Bakflip MX4 vs Gator EFX: Explore The Similarities And Differences

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Written By Waylon Joe

Hey, It’s Waylon “Joe” Kite here. I am a West Virginia native and a die-hard pickup truck fan. My story with trucks started with my dad’s 1989 Ford F-150, and it's still going on. I'll share all my trucking experiences (both great and gross ones) with you. I have a garage full of tools to fix and renovate trucks and a freezer full of ales. Do you want to join me?

If you want to compare Bakflip MX4 vs Gator EFX, let’s see which is better.

If you want to use the cover for professional purposes, the MX4 is the best choice. It has a higher price range than the EFX, but you will have 100 lbs more weight capacity than the EFX. It also features a better cargo securing system than the EFX with a Dual-Action Tailgate Seal. 

Both tonneau covers have a black powder coat finish featuring heavy-duty aluminum panels, but the MX4 has a High-Density Foam Core, which provides up to 400lbs of weight capacity. MX4 has a Dual-Action Tailgate Seal, but the EFX has to be locked with the tailgate. The EFX is more reasonable than the MX4.

There are a lot more differences to consider. I will help you to compare and choose between these two fantastic tonneau covers for your Ford. Let’s begin; 

Bakflip MX4 Vs Gator EFX: Features At A Glance

When trying to get the best tonneau cover for your truck, you can not just risk your choice by looking at the features.

But don’t you think having a quick idea is better than having no idea about the features? Let’s go through the quick comparison table;

Bakflip MX4
source: bakflip.com

Bakflip MX4: Main Features

  • MX4 features a Complete matte black powder coat finish with High-Density Foam Core
  • Has a  Low-Profile appearance 
  • Dual-Action Tailgate Seal With Automatic latching system Safety features
  • Simple Installations without drilling
  • Weight capacity up to 400 lbs
  • Starts from $1,079.88 – $1,140.88
  • Fits 2015 – 2020 Ford F-150
  • Has a 5-year warranty

Gator EFX: Main Features

  • It features a Heavy-duty aircraft-grade aluminum panel coated with a scratch-resistant, UV-protective, black powder coat finish.
  • Provides a Stylish low-profile & aerodynamic appearance
  • Locks with Tailgate
  • It has a clamp-on no drilling installation
  • Has a weight capacity of 300 lbs
  • Price range starts from $729
  • Fits 2015 – 2020 Ford F-150
  • Has a 3-year warranty

A Quick Glance Table

FactorGator EFXBakflip MX4
MaterialsHeavy-duty aircraft-grade aluminum panels coated with a scratch-resistant, UV-protective, black powder coat finishComplete matte black powder coat finish with High-Density Foam Core
Look/FinishStylish low-profile & aerodynamic appearanceLow-Profile
Safety FeaturesLocks with TailgateDual-Action Tailgate Seal
Installationclamp-on no drilling installationInstallations without drilling
Weight Capacity300 lbs400 lbs
Price RangeAround $750Around $1200
CompatibilityFits 2015 – 2020 Ford F-150Fits 2015 – 2020 Ford F-150
Warranty3-year warranty5-year warranty

Bakflip MX4 Vs Gator EFX: Differences between features

This small information about the differences in the table might not be able to help you to choose the best suitable cover for your truck. It is time to go through the entire elaboration of the differences. 

Price Range

Worrying about the price range is very common. I mean of course we want a reasonable price with more reliable features. In that case, you will be fond of the Gator EFX tonneau cover. The price of this cover is around $750.

On the other hand, Bakflip MX4 is a thousand-dollar cover club member. It will cost you around $1200. 

The price of not only these two covers but also almost any kind of tonneau’s price range can vary according to;

Season: if it is hunting season, game season, or snow/rain/storm season, the price may vary.

Website: as there are many websites and marketing criteria, the price may differ from website to website.

Shops: Different shops may have different price tags according to the places of their preference. So you might find a different price than the website in the shops.

Weight Capacity 

As I mentioned before, you must look for a cover with the perfect weight capacity according to your need. 

The Gator EFX has a weight capacity of 300lbs. This truck is amazingly perfect for both professional and recreational purposes. Remember, last Halloween you were facing problems carrying the pumpkins on your truck bed? 

With Gator EFX you won’t be facing that issue. As well as if you like dirt biking, you can also carry that on your cover. 

But as we all know the phrase, “the more the better”, right?

With almost 100lbs more weight capacity Bakflip MX4 can carry up to 400lbs of distributed weight. It is preferable for professionals who constantly have to use their cover to carry various kinds of important and heavy tools. 

