DIY or Pro: Transform Your Work Truck

The commercial truck market has been a bright spot in economic recovery, with solid numbers already showing. In April 2021, the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) shared a couple of critical takeaways:

• Total commercial truck sales started the year up 15% from Q1 2020.
• Heavy-duty truck sales and medium-duty sales ended the quarter up 14.1% and 17.4% respectively from 2020.

Couple that with the fact that people stuck at home spurred a rash of home renovations and improvements, and all signs point to a busy contractor market for the foreseeable future.

Professional or amateur: Having the proper gear for the job ahead is key – as is the hardware you use to haul it around town. While vans certainly have their place in the commercial market, today we’re focusing on the good old fashioned work truck. Capable, dependable, and just plain cool, who wouldn’t want to tackle tough jobs from the commanding seat of a burly Ford F-250?

Learn what makes the pickup truck a go-to option among hardworking folks, and meet some BAK Industries products designed to kick up form and function.

Ready for the Tough Jobs

If you work a dirty job in an off-pavement location, then you already know one of the main value propositions of pickup trucks: They’re reliably rugged, even in stock form. Add in a stronger engine, better clearance and a beefy suspension, and you’ve got terrain flexibility on lock.

Trucks are also particularly well-suited for hauling messy payloads or towing heavy equipment. True, some commercial vans boast higher payload ratings – with better fuel economy and a smoother ride to boot – but they’ll never be able to compete with the sheer pulling power of the pickup.

Visibility goes to the work truck, as well. With the open-back design and higher stance, you’ll actually be able to see out your mirrors (and around you) without as much interference in your blind spots. Even if you have to use your mirrors as your guide, you’ll still be able to see a bit more in your periphery.

Better Together

A truck is only as good as its corresponding hardware, though, so ensuring it’s equipped with all of the right gear will help maximize the features it was built for. For example, trucks typically allow more space if you’re hauling long or bulky items like pipes for plumbing work or lumber for a construction job. But if you have ample racking installed, you can better distribute the weight of your gear and save space in the truck bed. (And we all know the truck bed is really the whole point of owning a truck anyway.)

If you’re in the market to outfit your work truck with all the latest trappings, it’s time to check out BAK Industries. Founded in the late 1990s, the Missouri-based company manufactures tonneau covers and corresponding accessories that are functional and practical. The BAK bed cover lineup spans the gamut from rolling covers to hard covers, as well as comprehensive rack-integrated systems.

Rack Integrated Options

For the customer who needs a full cover and rack package, BAK Industries makes two combination rack/cover options. Both sport the “CS” distinction, which stands for Contractor Series. Geared at drivers who need a durable, sturdy, and secure option to haul supplies and store their tools on their trucks, the CS comes in either aluminum or fiberglass hard-folding design and feature an integrated rack system.

The BAKFlip CS

Featuring a hard folding aluminum tonneau cover and integrated rack, the BAKFlip CS merges storage and cargo management into one simple product.

Eagle-eyed BAK fans will spot the brand’s hard-folding BAKFlip G2 bed cover under the attached rack. A clever buckle system allows the cover to be folded, flipped up or closed while driving and ensures 100% bed access when needed. The G2’s rails feature a built-in drainage system to keep water out of the truck bed, as well as EPDM rubber seals that run along the rails and at the hinges. Aircraft-grade aluminum covers are powder-coated for UV protection, and can hold 300 pounds of evenly distributed weight – ideal for mid-sized loads like lumber and piping. For security, the G2 uses a patented latch system concealed under the tonneau cover. Simply lock the tailgate and you lock the cover.

The heavy-duty aluminum rack boasts a 500-lb. capacity, freeing up much-needed space in the truck bed. Handily, the uprights slide in the rails and can be set in multiple positions to optimize cargo capacity. Drivers can adjust the length to fit a ladder, some 2 X 4s, or whatever else they might need to strap on top. Plus, with a no-drill, clamp-on installation, the entire rack can be set up in under an hour – and removes in mere minutes!

BAKFlip CS/F1

Those looking for something a little more robust, should check out the BAKFlip CS/F1.

