers to provide a base for carrying large or oversized items. Roof racks are suitable for any type of vehicle of any size, and they provide a foundation for additional carriers and mounts.

4. Cargo Basket

Cargo Baskets can help you secure items for transport on top of your vehicle. The open platform provides easy access to tie down your cargo, and added flexibility with items that wouldn’t normally fit inside your vehicle. They mount to roof rack systems to keep them elevated to prevent damage to your roof.

5. Bike Rack

Bikes can be hard to transport, especially if you don’t have a truck bed to carry them in. Luckily there are many types of hitch or roof mount bike racks available to help you take your bikes on any adventure. Hitch mount bike racks attach to your hitch to carry bikes on the back of your vehicle. There are also roof mounts available to carry bikes on top of your car. If you are looking to carry your bikes on your RV, products like the RV Bike Ladder rack provide an excellent solution that let you carry bikes on your RV ladder. There are many types of bike racks and mounts available for any type of vehicle, and some models can even carry up to 5 bikes securely. 

6. Cargo Bag

Cargo bags provide a reliable and compact storage solution for the top of your vehicle. Most cargo bags are designed to be durable and water tight, so you don’t have to worry about your belongings during transport. These bags simply attach to your roof rack to provide additional storage, and when not in use, they fold up nicely and take up little space.

7. Water Sport Carrier

If you love spending time in the water, there are various solutions to help you transport your kayak, paddleboard or canoe that are compatible with any size vehicle. These mounting systems attach to the roof of your vehicle to provide a sturdy and secure mount to get your gear to the water.

8. Truck Bed Storage Case

There are various products available to help you utilize your truck bed space. The DU-HA Humpstor truck bed storage case and UnderCover SwingCase provide secure storage without taking up your entire bed. These products are designed to make use of the space above and around the wheel wells, which are normally not used.

9. Truck Bed Tool Box

Tool boxes fit in your truck bed to provide secure, reliable and water tight storage for tools, equipment, and other gear. Tool boxes are suited for anyone needing to transport equipment on the job, or those just looking for a secure and handy truck bed storage solution.

10. Cargo Restraint System

Cargo restraint systems like the BedNet and Thule Stretch Cargo Net are designed to help you safely secure awkward and oversized loads. These products feature webbing with hooks that goes over your cargo to protect and secure it during transport.

Auto Truck Depot

107, 42 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta

Toll Free: 1-855-253-4330

Local: 1-403-253-4330

info@autotruckdepot.ca

www.autotruckdepot.ca

Why You Want a Hard Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover

There's no denying that a tonneau cover is one of the most essential accessories for your pickup truck. By adding a tonneau cover to your truck, you add various benefits such as truck bed security and style. There are various types of tonneau covers, such as hard or soft, roll up or retractable, but in this article, I'm going to walk through some of the benefits of a Hard Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover.

1. Security

Hard tri-fold tonneau covers like the BAKFlip G2 provide reliable security for your truck bed. By the nature of the locking hard panels and latch system, you can feel confident your gear is safe when the tailgate is locked. Soft tonneau covers, both roll-up and tri-fold, offer many great benefits, but their vinyl construction does not offer the same security as a hard cover, since they can be easily punctured or cut into by potential thieves. 

2. Versatility

Hard folding tonneau covers are extremely versatile and easy to use. The folding panel design lets you fold and secure each panel separately so you can use the cover in partially opened positions. This is great if you only want part of your bed covered. Hard tri-fold tonneau covers like the UnderCover Flex can be propped and secured against the back of the cab to provide 100% truck bed access without having to remove the entire cover. This is ideal if you often carry large or over-sized items in your truck bed. 

3. Increased Fuel Efficiency

Nearly all tonneau covers increase the fuel efficiency of your pickup! There are many tri-fold tonneau covers that have a flush, no-profile design like the new BAKFlip MX4. Covers like these increase the aerodynamics of your truck and reduce wind drag, and as a result, you save more money on fuel.

