As you are comparing Bakflip MX4 vs Gator FX3 tonneau covers, you will find FX3 is capable of handling up-to 300lbs of distributed weight. And it is very reasonable, costing around $900. But you can get 100lbs more weight capacity with the MX4 by spending around $1200.
Just like this there are many more differences, considering which you can decide which tonneau is better between; Bakflip MX4 vs Gator FX3?
The FX3 has a Fiberglass Reinforced Polymer coating on the aluminum panels, whereas the MX4 features black powder coat finish with High-Density Foam Core. MX4 has a Dual-Action Tailgate Seal but FX3 simple locks with the tailgate. MX4 comes with a 5 years warranty whereas FX3 only has 2 years.
Don’t stress yourself and stay with me. I will make this article worth your time and it will help you to choose the best for your truck. Let’s get started;
Bakflip MX4 vs Gator FX3: Features Quick Peek
A quick peek at the features will help you to have a much clearer idea about the benefits based on which you can get the best tonneau cover for your truck.
Bakflip MX4: a quick peek
- It features a Complete matte black powder coat finish with High-Density Foam Core
- Provides a Stylish Low-Profile appearance
- Locks with Dual-Action Tailgate Seal
- It has a bolt-on no drilling installation
- Has a weight capacity of 400 lbs
- Price range is Around $1200
- Fits 2015 – 2020 Ford F-150
- Has a 5-year warranty
Gator FX3: a quick peek
- Constructed of aluminum panels coated with Fiberglass Reinforced Polymer (FRP)
- semi-gloss black
- It Locks the cargo with Tailgate
- Has a Bolt-on clamps, no-drill installation
- Weight capacity upto 300 lbs
- Price range is Around $ 900
- Fits amazingly with 2015-2018 Ford F150, 2014-2018 Chevy Silverado GMC Sierra, 2002-2018 Dodge Ram, 2015-2018 Chevy Colorado GMC Canyon
- Comes with a 2 year warranty
Quick Comparison Table
| Factor | Bakflip MX4 | Gator FX3 |
| Materials | Complete matte black powder coat finish with High-Density Foam Core | Constructed of aluminum panels with Fiberglass Reinforced Polymer (FRP) |
| Look/Finish | Low-Profile | semi-gloss black |
| Safety Features | Dual-Action Tailgate Seal | Locks with Tailgate |
| Installation | Installations without drilling | Bolt-on clamps, no-drill installation |
| Weight Capacity | 400 lbs | 300 lbs |
| Price Range | Around $1200 | Around $ 900 |
| Compatibility | Fits 2015 – 2020 Ford F-150 | Fits 2015-2018 Ford F150, 2014-2018 Chevy Silverado GMC Sierra, 2002-2018 Dodge Ram, 2015-2018 Chevy Colorado GMC Canyon |
| Warranty | 5-year warranty | 2 year warranty |
Bakflip MX4 vs Gator FX3: Explore the Differences
It’s time to explore the differentiating features in details. It will help you to decided which one to pick for your truck.
Weight Capacity
As I mentioned earlier, the weight capacity of your tonneau cover will determine if you will be able to use it professionally or casually.
In that case, if I talk about the Gator FX3, it will help you both professionally and casually with its amazing 300 lbs of weight capacity.
If you have hobbies of off-road biking you can carry your dirt-bike easily on the cover. Do not forget the pumpkins for halloween. You can easily carry them over the cover if you want.
On the other hand, if you want a bit more weight capacity, the MX4 is a great choice. The cover is capable of withstanding 400lbs of distributed weight. All your professional tools can be carried on the cover distributedly.
In my opinion, if you are looking for more weight capacity, get the MX4.
Read also: How To Fix Tonneau Cover Latch?
Materials Look/Finish
If you want to compare the material and build quality, both of these covers will blow your mind.
The MX4 features a complete matte black powder coat finish with High-Density Foam Core. The core helps with the weight capacity of the cover.
The panels are constructed with heavy-duty aluminum and the covering material provides superior protection to the panels from any kind of impact.
The cover will protect your cover from heavy rainfall, heavy snowfall and hail as well. It comes with an EPDM seal, which resists the water amazingly, preventing any kind of water puddling in your cargo.
