My Ford Hard Roll-Up lets some water in, but I am talking drips, not puddles. I love it!
Yup!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!
With a retractable, none of the rear window is blocked. To me that was a winner.
I purchased the BakFlip MX4 for $1300 installed. Warranty was 5 years, and installer doubled the Bak warranty to 10 years locally.
I’m sorry. I don’t think I know what you mean by retractable.
But you lose bed space.
Not that much and not a problem form.
I am looking at this cover, but I wanted to know if you have the depth measurement for the rail clamps? I have the sliding tie down system under the bed rail and I want to be sure the rail clamps don't sit too far down (and interfere with the sliding tie down). Please let me know when you can, thank you.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:
- 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.
- 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:
Cons:
- 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
- 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:
Bakflip MX4 Pros and Cons
- The low profile matte black aluminum panels are light weight and offer UV protection in the summer heat.
- They are built in the USA using quality materials.
Pros:
Cons:
- 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.
Comparison of Leer HF650M and Bakflip MX4.
- Aluminum panels are not dent resistant.
- Drain tubes require drilling.
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.
There is a ½” clearance between the bottom of the 2-½” clamps and the sliding tie down system on the Lariat. The sliding clamps on tie down system slide easily under the bed cover clamps. See the photos below. I am very impressed how rugged this cover is built. And the quad panels are just the right size to handle easily. And the squeeze to release lock system is so much better than the cable pull system on the Bakflip.
So you like the Leer HF650M? I had a bakflip on an F250 and I liked it, but reviews on this leer cover seem really good for the maverick. You do any extra work to keep it more water proof/resistant? Thank you for you insight.There is a ½” clearance between the bottom of the 2-½” clamps and the sliding tie down system on the Lariat. The sliding clamps on tie down system slide easily under the bed cover clamps. See the photos below. I am very impressed how rugged this cover is built. And the quad panels are just the right size to handle easily. And the squeeze to release lock system is so much better than the cable pull system on the Bakflip.
The rubber seals are hefty and look good for water tightness. The kit comes with extra foam adhesive water proofing strips for use near the cab. I didn’t apply those strips yet but may if needed. I keep the truck in the garage and don’t intend to run it through a car wash ever. If I note any leakage near the cab or tailgate, then I’ll apply the provided foam adhesive strips.
Appreciate you sharing these closeup pics as I will be installing this tonight. While I was comfortable with the install, it is nice to have some real-world pictures to compare to both the manual and install videos since neither are Maverick specific and the Maverick version has some very slight variations.There is a ½” clearance between the bottom of the 2-½” clamps and the sliding tie down system on the Lariat. The sliding clamps on tie down system slide easily under the bed cover clamps. See the photos below. I am very impressed how rugged this cover is built. And the quad panels are just the right size to handle easily. And the squeeze to release lock system is so much better than the cable pull system on the Bakflip.