4. Easy to use

Tri-fold tonneau covers are extremely easy to install and use. They have a quick and easy clamp-on system that requires no drilling whatsoever. Every tri-fold cover includes easy to use latches or handles that let you release and lift the front panel. The panels fold easily on top on each other to provide full truck bed access, and easily back down to secure your truck bed. 

Tonneau covers are a must have accessory for your pickup truck--especially tri-fold covers. These covers are robust, durable, secure, easy to use and add a whole new level of versatility to your pickup! We carry a wide range of Hard Tri-Fold Tonneau Covers so you can find one suited to your truck.

Auto Truck Depot

107, 42 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta

Toll Free: 1-855-253-4330

Local: 1-403-253-4330

info@autotruckdepot.ca

www.autotruckdepot.ca

How to Take Care of Your Vinyl Tonneau Cover

A tonneau cover is one of the most popular accessories you can get for your truck, and for good reason. They provide security for your truck bed and protection for your cargo against the elements. Having a tonneau cover can even increase gas mileage. Tonneau covers are a great investment, but they can be pricey, so you want to be sure to take care of it so it lasts as long as possible.

Here are some tips to help you make your vinyl tonneau cover last:

1. Keep the fabric tight

Don’t let your tonneau cover become loose. This will cause the fabric to flap in the wind, resulting in unnecessary stress to the fabric and premature wear. Most fabric tonneau covers, such as the Access Original Roll Up, have built in tension adjusters that can be used to keep the fabric on your cover tight and looking good.

2. Keep the cover closed when not in use

Avoid keeping your cover stored in the rolled up position for long periods of time. This can cause the fabric to lose elasticity, and exposes the interior components to UV rays that can cause premature wear.

3. Keep your cover clean

Your tonneau cover can accumulate dust and debris that can result in premature wear over time, but the good news is that this can be prevented with a little bit of cleaning.

Your tonneau cover can be hand washed or safely cleaned in any car wash with mild soap and water. Never use petroleum or citrus-based cleaners or silicone protectants when washing your cover, as these can damage the materials.

When washing your tonneau cover, it is ideal to park in a shaded or enclosed area and spray the cover so that it can soak completely. Prepare cleaning solution in a warm bucket of water. Dip a scrub brush in the solution and wash from the inside of the cover to the outside with a smooth side motion. Once complete, rinse the cover completely to remove all soap residue, and finish by covering your tonneau cover with a protective spray like Extang Tonno Tonic, which can help prolong the life of the fabric.

Completing these steps will ensure you keep your fabric tonneau cover looking great and lasting long.

Auto Truck Depot

107, 42 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta

Toll Free: 1-855-253-4330

Local: 1-403-253-4330

info@autotruckdepot.ca

www.autotruckdepot.ca

Overview: Bushwacker Fender Flares

Bushwacker Fender Flares are a great addition to your vehicle, both aesthetically and functionally. In this blog article I will walk through their benefits and the variety of styles available.

These Bushwacker Flares are constructed from 100% UV protected Duraflex 2000, a flexible and durable composite material that is also warp resistant. They are designed to withstand any temperature, so you can use them in any climate. Bushwacker tries to make your life as easy as possible, and have engineered the flares to install onto factory anchor points.

Fender Flares serve two primary purposes. The primary one is paint protection. When driving, whether you're on the highway, in town, or out in the wilderness, your tirees are going to kick up rocks, dirt, and other debris. While Mud Flaps help protect those behind you and your undercarriage from damage, some rocks kicked up may escape your wheel wells. If that happens, they could chip your vehicle's paint or dent the quarter panels. Chipped paint can lead to rust and corrosion, and dent can cause chipping. You can prevent all of this by covering the panel edging with fender flares. They will also help prevent corrosion from forming due to salt and moisture, as the edges of your wheel wells are even more susceptible to peeling.

The second purpose is stylistic. If you're building your truck or SUV to look more unique than the standard, OEM style, fender flares are a great way to start. There are multiple different styles so you can find a style of flare that will look great on your vehicle. They all come in a standard, matte black finish that looks sharp and professional. It is possible to colour match them to your vehicle;s paint.