Sporting the same 500-lb capacity heavy-duty aluminum rack in the CS, this combo pairs up with BAK’s top-of-the-line BAKFlip F1 tonneau cover. Made of high-gloss FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Polymer) the cover’s panels offer superior dent, ding, and scratch resistance. This cover also boasts a premium density solid EPS foam core, so it’ll stay dry and resistant to moisture on rainy and snowy days. The F1 shares the G2’s drainage system and EPDM seals, but features upgraded tailgate operation with premium dual action seal and upgraded latch housing for long-term durability. It also bumps up support, capable of holding 400 evenly-distributed pounds.

Choosing a Rack-Integrated System

Since the weight capacities on the two integrated systems only differ slightly, choosing one really comes down to personal preference: FRP or Aluminum.

If you’re concerned about overall weight before adding cargo, it’s worth knowing that aluminum is about 8%-10% lighter than FRP. However, it also dings more easily, so bumps and bruises will pose a bigger threat. Still, being that both covers come in a sleek-looking black finish, it’ll be hard to really see scuffs on the surface unless it’s sustained a severe impact like rock or brick hitting it. Additionally, both tonneaus use standard automotive soap and water with a soft sponge or cloth for cleaning. BAK recommends hitting it with a shammy dry to keep the finish looking sharp.

The most significant difference between the two, outside of core material, is warranty. The BAKFlip CS/F1 comes with a 5-year limited warranty period from the retail date of purchase, while BAKFlip CS has a 3-year limited warranty period from the retail date of purchase.

Load stops aren’t included with either system, so drivers will want to scoop them up when choosing a rack system. Especially right now, since BAK says that due to current order volume, orders can take up to 15 days.

BAK Hard-Folding Tonneaus

BAK Industries also offers four hard-folding covers for drivers who just want a truck bed cover, including the G2 and F1 as a standalone cover. The other two include the BAKFlip FiberMax, another FRP-constructed cover, and the BAKFlip MX4, an aluminum cover.

The Fibermax offers UV and water resistance, plus a buckle system that helps keep the cover in an open position. The biggest difference between this and the F1 is price and weight capacity. The Fibermax starts at $900, so it’s slightly cheaper, but it also tops out at 300 pounds of evenly-distributed weight. If you don’t need as much hauling capacity, the Fibermax offers a simple solution for carrying smaller tools and equipment without the need for heavier-duty machinery.

The MX4 shares a lot in common with the F1, like a folding cover that drivers can secure in various positions and the EPDM rubber seals to block out water. It also features a matte finish, die-cut, shock-absorbent bumpers, and secure prop rod clips so you can set the cover in place securely. However, drain tube installation on this model can require additional drilling, so drivers should check their make and model with the specifications on the cover before buying.

Accessories

Outside of racking, a few components contractors typically want on their trucks are a secure box to hold tools, and ideally, something to keep the bed from getting dinged up or rotted out from water buildup. Thankfully, BAK Industries has this covered as well.

Tool Storage

For owners of the BAKFlip series, the BAKBox 2 Utility Storage Box is a solid addition to the truck bed. The lockable storage box sports a 200-pound weight capacity and half-inch thick FRP composite panels, and comes with a handy sliding tray to keep smaller items like nail boxes and drill bits organized. It uses a no-drill, clamp-on installation (when matched with at BAKFlip cover) and sits flush under the cover. A clever fold-out design allows drivers to easily load all their gear into the box instead of having it slide around the bed.

Bed Protection

Drivers can go the extra mile with truck bed production by adding on BAK Industries’ BedRug bed liner. Constructed of 100% polypropylene, the BedRug stands up everything from battery acid to gravel, protecting the bed from dings and damage. It’s also UV and fade-resistant, making it a solid choice for workers in harsher climates or places where the sun beats down all day.

When it comes to moisture, the BedRug uses a foam construction similar to life jackets, meaning it won’t absorb water or accumulate mold. Water runs off the surface through a zippered perimeter and out the drain holes in the truck bed. BAK says dry time is usually as little as 20 minutes, and the liner can be cleaned up with a power washer, hose, or vacuum. Plus, since BAK builds the BedRug to fit specific makes and models, it’ll sit securely in place. A generic liner is more likely to slip around or leave a pesky gap near the wheel well – risking water getting in and chewing up the bed.

As with any truck mods, drivers should consult the manufacturer to make sure they’re getting the right tonneau for their truck. Finding the right fit will ensure key features like water protection and secure locks function properly, giving owners exactly what they need.