How I went through three $1,000 BAK Revolver X4 truck bed covers in two years. A story and review!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ต.ค. 2024
- When I bought the BAK revolver I was in love with it. A few years later, well... we're starting to have our differences. Details inside!
Wow 3rd bad review on BK covers the past 2 days. I was just going to buy one. Ill keep looking.
The felt is to keep you from burning your hands while rolling it up when it's hot outside. Accidentally touch the aluminum portion on a hot day and you'll probably need burn care. And yes they can also protect from pinching. Mine peeled off too. After the 2nd time I peeled them all the way off, sprayed them heavily with super 77 and carefully stuck them back on.
I had the exact same tonneau cover BAK/REV revolver on my 2020 2500 denali. The vinyl on top only lasted 6 months and was dried out and cracking along the joints where it rolls up yes my felt was also hanging down. Called Bak and they were rude saying I must have went through a car wash or used the wrong car wash soap! they wouldn't even help me said i had to go to GMC and have service file a claim. Worst cover ever! if the vinyl held up it would be great but $900 for something that doesn't even last a year F that!
FYI the felt strip are so you don't burn the shit out of your hand when rolling up. that aluminum gets ultra hot.
I have the "Roll X"... which is the original version of this model and I bought their 1st ever model in 2012. They replaced the first one because the vinyl was peeling. The 1st one didn't have felt at all... the 2nd "improved" version did. I was told it was there to protect your hands from the heat. It is not structural.
I buy Diamond Back bed covers.
Been using them since 2004, 3 trucks later and just installed one on my 2020 Silverado
I get that those Diamond Back covers are well made and all that but they are a straight up no go for a lot of guys. I need to be able to access my entire truck bed (or at least 90% of it) and those Diamond Backs severely limit the ability to do that. I think they are great for a certain segment of truck users but, really, they aren't at all the same thing as a traditional cover. It's just a different product for a different problem really.
Come on... you are one of the 4 people that could actually use that top effectively. For the other 99.9 percent of people it would make the bed unusable.
I bought my Dodge Ram 1500 on July 4th weekend; 2017. Within a couple months I installed this cover and loved it. It was (pretty much) water resistant and I loved the low profile. I'm coming up on my fourth anniversary...after 2 years in, I had the same issue with the two, felt strips falling down off the cover. An annoyance to be sure, but I dealt with it. Then the rubber seal next to my back window flipped 'up'. I suppose from wind pressure coming up between the front of the bed and the cab? I used some silicone and glued it back down. Didn't last. Eventually the seal bowed away from the front of the bed, exposing the aluminum underneath. At the same time, on the other end; the vinyl started pulling off of the last aluminum cross brace. Again, exposing the aluminum railing. About this same time, the entire top began to develop 'waves'; no longer sealing on the sides; thus letting water in the bed. I came across this video while searching for a different bed cover. SMH. Wish I could post pictures.
Same issue on mine, but I used Liquid Nails Industrial adhesive. No problems after that. You have to do it a few sections at a time to ensure it has cured before rolling it up.
Thanks for the tip!
I figured out why it has felt strips. To protect you from crushing yours fingers.
They are there because the aluminum gets crazy hot - they are so you can roll it up without burning your hands. Mine is also hanging off like this. I need some other option to replace it though - it stopped closing properly. Mine is older its back when they were called Roll-X. My vinyl has shrunk significantly, looking for some other option, I like the design, but not sure about the brand.
@@billf1969 Yes it is there to protect your hands from the heat.
And the pinching as mentioned, not just the heat.
@@jeffkimble8857 I haven't had any problem with pinching but see how it could be if care wasn't used. But in 80 degree weather it is very hot and in the 90s you don't leave your hand on it for long. But I fill it is a very good bed cover and beats out the folding and soft top.
@@LameWolff I agree on the heat. They do get smoking hot. And I’ll agree it beats the fold up…but I payed over $1200.00 for the Ford branded top only to have it come apart and fail within 18 months. For that kind of money I feel the longevity isn’t there. 🤷🏻♂️
I’ve got a BAK G2 on my RAM in April 20. First one out of box was crappy built. Panels didn’t align and rubber was torn. Got a replacement quickly from them. the new one is 3 months old and is ok at best. Not worth the almost 850 I paid. On the current one the rubber is already changing colors, even when I use aerospace 303 protect on it. I would look for another company if I’m buying another top.