OE Style Flares

OE Style Fender Flares are one of the lowest profile flares. They are designed to look similar to the original, OE style for those that want something more sleek and low profile. These flares offer average coverage, which means they're great for regular tires. If you need protection from tires that aren't slick, but are not large off road tires, these are your flares.

Street Flares

Street Flares sacrifice the OE style for an even more low profile style. If you spend a lot of time in the city, or you want the most slick style possible, Street Flares are perfect for you. They offer coverage on these is also the lowest, so it's most effective for vehicles with small, slick tires.

Pocket Style Flares

Pocket Flares offer some of the widest protection for your vehicle. If you have large off road tires, these flares will provide your vehicle with the necessary protection. They offer a rugged style with the bullet hole bolt indents and square shape. It matches the style and size of larger trucks. 

Max Coverage Flares

Max Coverage flares offer even larger coverage than the Pocket flares. If you have big off road tires, or a larger truck that needs big style to match, these are your flares.

Cut-Out Flares

Cut-Out Flares combine the wide coverage and beefy look of the Pocket and Max Coverage flares with the smooth, rounded look of the OE flares. If you don't like the square look, but you need the wide protection, these are perfect for you.4

Jeep Flares

There are two styles of Jeep flares, the Flat Flares and Pocket Flares. The Flat flares offer a more sleek, low profile style, where as the Pocket flares look like the other pocket flares, with thicker look. Both offer wide coverage for big off road tires in concert with Jeep culture.

For more information on Bushwacker Fender Flares, or to order, please contact us at:

Auto Truck Depot

107, 42 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta

Toll Free: 1-855-253-4330

Local: 1-403-253-4330

info@autotruckdepot.ca

www.tonnocoverdepot.ca

Rundown: BAK Revolver X2

The BAK Revolver X2 is a part of a unique class of tonneau cover that fits perfectly into two worlds. Unfortunately there aren't a lot of models available, and the Revolver is one of two that have made it on to Tonno Cover Depot. That class of tonneau cover is the Hard Roll-Up. Despite being few and far between, Hard Roll-Up Tonneau covers are potentially the most versatile of all tonneau covers. In this blog I'll walk through the benefits of the X2 to give you a better idea of what they're all about.

The greatest asset of the X2 is its compact size. Just like a Soft Roll-Up Tonneau, the Hard Roll-Up Covers roll into themselves to secure right behind your cab. The roll is a little thicker than the soft covers because of the hard construction, but they still allow you great visibility out your rear window when they're closed, if you need to drive that way. The X2 is constructed from aluminum, which means you don't need to worry about puncture damage like you do with soft top covers. It also means your truck bed is more secure against break ins and can support  up to 400 pounds of evenly distributed weight on top.

The roll can be performed easily by one person, with one hand even, so accessing your truck bed is a breeze. The X2 also installs quickly and easily, so you can be ready to go right away. Because of its roll up engineering, most extra large cargo can still be hauled in your truck bed without an issue, but if you do need to take it off to make something fit, it's simple. With no drill, no modification installation, you can put it on a leased vehicle or work truck, and you can switch from one truck to another relatively easily.

The BAK X2 have a unique locking block and rail system to help secure your truck bed. As you unroll the cover locking blocks along the cover engage the rotational locking rails. This means that as you roll the cover down, each segment locks, providing an exceptional seal against moisture and dirt. It also means that when you're driving, the cover will be sucked tight to prevent damage to the top and keeps it from coming loose.

Once the cover is secured, it can be released from either side with a quick release pullstring when the tailgate is open. With the tailgate closed, you won't be able to open the cover, securing it against thieves, especially when the tailgate is locked. When closed, the cover sits nearly flush to the top of your bed rails, giving it a sharp low profile look that is stylish and can improve your fuel economy.

