I ordered up a Bakflip VP and it arrived today. Took about 30 minutes to install, with no helper. I love the looks and functionality, I hope it ends up holding up well.

Big thanks to Clark at Autoanything - the 15% promo code saved me over $100.00 bux.

 

Nice!

 

Is this any cheaper than their other offerings since it's vinyl?

 

It's about 40% cheaper than an F-1. BTW, it is vinyl covered aluminum. The panels are aluminum construction, with a vinyl "skin".

 

I know you just got it and it looks sweet, what is your impression of the vinyl skin? Does it look like it can hold up in any weather? I wouldn't want to have to take it off just cause it is going to snow. Does the vinyl seem like it could take a little bit of abuse without tearing?

 

Yes, it does seem like good quality, tough vinyl. Time will tell, though.

I'm more concerned about how the vinyl skin and seals along the edge have to fold over on themselves when you open it, rather than withstanding weather.

 

Have you had an opportunity to determine how water tight it is? Are the seals adequate to keep water out since there is no interior drain system?

 

It's funny you mention that. They advertise it as having no water drainage system, yet my rails have the downspouts for drain tubes, and the kit came with two 3 foot drain tubes.

I didn't use them, though. (didn't wanna put holes in my bedrug)

It looks like it should be watertight, or at least as watertight as a hard folding cover can be. I'll report on that once it's been through some rain.

 

Looks sweet!!!

 

Well, we finally got some rain yesterday. I can report that the VP is not 100% waterproof. It had a little bit of water intrusion at each corner. Not a whole lot, but it's there. I drove in a pretty good downpour for about 30 minutes, and my truck lives outside, and it got rained on for about 5 hours. Had maybe an ounce of water at each corner.

Not a show stopper for me, as I never carry any water sensitive cargo. But just an FYI for those looking at this particular cover, and water intrusion is a no-no, better stick with a fiberglass cover that covers the entire bed rails.

 

Thanks for the update. Would the water intrusion not have occurred if the drain tubes were installed?

 

You know, actually, it did look like the water in the front was just what was coming out of the drain tubes.

The water at the rear corners, probably would still be there even with drain tubes installed. I may find a way to run the tubes, maybe behind the bedrug, see if it helps. But I'm not really concerned with the miniscule amount of water that got in. Maybe if i was carrying luggage or something sensative, I might be.

 

Might just have to look into this cover. Sounds like as long as you set stuff you don't want to get wet, up on something, and use a tarp, it should stay dry. I could live with that.

 

I love it, if for nothing else, just the looks. I can live with a little water intrusion.

 

The BakFlip VP Vinyl is made by the HAARTZ group. It is actually OEM approved and the same as what's used on the roof of a Cadillac. Couple that with the fact that the vinyl is actually overlaid onto solid aluminum panels and you've got a cover that's pretty darn robust.