This explains why I was able to buy one of these for $100...with loose felt. They want it destroyed so you can't resell it.
waiting on my 3rd replacement cover. So pissed off…However, customer service and the warranty can’t be beat. Felt, rubber and straps was the issue I had with my covers.
True. I hope yours fits. My 4th was too narrow
@Bad Karma I would think they should send you an X4S to replace it since it’s been on the market for almost 2 years now.
I’m on my third roller. I’ve never had the felt fail and I deal with the Florida heat and humidity. My problem is the plastic clips that run down the side of the cover. They either break or the glue comes off. I’m getting tired of calling and installing a new cover every year year and a half. I’m thinking of switching to a fold style.
I had the tri fold Bakflip and I live in Florida, close to the beach (Salt air). After 3 years all the hardware that supports the cross members rusted. Then after 7 years the whole thing flew off going doing the interstate. Glad it didn't hit another vehicle or cause an accident.
I have the Bakflip VP it was great for the first 3 years. This year it has disentegrated at the fold points in a matter of a couple months. I was gonna get the X4 because i like how it works. I live south of houston so heat is always happening
Good luck with your choice! I’d give the x4 a solid “meh” at this point. I like the design but not that it keeps falling apart. They’ll replace it for 5 yrs though...
Dang. Just got mine in the mail. Wish I had seen this first....
Had an X2 where this happened. Wanted to glue the felt back on, but Bak insisted on sending me a new cover. They wanted me to drill holes in the og cover to continue my warranty. Traded the truck in soon afterwards and finally pulled the trigger on the X4S. No more felt, looks like rubber now. Looking forward to the generational improvements. 👍
How'd it hold up? Just bought a truck, evaluating cover options.
The rubber backing is different, but now its clipped in place, so no possibility of detachment. Cover was great!@@kehtal9715
Worst covers ever. #1 wasn’t wide enough for my bed. #2 the sent me new rails and that didn’t help. #3 they sent a new cover and it fits perfect but it’s leaking so bad. Not a few drips which would be fine. The material isn’t resisting water and letting it through then seeping into the rails and collecting at the bulkhead of the truck. I just email them to get my money back and return everything to their local dealer if possible.
Ya brother. My replacement is still in the box. The felt holds the tongue and groove joint from slipping out which make rolling the cover back down a real PITA. My leather top is shrinking and metal is exposed. AND....the bed-front gasket has curled up thus breaking the seal. Everything gets soaked in the bed when it rains. Not happy. South Florida.
Same thing happened on my truck! I just lived with it. I really liked the the rest of how it worked. Sold my F150 and got a Jeep Gladiator. Put on the same revolver roll up cover and ended up missing my full size truck. The little Gladiator is a little to much to handle on long drives. I got such a great price that when I traded it in on a 2021 Ram Box 2500, They gave me the Covid trade in. They credited all the bread that spent except the spray on liner and the roll up cover. I am just installing the new Revolver x4s cover . Easy install ! Well kinda. The Ram comes with already mounted side rails so all you/I have to do is WD 40 the rails and slide them on. NOT! After I installed one side the rear gate wouldn't close. Bak asked for pics and after there engineers checked it out they overnighted two new rails. It was just a small flange of aluminum someone forgot to cut off in manufacturing, I could have filed it off. Installed them last night and will put the cover on today, fingers crossed. The new cover is different than the last ones I've had.The aluminum is dark grey maybe a little beefier. If the felt decides to come off Im just gonna get new ones sent because there return policy is so great! I'll just have to invest in a few more rifles so I can have as mush fun as you did , blowin up that revolver. I would like to have hear the sound effects.
They are for when it's hot you can touch it to roll it because that aluminum gets hot
Had mine for a year and got rid of it. I will not buy one again, or any Bak cover.
You should of used liquid nails on it
The felt came off of mine within a few months. Then the vinyl covering came loose. Then the slats started coming loose and it would no longer roll up. It has taken months to get them to address the issue it is still not resolved.