If you're looking for a cover that's quick, easy to use and compact, yet still very durable, the BAK Revolver X2 is a great choice for you. It's great for those hauling fifth wheel trailers, or often find themselves hauling a wide variety of cargo. For more information, or to order please contact us at:

Auto Truck Depot

107, 42 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta

Toll Free: 1-855-253-4330

Local: 1-403-253-4330

info@autotruckdepot.ca

www.tonnocoverdepot.ca

10 Questions to Ask When Buying a Tonneau Cover

Tonneau covers are one of the most popular accessories you can add to your pickup truck, and for good reason. They provide security for your truck bed, protect your cargo from moisture, and can even save you gas mileage! There’s no doubt a tonneau cover can be a great investment, but there are a few questions you should consider before making a final decision.

1. What are your reasons for wanting a tonneau cover?

Are you looking to add more security to your truck bed, enhance the look of your truck, or add some versatility? There are various styles of tonneau covers to choose from, such as Soft Roll-Up, Hard Tri-Fold, Retractable or Hard One-Piece, and they all have their own set of pros and cons. Decide what you want out of a tonneau cover, because that will help your initial decision.

2. How will you be using your truck bed?

How do you use your truck and how often will you need access to your truck bed? All tonneau covers provide tailgate access, but some can pose limitations if you routinely need full truck bed access to haul larger items. Soft Roll-Up Covers are the most versatile, and can easily be rolled all the way to the cab to provide full truck bed access, but they offer less security than a hard tonneau cover. Most Hard Tri-Fold Covers like the BAKFlip G2 can fold against the back window of the cab to provide a full truck bed, but this also reduces visibility in the back window. If you’re building a show truck and don’t plan on hauling large items often, a Hard One-Piece Tonneau can provide a clean, finished look.

3. What styles of tonneau covers do you like the best?

This is something that will be on your truck for a long time, so you should like the way it looks. Decide what tonneau cover styles you like the look of the best.

4. What is your budget?

There is a wide price range when it comes to tonneau covers. With prices starting at $269, Soft Tonneau Covers are the least expensive, and Hard Covers are bit more expensive, with prices that start at $663.

5. Do you want a tonneau cover on your truck at all times?

Some covers are easier to remove than others. If you only want a tonneau cover to use occasionally, you should review the installation instructions to be sure of the process involved. We provide installation guides on all our tonneau cover product pages.

6. How tall is your truck?

The height of your truck can also play a role in decide. Folding the panels of a Hard Tri-Fold Tonneau might be difficult if you already have a hard time reaching your truck bed. Retractable tonneau covers like the Pace Edwards Switchblade slide easily with little effort, and may be better suited to those with lifted trucks.

7. Are you planning on using your tonneau cover with a rack or other truck bed accessories?

Some tonneau covers might not be compatible with other truck bed accessories, so be sure to find out before making a purchase. If you plan on getting a truck bed rack with your cover, check out the BAKFlip CS or CS-F1 Tonneau Cover/Rack Combo.

8. What’s more important: versatility or security?

This may be the question that determines whether you want a hard or soft tonneau cover. Soft Roll-Up Tonneau Covers like the Access Original Roll-Up Tonneau Cover tend to be the most versatile, but you can’t beat the security of a Hard Tri-Fold or One-Piece Cover.

9. How easy is the cover to use?

Would you rather access your truck bed by rolling your cover back, folding panels open, letting it slide or pressing a button? Some covers are easier than others to use, and some retractable covers like the Pace Edwards Bedlocker can even be opened via remote!

10. How difficult is the cover to install?

If you’ll be installing the tonneau cover yourself, you should review the instructions to make sure you have everything you need before buying it. Some covers are easier than others, and some require great accuracy to ensure it operates smoothly and remains water tight. This should also be a consideration if you plan on putting on and removing your cover frequently.

Now that you’ve asked yourself these 10 important questions, you’re ready to choose a tonneau cover! To help you out, here are some tonneau cover categories you might be interested in.

       

Auto Truck Depot

107, 42 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta

Toll Free: 1-855-253-4330

Local: 1-403-253-4330

info@autotruckdepot.ca

www.autotruckdepot.ca