BAKFlip MX4 vs. Tyger T3: Is the Premium Price Worth It for Your RAM?
Share
You drive a 2009–2018 RAM 1500.
You park at Home Depot, run inside for 10 minutes, and come out to find your soft bed cover slashed and your brand new DeWalt drill set gone.
It’s a nightmare scenario, but it happens every day.
The solution is a Hard Folding Tonneau Cover.
These covers turn your bed into a locked vault. But when you start shopping, you see a massive price gap:
- The Budget Choice: The Tyger Auto T3 Alloy (approx. $500).
- The Premium Choice: The BAKFlip MX4 (approx. $1,100).
Is the BAKFlip really worth double the price? Or is the Tyger "good enough" for keeping your gear safe?
In this guide, we compare the build quality, tailgate operation, and water resistance of the two most popular hard covers for the RAM platform.
Compare Hard Folding Styles
Flush Fit, Rugged Coating, or Budget Value?
|
Cover Model |
Material |
Tailgate Operation |
Best For |
|
BAKFlip MX4 |
Aluminum (Matte). Flush fit. |
Close Anytime. (Up or Down). |
Daily Drivers. The industry standard for a reason. |
|
Tyger Alloy T3 |
Vinyl over Aluminum. Sits on top. |
Lift to Close. (Must lift panel). |
Budget. Security of metal, look of vinyl. |
|
UnderCover ArmorFlex |
LINE-X Coated. Rugged texture. |
Close Anytime. (Up or Down). |
Work Trucks. Scratch/dent resistant coating. |
|
Extang Solid Fold |
Composite (Plastic). Sits on top. |
Lift to Close. (Clamps on). |
Leased Trucks. Easiest to remove completely. |
Frequently Asked Questions (Hard Folding)
Are hard folding covers 100% waterproof?
No cover is 100% waterproof. However, hard folding covers are excellent at keeping most water out.
- Flush Covers (BAKFlip): Use drain tubes to route water from the rails out through the bed plugs. You may see a few drops in a car wash, but your cargo will stay dry.
- Top-Mount Covers (Extang): Sit over the rails and shed water like a roof shingles.
Can I drive with the cover fully open?
Yes. Models like the BAKFlip MX4 and UnderCover come with "Prop Rods" that lock the folded cover against the back of the cab. This allows you to drive at highway speeds with the full bed open for hauling large items. Note: The third brake light will be obscured.
Is the Tyger T3 a soft or hard cover?
It is a hybrid. The Tyger Auto T3 Alloy looks like a soft vinyl cover, but it has reinforced aluminum plates sewn inside the vinyl. It passes the "knife test" (a thief cannot cut through it easily), making it the most affordable way to get hard-cover security.
Lock it up or lose it.
Upgrade to knife-proof protection and sleep soundly. Shop our verified collection of 2009–2018 RAM 1500 Hard Folding Covers.