LOL that felt is only for your hand so you don’t burn yourself when you’re truck bed cover gets too hot… It’s always for
i think those felt strips are for abrasion protection when it is rolled up - for the roll up cover you use make it awning for the xterra
Interesting thought. If the felt fails again I might just remove them and see what happens
@@ZeroToAwesome if you do have to glue it again - maybe try 3M 90 or something like that - or talk to an upholster to see what they would recommend for a head liner in hi-temp application
Mayperhaps the felt protects the nice black/rubber top from the metal when it rolls up on itself?
Mayperhaps 🤷♂️
Try the new X4s, no more felt! Overall an improved design!
Not to worry- it’s starting to heat up in Texas and the felt is already starting to sag. Something tells me I’ll be trying one soon!
This was the worst purchase I ever made.. The 1st month the plastic clips broke, the felt came off and the aluminum burned me enough to leave a scar. Worst customer service ever
They just sent me a replacement..upgraded to the X4s..fixes all the issues it had
That’s Cool.. I’m glad you got treated well. they refused to send me a replacement. They sent me new buckles and a roll of felt so I could cover the exposed surface.. absolutely the worst. will never recommend to anyone, ever!!
@@bradleymoore8389 yeah at first they did the same..they sent a kit with the felt in it..
I am on my second one now. The felt peeled off and the vinyl surface over the alluminum slate peeled off. Like you they sent me a new top
Hey buddy like the video man same thing happened to me they just fixed the problem I'm happy and I'm going to try it out. They powder coated the entire thing and that strip of felt is now rubberized individual pieces. Screw on tabs to remove and install new design straps I'm digging it
You’ll never guess what I got in the mail the other day…
Great vid. Have you heard of similar problems with other brands? Is there a different brand you have researched that you recommend?
There’s one out there called rugged ridge armis that’s a pretty similar design. I don’t have any experience with it but if I was shopping for a bed cover again I’d check it out.
Edit: Actually it looks like it’s just for the gladiator so nvm. Maybe roll n lock? I’m just not a fan of the box it retracts into
Good review. Bought a REV rolling cover from dealer in 2017 (I understand it is the same as the BAK revolver). Same heat issues - in Texas. The inside felt does help hold the aluminum slats together and keeps them from folding too sharply when rolled. When that happens (as it did with mine) the joints between the slats fall apart and you must wrestle the parts back together to get it properly closed. Additionally, the rubber seal near the rear window warped and now the vinyl cover is getting cooked off the aluminum. Beware - at least if you live in Texas-type heat!
FYI....The latest "s" version of the cover fixes the felt issue as well as some other little issues that were brought up to BAK.
Yeah, I have one now. I just wish they had made it the right size…
I had the previous version from BAK that was named the Roll-X. It was essentially the same. I like the concept and had the same issue and more. They did sell just the felt at that time. For the cost, I was disappointed, I had issues from the start. Initially they sent the wrong rails, second set was damaged in shipping. Felt came off and by the time I contacted them they had changed the name and wouldn’t support the roll-x. About a year past the warranty the vinyl came loose at the front and it eventually ended up in the trash. My original cheap soft roll up cover lasted just as long.
I have one... my vinyl cover cracked along the aluminum struts. One of the struts shifted just a touch and the cover wouldn't lay flat. Then the vinyl started coming loose. The strut has shifted back into place and I am wondering where I can find material to redo the top.
ETA: Oh, my felt came off, too. Glued it back and it has stayed attached for a year or so. Will reglue it if necessary. I think it does two things: protects your hand from the hot aluminum, and protects your hands from getting pinched as the struts roll up.
don't they have a 5 year warranty?
@@beckett191145 I think it was three years when I bought mine. Maybe five years now?
is it ok being rolled somewhat while moving?
Maybe if you don’t hit the gas too hard
Hmm....Glad I came across this video. Currently have a BAK MX4 on my Frontier and it is quite durable. Was thinking of getting a new truck and have been looking at this roll up design on videos and thinking this was what I was going to use on the next vehicle. Certainly not now. The only thing I wished was the tri-fold MX4 was water tight. Leaks, but not bad, but certainly not water tight.
