Trying to decide between the Gator HR1 vs BAK X4s Tonneau covers? Our comprehensive comparison guide breaks down the key differences between these two popular models. From their material and design to their features and installation process, we’ll help you make an informed decision that best meets your needs and budget.
Both the covers are excellent in their way. But as we know, every product has some pros and cons, no matter how good it is. So today, I decided to make a comparison article for Gator HR1 vs BAK X4s rolling tonneau cover.
Gator HR1 Tonneau Cover
Gator covers have an excellent reputation because of the high quality of materials used to make tonneau covers. HR1 is a soft rolling tonneau cover made of a heavy-duty vinyl tarp. The aluminum slats are interlocked, making the cover exceptionally secure and resistant to the elements.
The cover can roll up back to provide you with complete bed access. HR1 is equipped with a trigger latch at the cover’s rear end. These triggers can open the cover with a simple pull. One unique feature of this product prevents it from being opened with the tailgate closed.
The latching system makes the opening and closing of the tonneau cover easy. Gator HR1 can hold weight up to 400 lbs pounds when distributed equally. It fits over Dodge Ram, Ford 150, Chevy GMC trucks, etc.
Features and Specification
- Brand: Gator
- Cover Category: soft roll-up
- Material: Vinyl
- Outer surface: aluminum
- Installation: no drill/bolt-on
- Weight capacity: 400 lbs pound
- Security: tailgate lock
- Warranty: limited 3 years
Bakflip X4s
Revolver X4s is the upgraded version of X2 with a matte black finish. It is engineered with real-world durability with a modern and stylish look. The cover has aluminum slats and a heavy-grade vinyl top surface, providing extra durability, support, and protection against the elements.
It has a cable cord under the rear end of the cover. Pulling the cable and rolling the cover toward the bulkhead will provide 100% bed access. This cover has hook and loop straps at the front end, securing the cover with them to safely haul large and oversized loads.
The Bak Revolver X4s is available for most trucks, including the Ford F150, GMC Sierra, Dodge Ram, Toyota Tacoma, and much more.
Features and Specification
- Brand: BAK
- Cover Category: hard roll-up
- Material: Aluminum and Vinyl
- Outer surface: matte
- Installation: no drill/bolt-on
- Weight capacity: 400 lbs pound
- Security: tailgate lock
- Warranty: limited 5 years
Gator Hr1 VS BAK X4s – Comparison
Tonneau covers are specially designed to reduce the aerodynamic wind and maintain fuel efficiency. In addition, it increases the value and gives style to the truck and pickup. The two famous tonneau covers I am discussing today have much of a match but a change in their style, design, type, and fit some degree.
Let’s find out how both are dissimilar to each other by doing a comparison between Gator Hr1 Vs Bak X4s.
Material
| Gator HR1 | BAK X4S |
| Gator HR1 is manufactured with aluminum slats bound by a vinyl top surface. The aluminum slats are rigid, which makes the cover sturdy and robust. The top surface is UV protectant, which protects from sun rays. The side hook and loop fasteners are made of commercial-grade vinyl, which is impressive in sealing the side of the bed rails. These hook and loop fasteners overlap the tailgate and make it water-resistant. Moreover, Its vinyl-covered hinges are responsible for keeping the water out of bed. It leaves the stake pockets so you can attach other accessories to the truck. | Revolver X4s is manufactured with rugged and robust aluminum slats covered with a durable vinyl tarp. It features a matte black finish that protects the cover from scratches and prolongs its life. This cover is integrated with safety slats, rear corners, and other accessories with matte black powder, which helps it go for a more extended period without rust and corrosion. |
You may also check out Lomax Tonneau Cover vs Bakflip
Design
| Gator HR1 | BAK X4S |
| Gator Hr1 is a soft tonneau cover in the roll-up category that perfectly flush mounts inside the bed rails and provide a sleek, low-profile design. It combines with vinyl material, enhancing the truck’s overall appearance and making it more attractive. The vinyl material is responsible for making the cover weather and UV-resistant. It protects the cover and the cargo inside the truck bed from the outer harsh elements and shields the truck’s bed from the eyes of prey. Gator HR1 has more sizes available than its competitor. | Similarly, if I talk about the design of the Bak revolver X4s, it gives a matte black finish. The cover has a vinyl tarp that provides a sleek look. In addition, it guards your cargo against outer natural elements. When comparing the Bakflip MX4 Vs Revolver X4s, the MX4 is a little better. X4s have weather strips along the sides of the cover rails, ensuring that your cargo inside the truck bed is safe and dry. |
Locking Mechanism
HR1 is a roll-up tonneau cover and can open and close manually. No electric remote is designed to work with this tonneau cover. Covers have cable latches on both sides at the rear that are pulled to unlatch them.
The cover rolls up to the bulkhead and provides complete access to the truck bed. Furthermore, it can be secure with storage straps. The storage straps are located on the front side of the cover. They are great at keeping the cover in its place, so it does not flap or make noise.
X4s is a roll-up tonneau cover that can effortlessly roll toward the bulkhead to provide bed access. The cover has an innovative rotating locking mechanism that locks the entire bed from both ends and provides the next level of security and protection.
The cover can open and secure with buckle straps, which keep the cover in its place. When the cover is fully closed, it does not block access to the stake pockets.
