Tonneau Cover Selection

[Todd Berman]

Hello Fellow Maverick Truck Club Members:

I recently got a new 2024 Maverick XL. It came with a bed extender and spray in bedliner. I would highly appreciate your insights to help me weigh pros and cons to select the best tonneau cover for me.

I see these three online with Ford at the following link:

Part #: VNZ6Z99501A42H
Part #: VNZ6Z99501A42B
Part #: VNZ6Z99501A42D

https://parts.ford.com/shop/SearchD...rBy:&pageView:&minPrice:&maxPrice:&pageSize:&

I would consider one outside of Ford but I wonder if that will detract from the resale value down the road. I plan to drive it for many years but I also wonder if a Ford part will maximize a visual sense of brand consistency as I intend both personal and business truck use. And, a discount was included by the dealership where I bought the truck.

---------

I currently plan to start a mobile coffee business, and use the truck to transport a collapsible coffee cart, related equipment and supplies, etc.

I may want to store the same items in the bed to minimize having to unload after/load before each job. I may be parked outside of a secured garage.

Therefore, I am interested in protection from the elements such as rain, as well as theft deterrence.

I am also interested in longevity, convenience of use and maintenance, and so on. I am not exactly handy, so it would probably work best to have someone install it who will do it right the first time and I don't have to deal with replacement for a while, if ever.

----------

Lastly, is there a distinction between Ford reference to "new parts", "OEM", and "after market parts", or are those essentially all the same thing?

I look forward to your insights. Thank you.

All the best,
Todd

Sponsored

 

[BirdDog]

Hello Fellow Maverick Truck Club Members:

I recently got a new 2024 Maverick XL. It came with a bed extender and spray in bedliner. I would highly appreciate your insights to help me weigh pros and cons to select the best tonneau cover for me.

I see these three online with Ford at the following link:

Part #: VNZ6Z99501A42H
Part #: VNZ6Z99501A42B
Part #: VNZ6Z99501A42D

https://parts.ford.com/shop/SearchD...rBy:&pageView:&minPrice:&maxPrice:&pageSize:&

I would consider one outside of Ford but I wonder if that will detract from the resale value down the road. I plan to drive it for many years but I also wonder if a Ford part will maximize a visual sense of brand consistency as I intend both personal and business truck use. And, a discount was included by the dealership where I bought the truck.

---------

I currently plan to start a mobile coffee business, and use the truck to transport a collapsible coffee cart, related equipment and supplies, etc.

I may want to store the same items in the bed to minimize having to unload after/load before each job. I may be parked outside of a secured garage.

Therefore, I am interested in protection from the elements such as rain, as well as theft deterrence.

I am also interested in longevity, convenience of use and maintenance, and so on. I am not exactly handy, so it would probably work best to have someone install it who will do it right the first time and I don't have to deal with replacement for a while, if ever.

----------

Lastly, is there a distinction between Ford reference to "new parts", "OEM", and "after market parts", or are those essentially all the same thing?

I look forward to your insights. Thank you.

All the best,
Todd

I don't think a cover from Ford is going to have any bearing on resale value.

The more you look at these covers the more a warranty is needed.

Seems like you have 2 years on the tonneau covers before you need something replaced or done to fix it. Find a company that gives you a 5 year warranty. If you need to replace it before year 5 warranty, then maybe you get a cover that gets you through 7 years.

Look at all the online reviews of tonneau covers with mavericks and non mavericks. Around the 2 year mark seems where people have issues.

 

[SawDust]

Hello Fellow Maverick Truck Club Members:

I recently got a new 2024 Maverick XL. It came with a bed extender and spray in bedliner. I would highly appreciate your insights to help me weigh pros and cons to select the best tonneau cover for me.

I see these three online with Ford at the following link:

Part #: VNZ6Z99501A42H
Part #: VNZ6Z99501A42B
Part #: VNZ6Z99501A42D

https://parts.ford.com/shop/SearchD...rBy:&pageView:&minPrice:&maxPrice:&pageSize:&

I would consider one outside of Ford but I wonder if that will detract from the resale value down the road. I plan to drive it for many years but I also wonder if a Ford part will maximize a visual sense of brand consistency as I intend both personal and business truck use. And, a discount was included by the dealership where I bought the truck.