I'm in the wet shady mountains of western NC. Bought a X4S last March and it's already spent. Before I even heard back from BAK, I got a new one via FedEx yesterday. The warranty is great, but I'm not thrilled to see that my issue wasn't a one-off. Shame they aren't more durable because I loved it.
Dang. What broke on the S? Mine hasn’t melted… yet…
@@ZeroToAwesome The cover is separating from the sides.
@@chipbridges8345 well dang. Something to look forward to I suppose
@@ZeroToAwesome Fingers crossed you get more mileage out of yours than I did. And that my new one holds up a little longer!
Well I guess I should have searched for reviews first. Just got mine delivered and I'm in Texas as well. I guess we will see.
Hope you got the new x4s that doesn’t have felt because guess what happened to my 3rd one the other day…
@@ZeroToAwesome I did just put it on was going to post that mine doesn't have the felt. It is the x4s
Felt covers are to keep you from burning your hands when you are rolling it up when it is HOT. Mine fell off too, but works just fine without them.
Great info, thanks!
I've owned two Revolver X2's. and both have had the same problem. Was hoping they had solved this problem on the X4. Guess not. Time to try another brand.
The x4s fixes all the issues
Gatortrax best tonneau cover.......period.
@@TheJoekerzworld no it doesn't. That black felt they glue to the bottom will be unstck in less than a year. Hardware will be rusting.
@@randyott2413 Actually my Retrax Pro MX is...
Same company. I called and talked to them. Gatortrax sold under its name for less money. Marketing reasons.
Hmmm, If it peels again try to get 3m VHB adhesive tape and use a few strips to stick the felt fast. VHB is what is normally used on auto badges and things like window deflectors and similar add ons. It is a tape but I think it would work for what you have. Maybe like 3 strips, outer edge and center going the full length of the cover on each felt strip. You'd just need to go over it with some sort of roller to press it down, it needs a certain amount of pounds of force to fully activate the adhesive.
Great idea. VHB is good stuff
Wow, sounds like BAK has great support.
Why three covers!!!
Curious on why they don't use better higher-temp (industrial-grade perhaps?) adhesive. Anyone have any issues with the small spring levers on each side of the rails that's towards the cab? I've heard those can get damaged when transporting larger items, like plastic totes and maybe firewood. The springs can break and/or the lever gets bent. I usually fill my bed full with camping stuff when I go camping, all the way up until it touches my cover.
Good question! Maybe the glue is fine but felt is a bad choice? Idk. I was concerned about the levers at first but so far no issues. Fingers crossed!
@@ZeroToAwesome if you continue to have problems and they are willing to swap it out again, maybe ask for this version? (see TH-cam link). It looks like they replaced the felt with rubber grip and did some other updates. Or am I looking at an old video and the felt is the latest update? - th-cam.com/video/B5LKD-lCU-o/w-d-xo.html
Looks different!
Recommended
Good idea on the roof deck.
BAK is horrible. I had a Bakflip on my rig years ago and had horrible experience with customer support. The brackets that they were sending me looked like they were made in someone’s garage. I think they sent me like 3 sets and then I gave up. Dumped it finally form diamondback and never looked back.
Yea all the end cuts and brackets on mine 2 look like my 9 & 6 y/o made them. At least deburr the edges!
You just made me cancel an order but I appreciate it!
Check out the new one I just got it in today
Probably a better response for those with a public forum to potentially complain.
But, anywhere between the front and back of the bed, the cover is just laying on the track. Security? Not so much.
Actually it has a rail on each side that locks the entire length of the cover. Not that you can’t defeat it in 3 sec with a screwdriver...
Great Value
just get to the point. sheesh
Don’t worry there’s a follow up video for you to enjoy too
1st! I went with the tri fold. Love it. After hearing about yours, never. GL with your 3rd one.
Just get a Diamondback cover, is made here in the USA and has a Life Time warranty:)
Just started having the same problem. Now in 4th summer, this last one being a scorcher. Thinking of Gorilla glue now that fall is approaching. Until now I have been happy with the tonneau.