However, both the covers do not have a remote control system for the locking mechanism, but X4s, due to their better water-resistant property, perform better than HR1.
You can also read about how to open the locked tonneau cover.
Installation
Installation of Gator Hr1 is super easy and convenient. The cover is handy and can be adjusted by itself. Before fitting the cover onto the truck bed, clean the truck’s surface with rubbing alcohol pads.
- Attach the weatherstrip to the bulkhead to prevent the water from getting inside.
- Attach the rails with the steel clamps. Ensure that the rails are aligned before tightening the clamps. Tight the clamps with a wrench to make it a snug fit.
- Place the cover on the front side of the truck bed.
- Insert the screws inside the holes carefully.
- Then go underneath the truck’s bed. Slide the locking latch inside the screw head to lock the cover. Do the same in the opposite direction.
Roll forward the cover towards the tailgate. Pull the cover to the sides to give you an excellent tight seal. So when you drive down the road, you do not hear the sound of flaps. Make sure you do this on both sides.
You can close the cover with either the back lays, or you can lift it and close it and latch it with the tailgate already closed.
Bakflip Revolver X4s Installation
The installation process of Revolver X4s is a piece of cake. Start the installation process with the cleaning of the bulkhead. Use an alcohol pad to remove the dirt and debris on the bulkhead. Then, attach weather strips on the truck’s bulkhead and sides (if needed).
After this:
- Install the passenger rail with the help of clamps.
- Tighten the clamps with the help of an Allen wrench.
- Make sure the rail is aligned and the clamps are correctly fitted.
- Install the opposite side of the rail with this method.
Drop the cover at the front side of the truck bed and roll it out to the rear end. The last thing included in the installation process is injecting the bolts into the channel.
Security
Gator Hr1 and Bak X4s are secured by a tailgate lock and offer an automatic latch that allows you to open the cover by pulling the string. In addition, both covers have aluminum slats that provide ultimate security to the truck bed.
Both the tonneau covers fall in the same category as both have a tailgate lock and lack in key lock.
Waterproof
Hr1 has a vinyl overlay that adds extra water-resistant properties by covering the aluminum slats which hold the water outside the truck bed. It has a weatherstrip on the bulkhead, promoting the water resistance feature.
Bak Revolver X4s Waterproof
The side rails of X4s have been upgraded to hold the water out. The bulkhead seal is the only water-resistance feature that functions against the water and keeps the cargo dry.
Ease of Use
Ease of use of the tonneau cover is the ultimate concern of truck owners. No one wants to waste time opening and closing the truck bed cover. Both these tonneau covers are excellent and unbothered while opening and closing.
Gator HR1 is a soft rolling tonneau cover, so the opening is relatively easy. The cable latch is located at the rear end of the cover. Pulling out the cable unlatches the cover from the side rails. Roll up the cover toward the bulkhead and secure it with a storage strap. That’s it.
To cover the truck bed, release the straps, roll down the cover and latch it.
Revolver X4s tonneau cover is easy to use. Just pull the string at either side of the rear end of the cover. Smoothly roll up the cover near the bulkhead and secure it with the help of buckle straps.
To cover the truck bed, roll, release the hook and loop straps, and roll out the cover. Press down at the end to latch it; locking your tailgate keeps your truck bed contents out from the weather and entirely out of sight.
Warranty
Both tonneau covers have different warranty schemes and exchange policies. HR1 is a Gator tonneau cover that gives 3 years of warranty to its customer. Besides, Gator allows a 30-day swapping (trial and money-back) guarantee.
Bak’s X4s tonneau cover offers its customers a 5-year warranty.
UV Resistance
HR1 has a vinyl top and aluminum slats responsible for making the cover UV-resistant. The vinyl surface looks attractive and protects the truck bed’s contents from UV rays.
Revolver X4s has aluminum slats that combine with a vinyl mixture and highly guard the cover from UV rays. The matte black finish also plays a vital role in protecting the cover.
Do Gator tonneau covers lock?
Gator tonneau covers have excellent locking mechanisms. Its GatorTrax has a locking handle that adds more security and protection. This cover can lock at any position between opening and closing. On top of this, you can operate the cover independently of the tailgate.
Does Extang make gator covers?
Gator has a comprehensive line of rugged, highly functional, and good-quality tonneau covers. I have utilized its covers and want to know who makes Gator covers, so I researched and found out that Extang makes Gator covers. And the covers are made in the United States of America.
Final Words
Tonneau covers are a great addition to your truck bed. There is a lot to choose from, and that’s tricky. Well, I have mentioned above my two favorite roll-up tonneau covers. The article is about comparing Gator HR1 Vs. Bak X4s tonneau cover.
Apart from all the differences, both are made of high-quality, rigid material and are water resistant. I hope this guide will help you decide which is best for your truck and match your lifestyle.
Joshea Mark is a trucker with a wealth of experience and a keen eye for quality. He has spent countless hours on the road and knows firsthand the importance of having a reliable tonneau cover to protect his cargo. That’s why Joshea is so passionate about sharing his knowledge and expertise with others.
At Best in Tonneau Covers, he reviews the latest and greatest covers on the market, compares different brands, and writes buyer guides to help truckers like himself make informed decisions. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to the world of trucking, Joshea’s insights and advice are sure to be valuable. His writing is authentic and personal, reflecting his years of experience and his genuine desire to help others.