A review of the Gator FX3 and Bakflip MX4 has been done, keeping in view the shortfalls of the existing passive reviews. This review provides an opinion from the viewpoint of the customer and provides in-depth guidance to enable a purchase decision, based on the following:
- Product Features with interpretation
- Customer Reviews (video as well as documented sources)
- Technical and Operational assessment
The analysis starts with technical characteristics, then debates the similarities and differences, finally leads to a meaningful conclusion.
Table of specification
| Feature | Gator FX3 | Bakflip MX4 |
|---|---|---|
 |
| |
| Make | USA | USA |
| Panel exterior | Top Panels: (FRP) Sub Panels: Aluminium | Industrial Grade Aluminum |
| Cover Type | Hard Cover | Hard Cover |
| Panel core | FRP | Premium Density Foam |
| Panel frames | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Finish | Gloss-black finish with a textured appearance | Matte-Black |
| Look | Low Profile Appearance | Low Profile Appearance |
| Construction | Semi Flush Construction | Completely Flush Construction |
| Weight rating | 300 LBS - evenly distributed | 400 LBS. - evenly distributed |
| Warranty | 2 years | 5 years |
| Water Resistance | Built-in rails channel water out of the bed | Built-in rails channel water out of the bed |
| UV Protection | UV Resistant. Better UV Protection due to FRP | UV Resistant |
| Seals and Hinges | EPDM Rubber | EPDM Rubber |
| Scratch Protection | Scratch Resistant. Better Scratch Protection due to FRP | Scratch Resistant |
| Installation | Bolt-on Installation. Minor Drilling is required for Water Drainage | Bolt-on Installation. Minor Drilling is required for Water Drainage |
| Bed Access | Full Bed Access | Full Bed Access |
| Remote Powering | Not Available | Not Available |
| Tailgate seal | Flap Seal | Dual-action seal |
| Latching System | Pull Cord type | Pull Cord Type |
| Check Price | Check Price |
Shared Features:
Customer has the right to compare similarities and differences of the two products, before making a purchase decision. Although both the tonneau covers, Gator FX3 and Bakflip MX4, have common function to perform, therefore some of the features of both are completely identical as mentioned below:
Construction: Both the Gator FX3 and Bakflip MX4 covers are made in the USA and constructed from heavy-duty aluminum panels with built-in scratch resistance. Both the covers are constructed with foldable panels and feature low profile appearance.
The Latching System: Both the Gator FX3 and Bakflip MX4 systems rely on the same automatic latching system to secure them in place. Each of these products uses a latch that locks the cover in position when the panel is closed. To open the cover, the string latch needs to be pulled to fold the cover toward the truck cab to open it to access the cargo. When the cover is folded back to shut it, the panels automatically latch into place.
Water Resistance: Each of these two cover systems comes with a protective layer designed to help repel water during rainstorms, working to keep the bed of the truck dry. Water that rolls toward the rail system holding the covers in position runs down through a set of drain tubes, redirecting it away from the interior of the truck bed.
Installation system: Each of the Gator FX3 and Bakflip MX4 tonneau covers, get installed with clamping rails that don’t require any drilling or special measures to to get those in place. Simply, the clamps need to be tightened into position and cover top needs to be locked to the rails for the installation process. Both the covers can be installed on the vehicle within one hour. Both the covers require connection of the cover drainage pipe to the truck bed drainage via simple connection.
Differences:
| Gator FX3 | BAKFlip MX4 |
|---|---|
Finish Gloss-black finish with a textured appearance |  Finish Textured Matte-finish |
| Panel Construction Top Panel is Fiber Reinforced Polymer and Sub Panels are Aluminium. | Panel Construction Aluminium Panels with premium density foam core |
| Bed Access Full Bed Access | Bed Access Full Bed Access |
| Weight Capacity 300 LBS - evenly distributed | Weight Capacity 400 LBS. - evenly distributed |
| Tailgate Seal The cover uses a flap seal at the tailgate. To ensure proper water resistance, the cover should be closed after the tailgate is shut. The seal is semi-flush type | Tailgate Seal The dual-action tailgate seal allows to operate the tailgate independently of the tonneau cover. The seal is fully flush type. |
| Warranty 2 Years | Warranty 5 Years |
| Check Price | Check Price |
Update: for more details, read our Bakflip MX4 review
Conclusion
The main criteria of the success of a tonneau cover are the ability to protect and preserve cargo from any weather events as well as from any pilferage. Other goals like aesthetics, ease of installation, and ease of operation is important but not the main criteria.
In Gator FX3, the company presents a composite material i.e., FRP as panel construction material. Although FRP has certain advantages which include better scratch resistance, lighter weight and low thermal conductivity but keeping in view the main goal, it is concluded that “Gator FX3” IS NOT able to do the main job efficiently. Its seals start to leak especially after few months of service. If the seals start leaking, then even though the cover is cheaper, or the cover has better aesthetic appeal, does not matter. The reason of leakage through Gator FX3, is the inefficient “flap-type” seal.
Therefore, it is concluded that even though the customer has to pay more, it is recommended to buy Bakflip MX4 tonneau cover.
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