---------

I currently plan to start a mobile coffee business, and use the truck to transport a collapsible coffee cart, related equipment and supplies, etc.

I may want to store the same items in the bed to minimize having to unload after/load before each job. I may be parked outside of a secured garage.

Therefore, I am interested in protection from the elements such as rain, as well as theft deterrence.

I am also interested in longevity, convenience of use and maintenance, and so on. I am not exactly handy, so it would probably work best to have someone install it who will do it right the first time and I don't have to deal with replacement for a while, if ever.

----------

Lastly, is there a distinction between Ford reference to "new parts", "OEM", and "after market parts", or are those essentially all the same thing?

I look forward to your insights. Thank you.

All the best,
Todd

This article was the most helpful I found among the dozens on line. https://mytruckbedsolutions.com/

Tonneau Cover Showdown: Leer HF650M vs Bakflip MX4
June 2, 2023
If you're in the market for a tonneau cover for your truck, you may be considering the Leer HF650M and Bakflip MX4 models. Both offer unique features and benefits, but which one is right for you? Our comparison guide will help you weigh the pros and cons of each and make an informed decision.

Overview of Tonneau Covers.
The Leer HF650M and Bakflip MX4 are two of the most popular tonneau covers among truck owners. For good reason. That’s because they both offer superior protection and security from the elements and wandering eyes. Not only do they give you the ability to lock your truck bed by simply locking your tailgate, but they are both easy to install and operate. Usually within 1 hour you can have these covers on and ready for the road. Those are the features the Leer HF650M and Bakflip MX4 have in common. Now let’s look at them individually and dive into what makes them two of the best competitors.

Leer HF650M highlights
The Leer HF650M is Leer’s most popular tonneau cover. There are two main reasons for this:

1. It has four dent resistant panels that sit lower than the third brake light when open and don’t rub against the cab of the truck.
2. It also offers multiple latching positions using their patented Cync latching system. The Cync cables are built into the underside of the cover making it easy to use and difficult to break into.

Leer HF650M Pros and Cons
Pros:

• 4 panels allow cover to sit lower behind cab.
• Prop rods keep cover from rubbing against cab.
• Cync Latching system has no cables to damage.
• No drilling or drain tubes required.
• Fiberglass-reinforced Polymer panels are dent resistant.
• Multiple latching positions.
• 450 lb. load rating

Cons:

• Only a 3-year warranty
• Fiberglass-reinforced Polymer panels may not hold up as well in heat.

Bakflip MX4 Highlights
The Bakflip MX4 is Bak Industries most popular tonneau cover. There are two main reasons for this:

1. The low profile matte black aluminum panels are light weight and offer UV protection in the summer heat.
2. They are built in the USA using quality materials.

Bakflip MX4 Pros and Cons
Pros:

• Aluminum panels are lightweight and durable.
• Low profile design.
• Drain tubes remove excess water.
• Multiple latching positions.
• 400 lb. load rating.
• Extended 5-year warranty.

Cons:

• Aluminum panels are not dent resistant.
• Drain tubes require drilling.

Comparison of Leer HF650M and Bakflip MX4.
As you can see both covers have many great features to offer. With only a few downsides. The MX4 offers lightweight aluminum panels, while the HF650M has fiberglass-reinforced polymer panels. The aluminum panels of the MX4 are great for UV protection in the hot summer sun but are not dent resistant like the polymer panels of the HF650M. While they both offer multiple latching positions and can be driven in the open position, the HF650M has a slight advantage since its prop rod position does not allow the panels to lean against the cab of the truck. That’s important to note because with the MX4 the more you use the cover the more it’ll wear on the paint finish of the truck. As far as water management is concerned, no tonneau cover is perfect, but both were uniquely engineered to shed water or drain it away from the bed of the truck. The potential downside of the MX4 in this area is it requires a drain tube to be installed. This could be an advantage or disadvantage. Depends on how you look at it. It is one extra step in the installation process and requires drilling a hole in the plastic bed plug, but the extra drain tube does a good job of redirecting water. Especially during heavy downpours. That’s also very important to note because one of the main reasons you buy a tonneau cover is to keep your cargo dry.

