New & Improved: BAK Revolver X4s

As the manufacturer of America’s #1 selling hard folding cover and America’s #1 selling hard rolling cover, it’s safe to say BAK Industries understands the value of continuous improvement. The brand’s tonneau covers are well-known for their strength, durability, and stylish good looks. But that’s not enough to grab – and hold onto – top sales honors in the competitive market of truck accessories.

Practice makes perfect, as does admitting when a design just isn’t quite performing as expected. When BAK launched its Revolver X4 hard rolling cover in 2018, the model was a quick success. With a sleek matte black finish and super low profile, plus easy installation and secure coverage, it stood out in a sea of tonneaus. However, over time, the company realized a few features just weren’t up to snuff – namely, the felt backing used to roll up the cover and the strap latches used to secure it.

Enter: the new and improved BAK Revolver X4s.

With the new Revolver X4s – introduced in 2021 – BAK not only reengineered these two small design issues, but also added several new features to improve installation, use, and longevity. The result is a truly fantastic hard rolling cover (the #1 seller, in fact) at an exceptionally fair price point.

Just check out these features and benefits:

  • NEW! Matte black aluminum under body and clamps for a sleek, stylish appearance
  • NEW! Side rail seals with smooth flat design
  • NEW! Durable strap and buckles to secure the open cover while driving
  • NEW! Rear corner caps for a more modern appearance
  • NEW! Integrated bulkhead seal for superior sealing
  • NEW! Integrated safety slat caps for protection when rolling
  • Matte finished, industrial-grade vinyl that keeps water out
  • Full access to stake pocket holes for additional accessories
  • Patented rotational locking rails that secure the full length of the bed
  • Automatic latch secures easily and releases from either side of the bed
  • 5-year warranty

Not sure how these characteristics translate to a great tonneau cover option for your truck? Let us fill you in…

Bed & Cargo Protection

Let’s start with the reason you’re likely considering a tonneau cover (or replacement tonneau cover) in the first place: Protection – both for your truck bed itself, and for the cargo sitting inside it.

Mother Nature can really play dirty sometimes. No one likes to open their tonneau cover after a rain storm or winter thaw to find water has seeped into the truck bed. From mold to rust, it can wreak a whole variety of havoc. The Revolver X4s helps protect against this situation by using strong, weather-resistant seals all around the cover to ensure a super-tight fit. The tough vinyl cover helps too, standing up to not only heavy water and sustained moisture but also scratches, dings, and dents.

There are an uncomfortable number of nefarious characters out there with sticky fingers who have no qualms about rummaging in your truck bed. A locking tonneau cover offers cargo protection, keeping your expensive tools, equipment, and supplies where they belong – in your possession.

The Revolver X4s sports a few features that help in this department. First, it is constructed of interlocking aluminum slats covered in industrial-grade vinyl. This makes the cover much stronger than traditional rolling covers, which can usually be sliced right through like a tarp. Additionally, the lock on the Revolver X4s operates via pull cord – which is only accessible when the tailgate is open. When you close the cover, BAK’s exclusive rotational locking rails ensure it lays flat and tight to truck’s side rails. An automatic slam latch offers immediate security.

Fit & Finish

There’s no denying that tonneau covers simply look good on modern pickups. They cover all the negative space in the bed, so a person’s eye is drawn smoothly from bumper to bumper. The Revolver X4s’ vinyl-over-aluminum design offers a nice low profile when closed. The matte finish looks very sleek, and is on par with recent automotive trends.

New rear corner caps make for a more modern appearance, as does the matte-black underbody. The previous Revolver cover featured a silver aluminum underside, which many customers found gave an inconsistent look – especially on a black-out package truck. The Revolver X4s carries the matte black underneath, and looks sharper for doing so. (In fact, the cover carries the black across all clamps and hardware too, ensuring a truly seamless look.) Additionally, the flattened side rail seals (which help keep water out) also provide a nice flush fit, making the cover look like it was OEM.

Advertisement and image of the BAK Revolver X4s tonneau cover both closed and rolled up.

Operation & Installation

What good is a tonneau cover if it’s a hassle to use? Not a problem with the Revolver X4s. In fact, of all the areas BAK paid attention to improving, operation was probably number one.

Starting with that felt backing we mentioned earlier… On the original cover, the felt stripping ran alongside the bottom of the cover and essentially was what allowed the cover to roll up and over on itself. As noted, the company found this was wearing down over time and has since replaced it with a sturdy, rubberized plastic that adheres much better to the cover.

Similarly, the buckle strap latches used to secure the cover in place were a bit awkward to operate. BAK replaced these as well, opting for a more user-friendly design of a T-shaped handle that inserts into a slot and then rotates 90-degrees to lock into place. Once rolled up, you can still enjoy 100% bed access. Better yet, you can secure the tonneau in the open position for highway driving, and still enjoy an unrestricted rearview mirror.

As for the rolling operation itself? The automatic latch releases easily from either side of the bed, so you can open and close from driver or passenger side. Simply pull the string latch and roll the cover toward the cab. The cover itself glides so smoothly, you can operate it with one hand.

Installation is a breeze, too. The Revolver X4s features a clamp-on installation process, requiring only basic hand tools and a little bit of patience.

Maintenance

You might be tempted to buy a vinyl conditioner or expensive cleaner for your Revolver X4s – don’t! These products can actually shrink the vinyl. That’s why improper cleaning can actually void that attractive 5-year warranty.

BAK recommends gentle cleansing to keep that cover in tip-top shape. We’re talking simple standard automotive soap and water, applied with a soft sponge or cloth. If you really want to get fancy, BAK says 303® Aerospace Protectant is a safe option and will help prevent fading, discoloration and cracking from harmful UV rays, while also repelling dust and stains. Simply spray on, wipe dry, and enjoy your clean cover.

For the Revolver X4s, BAK also recommends periodically checking the cover’s attachment to the bed by inspecting the security and alignment of clamps and front mounting bolts. Additionally, give the latches on the end of the roll top a look-see once in a while. Sometimes dirt or grime can gum them up, causing them to perform poorly. A little spray lubricant gets them moving freely again.

Learn more about the BAK Revolver X4s at bakindustries.com

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