I’m leaning towards ripping the felt off next time it starts to peel and see what happens. The consensus seems to be that it’s only there to provide a cool surface when the aluminum is hot
@@ZeroToAwesome Just out of warranty for me :-( I may try a cpl of good adhesives before removing it. It sure helped me avoid finger pinches after learning the hard way. Thanks for the vid.
Good luck! 3m super 90 worked the best for me back when I kept trying to reattach it
@@ZeroToAwesome It also keeps you from pinching your fingers. I just received my replacement X4
@@ZeroToAwesome does the 3M super 90 hold it in place permanently?
What’s the hitch holder you have there in the truck bed? Looks like a great idea!
Made it!
th-cam.com/video/Mguma8H5Px8/w-d-xo.html
Awesome! Thanks for the reply, I’ll go check it out!
Just buy some windshield adhesive and be careful on placement it shall stay forever cold or hot.
I bet it smells good too!
Yes. "eye roll" There will be a scent but it will dissipate once cured. Also it's for the back of the truck. I see no problem it's used to hold glass to metal. They use it on houses now. I'm just giving you one permanent option out of thousands. Sorry if I took your comment the wrong way.
I’m not worried about a smell. It was more of a “if one was inclined to huff glue...” poor attempt at a joke. Not that I recommend huffing glue, but windshield adhesive is a solid suggestion. All good!
As huffing goes anyone that does or has knows there are probably better options the windshield adhesive. Did you figure out what the fabric is attended for? Is it even needed in the first place?
Consensus seems to be so that your hands don’t get too hot
Mine did that too. Then the plastic teeth snap too.
😴😴😴😴
I've had a BAK Revolver for 10 years without an issue. Per BAK, the felt is to provide a cool surface for your hands when rolling/unrolling. From experience, the aluminum panels get very hot in the sun and the felt does give you a "cooler" surface to touch when rolling.
If that’s the case and it falls off again I think I’m just going to ditch the felt!
@@ZeroToAwesome I would be extremely in a video showing the tunnel covers functionality with those strips of fabric completely removed
Yea they are their for heat purposes. Mine melted off in SoCal heat as well. They sent me new felt to reapply myself but after an hour of trying to get the old adhesive off I called them and said this will take forever so they are sending me a new one.
Also I am using mine without the felt for now. Besides it being sticky it rolls up much tighter but man it is hot from the sun.
Have diamondback for 3 years. No problems.
Can you fit a quad on there with the cover on it ?
Doubtful. It takes up about 8 inches rolled up
I really like this idea, I have a hard tri fold, when I fold it up, it still covers 1/3 of the bed, this roll up would be great for hauling atvs (don't have to take off the cover)
Gatortrax is the best tonneau .....period
@@randyott2413 made by BAK
Retrax is the main company and they also make the product under the name Gator Trax. I called and spoke to company people. Asked them why. They said marketing had found they can sell twice the product under two different names. But Father company is Retrax. Gator Trax is cheaper but made by same company.
The improvements made with the Revolver x4s is definitely Worth the upgrade. I have heard of numerous issues with the X4, but the company listened and drastically improved the original design.
They just sent me one! Agreed for the most part. I think this ones gonna have a different problem. Video soon!
I already have an issue with the x4s. The aluminum slots don’t stay in place and becomes unhinged. I’ve had mine for 2 months and I already have a new one that Bak sent me. Because the slots become unhinged, the cover, which is glued to the panels, peels away from the panels. It gets over 100 degrees in the summer so I don’t want to change it every summer as well
The felt protects the top when rolled up. Keeps it pretty.
No it keeps you from pinching your finger
@@TheJoekerzworld how do you figure that? Its a strip and it is an inch away from the edge.. Where your fingers would be.
@@turboflush when my felt came off and was waiting for the replacement felt kit I learned the hard way while unfolding the top..the aluminum picked the shitboutvof my finger tip
They have released the X4s and there is no felt anyore
So you’re saying I can give them another thousand dollars for no felt?
@@ZeroToAwesome they upgraded mine for free is what I'm saying
That sounds promising!
Draw an “X” on your bedcover. Then paint the Confederate flag. Then buy one of those horns that plays Dixie. Then pretend you are driving around with the Dukes of Hazard.