BAKFlip Installation Guide | Step-by-Step Instructions

Installation Tips and Tricks

These pro tips from experienced installers will save you time and prevent common mistakes.

Truck-Specific Installation Notes

Most BAKFlip installations are similar, but some truck models have unique requirements or considerations.

Ford F-150 and F-250

Ford trucks with the tailgate step require special attention to the tailgate seal positioning. Make sure the seal doesn’t interfere with step operation.

F-150 models with the BoxLink system may need spacers at certain clamp positions. Check your instruction sheet for BoxLink-specific notes.

The factory bed tie-downs don’t interfere with BAKFlip installation—you’ll retain full functionality of all tie-down points.

Ram 1500, 2500, 3500

Ram trucks with the RamBox bed storage system require specific BAKFlip models designed for reduced bed width. Standard covers won’t fit RamBox-equipped trucks.

The multifunction tailgate on newer Rams works perfectly with BAKFlip covers. All tailgate positions (split, barn door, drop-down) remain fully functional.

Ram’s factory cargo rails and tie-downs integrate cleanly with BAKFlip mounting—no interference or modifications needed.

Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra

Silverado and Sierra trucks with the CarbonPro bed need standard installation—the carbon fiber bed acts just like steel for mounting purposes.

The factory bed rail system on newer models may require removing the center channel before BAKFlip installation. Your instructions include model-specific guidance.

MultiPro tailgates work great with BAKFlip covers. The inner gate and step function normally with the cover installed.

Toyota Tacoma and Tundra

Tacoma short beds (5-foot) need careful measurement during rail positioning. The tight space requires precision to maintain proper panel alignment.

Tundra models with the factory deck rail system should leave the rails installed—BAKFlip clamps work around them without removal.

The composite bed on newer Tundras uses the same installation process as steel beds. No special procedures or hardware needed.

Nissan Titan and Frontier

Nissan’s Utili-track bed channel system doesn’t interfere with BAKFlip installation. The mounting clamps position between the track sections.

Titan XD models use the same cover as standard Titan—just verify you ordered the correct bed length for your specific truck.

Working with Spray-In Bed Liners

BAKFlip covers install perfectly over spray-in bed liners, but the process requires a few extra considerations.

Pre-Installation Planning

If you’re getting a spray-in liner and BAKFlip cover, tell your liner installer about the tonneau cover. They can mask off the bed rail tops to prevent overspray.

Alternatively, they can spray lighter coats on the rail tops so clamps grip properly. Heavy liner buildup under clamps can cause loosening over time.

Using Spacer Shims

BAKFlip includes spacer shims to account for bed liner thickness under the mounting rails. These maintain proper rail height relative to the bed.

Install shims between the rail and bed rail where the liner creates thickness. Typical spray liners need 1/8-inch shims, while thick coatings may need 1/4-inch.

Test fit before final installation—rails should sit level with minimal gap under the panels when spacers are properly sized.

Clamp Tightening

Spray-in liners can compress slightly under clamp pressure. Hand-tighten the clamps, wait 24 hours, then re-check and snug up if needed.

Don’t overtighten trying to eliminate normal compression. The liner material will settle after a few days of use.

Drain Tube Installation

Drill through the liner for drain tubes if your bed didn’t have existing holes. Use the rail’s pre-drilled holes as guides for perfect positioning.

Spray-in liners won’t affect drain tube function—water flows through normally once tubes are properly installed through the liner.

Common Installation Problems and Solutions

Here’s how to fix the most frequent issues that come up during BAKFlip installation.

Panels Don’t Sit Flush

Problem: Cover panels stick up higher than bed rails or angle wrong when closed.

Solution: Check rail positioning and clamp tightness. Uneven clamp tension causes rails to sit at different heights. Measure rail height at multiple points to identify the problem area, then adjust clamps until both rails are perfectly level.

Latches Won’t Engage

Problem: Automatic latches don’t catch when you close panels or release too easily.

Solution: The latch mechanism needs slight adjustment. Loosen the latch mounting screws, reposition for better engagement, then retighten. Test operation before final tightening to confirm proper catch and release.

Water Leaks at Panels

Problem: Water gets through panel seams during heavy rain or car washes.

Solution: Check seal compression all around. If seals aren’t making full contact, adjust rail position slightly inward. Also verify drain tubes aren’t clogged—backed up water can overflow into the bed.

Tailgate Seal Doesn’t Touch

Problem: Gap visible between tailgate seal and tailgate when closed.

Solution: The seal may need repositioning or the cover rails might be too far forward. Move rails slightly rearward (1/4 inch typically), re-test seal contact, and adjust until seal compression is even across the full width.

Cover Difficult to Fold

Problem: Panels bind or require excessive force to fold open.