Final Verdict and Recommendation.
After comparing the Leer HF650M vs the Bakflip MX4 I’ve concluded that the Leer HF650M has a slight advantage. For me it comes down to security and durability. The fiberglass-reinforced polymer panels of the HF650M beat out the aluminum panels of the MX4 because they are dent resistant. I’ve seen the Bakflip MX4 after a hailstorm and it didn’t fair very well. Also, the HF650M has a load rating of 450 lbs. compared to 400 lbs. with the MX4. That extra 50 lbs. of load rating gives me a little more peace of mind when it comes to a wet heavy snowstorm. The final deciding factor is security. The Cync latch system cable is built into the underside of the panel. Making It much more difficult for someone to try to break into with a simple coat hanger. So, not only does the Leer HF650M hold up better in extreme elements but it also provides one extra layer of protection against breaking and entering.

 

[Traegorn]

Another brand tonneau is not going to affect your resale value.

 

[Lane]

I would consider one outside of Ford but I wonder if that will detract from the resale value down the road.

I see too many peole who care what their vehicle is worth to someone else, someday. You didn't buy this truck for them. What matters is what it's worth to YOU, now. Do what you want with it.

I started to get more enjoyment from my vehicles when I viewed them less as an investment and more as a consumable. Might be a little different if this was a vehicle that cost more than a house. But it's not.

 

[Sembazuru]

Hello Fellow Maverick Truck Club Members:

I recently got a new 2024 Maverick XL. It came with a bed extender and spray in bedliner. I would highly appreciate your insights to help me weigh pros and cons to select the best tonneau cover for me.

I see these three online with Ford at the following link:

Part #: VNZ6Z99501A42H
Part #: VNZ6Z99501A42B
Part #: VNZ6Z99501A42D

https://parts.ford.com/shop/SearchD...rBy:&pageView:&minPrice:&maxPrice:&pageSize:&

That last one that I highlighted in red probably won't work with the bed extender. It might, but when I was originally ordering and playing around with options (before I decided to order my bolt-on options separate from my truck to avoid build delays) I think I recall the order builder indicating that there was an incompatibility. My suspicion is it is due to the tabs that stick out towards the centerline of the bed that engage the locking feature of the cover. Those tabs may interfere with flipping the bed extender in and out.

I never opted to get the bed extender (didn't think that I would have a real need for it) and ended up with a similar model hard rollup cover, the BAK Revolver X4s and love it. (I also have a spray in bed liner, but done 3rd party at LineX.)

That last cover in your list is just a Ford branded BAK Revolver X2, and may no longer match the product photo on Ford. I've heard issues with the felt falling off of them under the hot summer sun and BAK redesigned it with the same rubber bumpers as the X4s. I've also heard that people getting warranty replacements because of the felt issue loosing the Ford branding on their replacements. I haven't kept up on the news to see if the Ford branding ever returned for the covers purchased (or warranty replaced) through Ford. I went with the X4s because it is supposed to have a more matte surface that I wanted, but I don't have any way of comparing the two.

 

[Jone]

I am in a similar situation. This is something I have pondered during my long wait for my truck to arrive. At first I was leaning toward a roll up/Velcro tonneau. The problem is I have to get into my truck bed multiple times a day so I don’t know how the Velcro will hold up. Now I am thinking I am better suited for a trifold..
Peace
Jon

 

[Mox4615]

I’m actually kinda disappointed in my tri fold I assumed it was more water proof than it is. I knew it wouldn’t be completely waterproof but I washed the truck a few days ago and near the tailgate and up near the back glass it got pretty wet inside. Plus the rubber where it bends when you fold it up doesn’t look like it’s gonna last that long.

 

[Guardian]

I absolutely love my hard fold A.R.E. Fusion tonneau cover. In comes in Ford colors(Area 51 for me!),it is water/snow proof so far. Cost..about $1600-$1700. I've had good results in the past with this brand. The most important thing is making sure you have folks who know how to put the covers on.

 

[More w/Les]

Hello Fellow Maverick Truck Club Members:

I recently got a new 2024 Maverick XL. It came with a bed extender and spray in bedliner. I would highly appreciate your insights to help me weigh pros and cons to select the best tonneau cover for me.

I see these three online with Ford at the following link:

Part #: VNZ6Z99501A42H
Part #: VNZ6Z99501A42B
Part #: VNZ6Z99501A42D

https://parts.ford.com/shop/SearchD...rBy:&pageView:&minPrice:&maxPrice:&pageSize:&

I would consider one outside of Ford but I wonder if that will detract from the resale value down the road. I plan to drive it for many years but I also wonder if a Ford part will maximize a visual sense of brand consistency as I intend both personal and business truck use. And, a discount was included by the dealership where I bought the truck.