Both of these covers typically fit your 2015 – 2020 Ford F-150. So if you want to consider the price range as I explained above as well as the weight capacity the MX4 is the best choice for you. 

Safety Features

Gator EFX features a locking tailgate system. Whenever you close the cover, the aluminum panels lock in place.

With this instant auto-lock system, your cargo will be more secure and less likely to be stolen. Furthermore, this feature prevents the sudden falling off of the panels during driving. For extra security, you can use locks with Tailgate.

On the other hand, with the MX4, you will have an extra security feature. The panels are going to be latched automatically on closing just like the EFX, but, with the Dual-Action Tailgate Seal, you can make sure that your cargo is extremely safe. 

You can also operate your tailgate independently of the tonneau cover with the help of this seal. Moreover, this tonneau cover is featured with Struts. Meaning you will gain access to nearly 100% and you can hold the cover up against the cab.

Materials

To raise competition both of these tonneau covers have almost the same kind of building materials and quality with some slight differences.

The EFX is featured with Heavy-duty aircraft-grade aluminum panels. Which is coated with a scratch-resistant, UV-protective, black powder coat finish fabric.

This coating is so durable, that the aluminum panels are always protected from any kind of impact. By any kind of impact, I meant any natural impact, not a crash test okay?

You will find a water-tight rubber seal that will keep your truck bed dry from any water leakage. As you know, no tonneau is 100% water-proof, but there will be draining tubes in the clamping rail to keep any water that may have found its way in.

Let’s not forget about the look. It is amazingly stylish, sleek, and low profile yet enough glossy to show off your truck attitude on a bright sunny day.

Bakflip MX4 is also constructed with heavy-duty aluminum panels, which are covered with a Complete matte black powder coat finish with High-Density Foam Core. The core, as we mentioned before, gives you up to 400lbs of weight capacity. 

As I said, the build quality has some similarities, the MX4 is also equipped with water-draining plastic tubes. Which will help you to keep the water out if your cover has faced heavy rain, snowfall, or a rough car wash. 

You can stay tension free, as the EPDM seal will resist the water amazingly. Not to mention the scratch, weather, and UV-resistant coating, which will give your truck an amazingly low-profile appearance on the road.

Bakflip MX4 Vs Gator EFX: Which one you should choose and why?

Most truck owners just like you are very much annoyed by this question and unable to find the right answer. But I am here to answer that for you. I will put some facts here, and I hope, based on this, it will be much easier for you to choose.

Why Choose Bakflip MX4 Tonneau Cover?

  • More weight capacity means more workability, more protection, more stress-free mind. MX4 is capable of, as I mentioned, handling 400lbs of distributed weight. Which makes it more of a professional tonneau cover. You can easily put all your working equipment on the cover if it is necessary.
  • Don’t forget the simple clamp-on, drilling-free installation. You will just need a few essential tools and you can do it yourself. The dual action tailgate seal gives your truck extra security.
  • With The 5-year warranty, you can claim an after-sale service for any kind of manufacturer defect and the price is much more affordable.

Why Choose Gator EFX Tonneau Cover?

  • Much more reasonable than MX4 with up to 300lbs of weight capacity, this tonneau cover is perfect for recreational purposes. 
  • It features an automatic latching system upon closing and you can enhance the security by using a tailgate lock. 
  • Coated with a scratch-resistant, UV-protective, black powder coat finish fabric, this tonneau will give your truck a semi-gloss and low profile appearance.

FAQs

Does a tonneau cover improve gas mileage?

A truck-bed is more like an air-catching bucket. When you use a tonneau cover your truck bed helps your truck to go through the air smoothly. Less drag means less pressure on the engine which results in minimum fuel use.

Is it possible to seat on a tonneau cover?

Why not? But your weight has to be less than the weight capacity of the cover and you have to distribute your sitting position all over the tonneau. Impossible right? So, no it is not a good idea to sit on it.

Is it a good idea to roll up my tonneau cover while washing my car?

It should not be difficult to wash a fiberglass or plastic hard-top tonneau without causing any damage. Tonneaus that have been painted may need to be washed in a touchless car wash so as not to scratch them.

Read also: Bakflip Mx4 Problems

Conclusion

This is my breakdown of all the differences and slight similarities between these two amazing tonneau covers.

Choosing one tonneau cover between two of the best is always hard, I know it. But with proper detailed information, Just like I put in the article, it will be helpful to choose the better between them.

Best of luck with your tonneau quest.

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