It is true that a few drops may enter if the cover has faced any heavy rain or a rough car wash. Keeping that in mind the cover is equipped with a water draining tube. Any unwanted leakage will be handled by these tubes.
On the other hand, Gator FX3 iis featured with aluminum panels with Fiberglass Reinforced Polymer (FRP). This covering material not only makes the cover more lightweight but durable as well. In comparison to most metals, this material resists scratches, dents, and heat better.
FX3 also is equipped with EPDM rubber seals. That means your truck bed will stay dry whether it is raining or snowing.
Price Range
When you consider reasonability, without any doubt the FX3 is the winner. It has a price range around $ 900, which makes it a tonneau under a thousand dollars. But the warranty that comes with it is only 2 years.
In this case if you are ready to spend a bit more, like around $1200, you will get a 5 long years of warranty with the MX4. Not a bad deal, eh?
What do you think? A long warranty time or a lesser price? I will leave that up to you.
Compatibility
In compatibility, the MX4 will amazingly fit with all 2015 – 2020 Ford F-150. The installation process is super-simple. There is no drilling required, only clamp-on action. The aluminum panels will automatically latch and sit in place.
On the other hand, with the same no-drill, simple bolt-on clamps installation, Gator FX3 fits with 2015-2018 Ford F150, 2014-2018 Chevy Silverado GMC Sierra, 2002-2018 Dodge Ram, 2015-2018 Chevy Colorado GMC Canyon trucks.
Lock and Load
Safety Features are very important for any truck owner. Either you are going to carry professional tools, or picnic equipment.
Bakflip has not compromised a bit to feature safety with Dual-Action Tailgate Seal to their MX4 covers. This sealing system helps the owners to double check their cargo before locking. Upon closing the cover gets latched automatically.
The seal overlaps with the tailgate and if you want a more secure option, you can use a tailgate lock.
The Gator FX3 cover keeps your bed more secure than your cab once you roll it over and lock the tailgate. As soon as the cover is closed, it is automatically locked by Slam latches.
What do I think? Well in terms of security, I will go for the MX4 considering all the safety features.
Bakflip MX4 vs Gator FX3: WHICH one and WHY should you choose?
There are many reasons to choose either of the covers. I get a lot from my daily readers that they always struggle to decide to answer this question. No worries, I will try and make this easier for you so that you don’t have to struggle much.
WHY should you choose Gator FX3?
- Reasonable price, around $900 with 300lbs amazing weight capacity.
- Nothing to say about the material. Within this price, you will get fiber-glass covering on heavy-duty aluminum panels.
- It fits with a vast amount of truck models.
WHY should you choose Bakflip MX4?
- Consider the material, I mean the weather resistance, the impact resistance, upon that the EPDM seal along with the draining tube. Isn’t this the cover you deserve?
- Aah, the weight capacity! 400lbs of distributed weight can be put on the cover, and that’s huge and that for around $1200.
- A 5 year long warranty with the cover, means any manufacturer defect will be handled for 5 long years.
Till now I hope you have already chosen your winner. Based on your budget, preference and weather condition, just choose the most perfect one.
Read also: Best Weather Stripping For Tonneau Cover
FAQs
Can you travel by sitting on your FX3 tonneau cover?
Are you ready to sit on your tonneau by distributing your buttock? No right? So the answer is no, it is not a great idea to travel by sitting or standing on your tonneau cover. It’s a matter of common sense, that the weight has to be distributed.
MX4 covers go through car wash?
I do not recommend keeping the cover on while going through a car wash. The spinning brush might be good for your cab, but not great at all for your cover. MX4 installation and removing is very easy so just put it off while going through a car wash.
Aren’t Bakflip covers waterproof?
No tonneau cover is 100 percent secure from water leakage. Even when you are using a Bakflip, which is equipped with EPDM seals, while heavy rain, few drops may find their ways to sneak in the cover. But draining tubes are very helpful at this stage.
Read also: Bakflip Mx4 Problems
Conclusion
Always choose a tonneau cover for your truck based on preference, which is the most important factor. Based on budget, of course you have to maintain it, try to consider the price if you are getting something better by spending some extra money.
So this is my breakdown of these two amazing tonneau covers of the present time. I hope you find the best fit for your truck. Best of luck!
Also read: BAKFlip F1 Vs BAKFlip MX4