---------

I currently plan to start a mobile coffee business, and use the truck to transport a collapsible coffee cart, related equipment and supplies, etc.

I may want to store the same items in the bed to minimize having to unload after/load before each job. I may be parked outside of a secured garage.

Therefore, I am interested in protection from the elements such as rain, as well as theft deterrence.

I am also interested in longevity, convenience of use and maintenance, and so on. I am not exactly handy, so it would probably work best to have someone install it who will do it right the first time and I don't have to deal with replacement for a while, if ever.

----------

Lastly, is there a distinction between Ford reference to "new parts", "OEM", and "after market parts", or are those essentially all the same thing?

I look forward to your insights. Thank you.

All the best,
Todd

Don't know your budget for a cover, but have used DiamondBack covers my previous trucks, and found them to be extremely well made and useful. Probably the most secure cover available, and can take a good load on top as well. Might be assets that would be beneficial for your usage. Good luck with your endeavors.

DIAMONDBACK SWITCHBACK
https://diamondbackcovers.com/produ...iant=40376169234531&chosenFinish=Rugged_Black

 

[Mervin the Maverick]

Hello Fellow Maverick Truck Club Members:

I recently got a new 2024 Maverick XL. It came with a bed extender and spray in bedliner. I would highly appreciate your insights to help me weigh pros and cons to select the best tonneau cover for me.

I see these three online with Ford at the following link:

Part #: VNZ6Z99501A42H
Part #: VNZ6Z99501A42B
Part #: VNZ6Z99501A42D

https://parts.ford.com/shop/SearchD...rBy:&pageView:&minPrice:&maxPrice:&pageSize:&

I would consider one outside of Ford but I wonder if that will detract from the resale value down the road. I plan to drive it for many years but I also wonder if a Ford part will maximize a visual sense of brand consistency as I intend both personal and business truck use. And, a discount was included by the dealership where I bought the truck.

---------

I currently plan to start a mobile coffee business, and use the truck to transport a collapsible coffee cart, related equipment and supplies, etc.

I may want to store the same items in the bed to minimize having to unload after/load before each job. I may be parked outside of a secured garage.

Therefore, I am interested in protection from the elements such as rain, as well as theft deterrence.

I am also interested in longevity, convenience of use and maintenance, and so on. I am not exactly handy, so it would probably work best to have someone install it who will do it right the first time and I don't have to deal with replacement for a while, if ever.

----------

Lastly, is there a distinction between Ford reference to "new parts", "OEM", and "after market parts", or are those essentially all the same thing?

I look forward to your insights. Thank you.

All the best,
Todd

I am super happy with my Ford Roll-Up hard tamari cover. It has done everything that I want it to do with minimal leakage.

 

[jamie722]

That last one that I highlighted in red probably won't work with the bed extender. It might, but when I was originally ordering and playing around with options (before I decided to order my bolt-on options separate from my truck to avoid build delays) I think I recall the order builder indicating that there was an incompatibility. My suspicion is it is due to the tabs that stick out towards the centerline of the bed that engage the locking feature of the cover. Those tabs may interfere with flipping the bed extender in and out.

I never opted to get the bed extender (didn't think that I would have a real need for it) and ended up with a similar model hard rollup cover, the BAK Revolver X4s and love it. (I also have a spray in bed liner, but done 3rd party at LineX.)

That last cover in your list is just a Ford branded BAK Revolver X2, and may no longer match the product photo on Ford. I've heard issues with the felt falling off of them under the hot summer sun and BAK redesigned it with the same rubber bumpers as the X4s. I've also heard that people getting warranty replacements because of the felt issue loosing the Ford branding on their replacements. I haven't kept up on the news to see if the Ford branding ever returned for the covers purchased (or warranty replaced) through Ford. I went with the X4s because it is supposed to have a more matte surface that I wanted, but I don't have any way of comparing the two.

