OEM vs BAKFlip vs Gator: Comparing Truck Bed Covers

OEM

Given that OEM covers are produced by the truck manufacturer directly (or by an approved partner), they typically have a perfect fit, better than some of the aftermarket manufacturers. They may offer the most comprehensive warranty, and in case of any issues, it's easy to resolve them with one of the many local dealers. With an OEM solution, you also have the possibility of having the bed cover installed by your dealer or it might come already installed from factory. And if you were to decide to install it yourself, OEM covers usually have precise installation instructions, so it's not a difficult job to install them.

At the same time, there are negatives associated with OEM truck bed covers too. First, they have a higher markup than most aftermarket options, making them more expensive, despite possibly more limited features or inferior materials. Compared to aftermarket, you also get only a few design choices with OEM products.

BAKFlip

If an OEM solution is not what you’re looking for, consider BAKFlip truck bed covers. They‘re one of the most reputable brands in the segment. BAKFlip offers both soft and hard covers in various designs and with a folding structure.

In terms of advantages, you’ll be interested in the water resistance of these covers. They come designed with drain canals and seals, which prevent water from getting beneath the cover and in the truck bed. Unlike some other aftermarket covers, these are low-profile and minimally protrude from the truck bed, so as to not don’t hinder the looks of your ride. Given the folding design, it has a relatively lightweight construction compared to one-lid covers and uses aluminum, so the covers are robust and resistant to bad weather conditions. 

Every product comes with its disadvantages too, and in terms of BAKFlip, this mostly concerns price. The folding design is one of the more advanced options you’ll find among aftermarket solutions, it is made of high-quality materials, has a quick-release attachment system, and so on. This is reflected in the price, which is higher than OEM or the Gator option, which we’ll talk about next.

Gator

Gator is one of the most known aftermarket brands of truck bed covers, and if you read any discussion on this topic, you’ll immediately come across recommendations for this one. Unlike BAKFlip, Gator is more budget-oriented, yet still maintains great quality. Offering a variety of options (roll-up, folding, retractable, soft, and hard covers), you’re sure to find a good solution for your truck. Despite the much lower cost compared to other aftermarket covers, Gator offers a 10-year structural warranty.

Gator’s best-selling products are the soft bed covers, particularly because of the price. They are lightweight and affordable but also come with certain negatives. Compared to hard covers, you should expect lower durability and water resistance. With that said, by impregnating the fabric at least once a year, you can mitigate the second issue, and it’ll also enhance the durability slightly.

Which One to Choose For Your Truck

Given the pros and cons of each option above, it should now be clearer to you which option to go for.

• Go with the OEM solution if you want a simple and reliable solution, and support from your local car dealer.
• If you’re looking for a more sophisticated solution with greater durability, pay the premium for one of the BAKFlip bed covers.
• And if you’re budget-oriented but still want a good quality, fit, and warranty, you won’t make a mistake by going with one of the Gator covers. Additionally, Gator has the advantage of offering many variants of bed covers.

Get a Truck Bed Cover For Your Ride Now

If you’ve now made your mind up and it's clear to you which cover is ideal for your use case, our sales techs at AmericanTrucks are happy to assist you in choosing the ideal product for you. Whether for Ford, Chevy, GMC, or RAM, we have all American trucks covered.