Solution: Rails may be too tight against bed rails, pinching the cover. Loosen clamps slightly—you need a small gap (1/8 inch) between panels and bed rails for smooth operation. Also lubricate hinges with silicone spray.

Prop Rods Won’t Lock

Problem: Prop rods don’t extend fully or won’t stay locked when cover is folded.

Solution: Check for proper prop rod installation and spring tension. The rods should snap into place with a distinct click. If tension seems weak, the spring may need adjustment or replacement.

Post-Installation Break-In Period

Your new BAKFlip cover will perform best after a brief break-in period. Here’s what to expect during the first few weeks.

Initial Adjustments

Check clamp tightness after the first week of use. Temperature changes and normal settling may require minor re-tightening.

The latches might feel slightly stiff initially. This is normal—the mechanisms will smooth out after 10-20 open/close cycles.

Rubber seals need time to compress and conform to your bed’s unique contours. Water sealing improves after a few weeks as seals seat properly.

First Car Wash

Avoid high-pressure washes for the first two weeks if possible. Give adhesive seals time to cure fully before subjecting them to intense water pressure.

After the break-in period, your BAKFlip handles pressure washers fine. Just don’t aim the wand directly at panel seams at close range.

Weather Exposure

The first rainfall will show you how well your cover seals. A few drops through panel seams is normal—any hard folding cover has minor water entry during extreme weather.

If you see significant water intrusion, check seal compression and drain tube function. Make adjustments early rather than waiting for seals to set permanently.

Temperature Cycling

Panels may make minor creaking sounds as temperatures fluctuate during the first month. This is normal thermal expansion/contraction as materials stabilize.

Hinges might feel slightly different in extreme cold until the cover gets through a complete season cycle. Operating characteristics normalize after exposure to your local climate.

Removal and Reinstallation

Need to remove your BAKFlip temporarily for hauling tall cargo or cleaning? The process takes about 5 minutes.

Quick Removal

Open your tailgate and fold the cover completely forward against the cab. Disconnect the prop rods from their mounting points.

Loosen the clamps just enough to release tension—you don’t need to remove clamps completely. The cover lifts straight up and out of the rail channels.

With a helper, lift the folded cover assembly off your truck. Store it in a clean area where the panels won’t get scratched or dirty.

Reinstallation

Position the folded cover over the bed rails and lower it into the mounting channels. Press down firmly at all four corners to seat completely.

Retighten the clamps in the same sequence as original installation. Reconnect prop rods and test all operations before driving.

Check seal compression and latch function after reinstalling. Make minor adjustments if needed to restore original fit and operation.

Maintenance After Installation

Proper maintenance keeps your BAKFlip operating smoothly for 10+ years. Here’s what you need to do and how often.

Monthly Checks

Open and close the cover fully to check hinge operation. Smooth motion indicates everything is working correctly.

Inspect rubber seals for damage, tearing, or separation. Catching seal problems early prevents water intrusion and more expensive repairs.

Test latch engagement on all panels. Latches should catch firmly and release cleanly without sticking or requiring excessive force.

Every 3 Months

Wash the cover with regular car soap and water. The aluminum finish doesn’t need waxing, but cleaning removes corrosive dirt and road salt.

Apply silicone spray to all rubber seals. This keeps them flexible and prevents cracking from UV exposure and temperature cycles.

Check drain tubes for clogs. Clear any debris that might block water flow and cause backup into your bed.

Every 6 Months

Verify all mounting clamps remain tight. Temperature cycling and vibration can loosen clamps gradually—re-tighten before they become loose enough to cause problems.

Lubricate hinges and latches with dry lubricant spray. Don’t use oil-based products that attract dirt and gum up mechanisms.

Inspect the tailgate seal for compression and adhesion. Replace if it’s separating or no longer making full contact with the tailgate.

Annual Maintenance

Do a complete inspection of all components. Look for any signs of wear, damage, or developing problems.

Consider replacing rubber seals if your truck is in harsh climate conditions. Seals typically last 5-7 years but may need earlier replacement in extreme environments.

Check prop rod spring tension and operation. Weak springs should be replaced before they fail completely.

For complete maintenance guidance and replacement parts, visit our parts section.

Warranty Registration

Register your BAKFlip cover immediately after installation to activate warranty protection and simplify future claims.

What the Warranty Covers

MX4 and F1 models include 5-year limited warranties. The G2 comes with 3-year coverage.

Warranties cover defects in materials and workmanship including panel failures, hardware defects, and seal deterioration from normal use.

Coverage doesn’t include damage from accidents, improper installation, or normal wear items. Read your warranty card for complete terms.

How to Register

Visit the BAK Industries website and locate the warranty registration page. You’ll need your cover’s serial number from the documentation packet.

Enter your contact information, truck details, and purchase date. Keep your proof of purchase—you’ll need it for any warranty claims.

Save your registration confirmation email. This proves you completed registration within the required timeframe.