That last one that I highlighted in red probably won't work with the bed extender. It might, but when I was originally ordering and playing around with options (before I decided to order my bolt-on options separate from my truck to avoid build delays) I think I recall the order builder indicating that there was an incompatibility. My suspicion is it is due to the tabs that stick out towards the centerline of the bed that engage the locking feature of the cover. Those tabs may interfere with flipping the bed extender in and out.

I never opted to get the bed extender (didn't think that I would have a real need for it) and ended up with a similar model hard rollup cover, the BAK Revolver X4s and love it. (I also have a spray in bed liner, but done 3rd party at LineX.)

That last cover in your list is just a Ford branded BAK Revolver X2, and may no longer match the product photo on Ford. I've heard issues with the felt falling off of them under the hot summer sun and BAK redesigned it with the same rubber bumpers as the X4s. I've also heard that people getting warranty replacements because of the felt issue loosing the Ford branding on their replacements. I haven't kept up on the news to see if the Ford branding ever returned for the covers purchased (or warranty replaced) through Ford. I went with the X4s because it is supposed to have a more matte surface that I wanted, but I don't have any way of comparing the two.

I just got the ford REV hard roll up a week ago. The photo on Ford site does not show that it has a ford logo anymore when you roll it up. I can confirm that it is just silver when you roll it up and it does not have felt bits. I'm not sure about using with the bed extender. It looks great and I've tested in 2 car washes and its only wet along the tailgate. As for security- I think if someone took a crowbar to the space near the tailgate they could probably pry it open- but that could be the case for most hard covers. I like it because when its rolled up it doesn't cover the entire back window and it possibly has a bit more space in the bed when rolled vs the hard folding types. I think its the same as the BAK roll up. It was also easy to install by myself.

 

[Halo9x]

Hello Fellow Maverick Truck Club Members:

I recently got a new 2024 Maverick XL. It came with a bed extender and spray in bedliner. I would highly appreciate your insights to help me weigh pros and cons to select the best tonneau cover for me.

I see these three online with Ford at the following link:

Part #: VNZ6Z99501A42H
Part #: VNZ6Z99501A42B
Part #: VNZ6Z99501A42D

https://parts.ford.com/shop/SearchD...rBy:&pageView:&minPrice:&maxPrice:&pageSize:&

I would consider one outside of Ford but I wonder if that will detract from the resale value down the road. I plan to drive it for many years but I also wonder if a Ford part will maximize a visual sense of brand consistency as I intend both personal and business truck use. And, a discount was included by the dealership where I bought the truck.

---------

I currently plan to start a mobile coffee business, and use the truck to transport a collapsible coffee cart, related equipment and supplies, etc.

I may want to store the same items in the bed to minimize having to unload after/load before each job. I may be parked outside of a secured garage.

Therefore, I am interested in protection from the elements such as rain, as well as theft deterrence.

I am also interested in longevity, convenience of use and maintenance, and so on. I am not exactly handy, so it would probably work best to have someone install it who will do it right the first time and I don't have to deal with replacement for a while, if ever.

----------

Lastly, is there a distinction between Ford reference to "new parts", "OEM", and "after market parts", or are those essentially all the same thing?

I look forward to your insights. Thank you.

All the best,
Todd

Hi, while my requirements are not as long as your list, my priority was "How many times do I want to buy a bed cover?" The answer was a retractable cover which I got from Truck2Go For $800 with discount. I had it installed for $65 at my dealer. It locks and is very secure. However, it looks great and is durable. My first and last cover. Ever! Here are some pictures. There are cheaper covers, roll-ups, fold-ups and each has their pros and cons but most of them will wear out and have to be replaced. The retractable also has pros and cons, but it is, I think, the most durable meaning you just buy it once!

 

[OleFordGuy]

Your concern to theft deterrence will force you away from the soft covers which can be sliced open with a knife. There's several versions of hard covers, roll up, tri-fold, etc but naturally cost more. I can say I love my UnderCover Ultra Flex. It can't be opened unless the tailgate is lowered. I'm sure you can get one that meets the majority of your needs/concerns. Good Luck

 

[Mervin the Maverick]

I am in a similar situation. This is something I have pondered during my long wait for my truck to arrive. At first I was leaning toward a roll up/Velcro tonneau. The problem is I have to get into my truck bed multiple times a day so I don’t know how the Velcro will hold up. Now I am thinking I am better suited for a trifold..
Peace
Jon

The Ford Roll-Up does not use Velcro.

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