Opinions on bed liner and flip top tonneau covers

[Evolvd]

I searched through this sub forum and haven’t seen what I’m looking for so please forgive me if this has been gone over before.

I’m new to the truck world and trying to learn as I go. I’m looking to order a ‘26 Lariat SC with the 5.5 bed. Is the OEM bedliner a quality product or would I better off getting Line X or another brand? I won’t be using the truck bed much so my intent is just for aesthetics. That being said, I don’t mind spending money on quality vs “just good enough”. I’m also considering bed rug but I don’t want to go that route unless I can seal the top from water intrusion. Which leads me to my second question.

What is the best general consensus on the OEM 4-panel flip tonneau cover compared to other brands? I’d like to seal the bed from water intrusion as the vehicle will live outside and it rains a fair amount where I live.

TIA!

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[Parthery]

The OEM 4 panel tonneau is a rebranded Leer HF650M cover. They are identical. You can pay $1500-$1600 from Ford or you can pay $1174 from Leer or even less on Amazon or from an online vendor.

Google the threads here about this cover. The general consensus is the same; great cover; lousy installation instructions. If you read the thread(s) and watch the YouTube videos you will pick up all the hints and suggestions to install the cover.

The advantage of the Leer is it uses a double seal up front and skips drain tubes. It does a nice job keeping the water out at the front. That said, most covers leak at the front because they are installed improperly and/or overtightened which causes the rails to bow downward. If you go with a Realtruck cover (BAK, Undercover, Gator, Extang, etc...) don't use a cordless power socket and don't overtighten past 10 lbs-ft and you will be fine.

 

[yhzt’bird]

The OEM 4 panel tonneau is a rebranded Leer HF650M cover. They are identical. You can pay $1500-$1600 from Ford or you can pay $1174 from Leer or even less on Amazon or from an online vendor.

Google the threads here about this cover. The general consensus is the same; great cover; lousy installation instructions. If you read the thread(s) and watch the YouTube videos you will pick up all the hints and suggestions to install the cover.

The advantage of the Leer is it uses a double seal up front and skips drain tubes. It does a nice job keeping the water out at the front. That said, most covers leak at the front because they are installed improperly and/or overtightened which causes the rails to bow downward. If you go with a Realtruck cover (BAK, Undercover, Gator, Extang, etc...) don't use a cordless power socket and don't overtighten past 10 lbs-ft and you will be fine.

I have the OEM four panel cover and just transferred it to my 2025 Lariat from my 2018 Lariat. Still works as intended and for the most part has kept the pick up bed dry. I can’t comment on the equivalence to Leer but mine does have the drain tubes.

As for a bed liner, my suggestion is to go with Line-X as they apply the coating to more little areas than the factory bed liner. I avoid the drop in plastic liner as there is still subtle movement of the plastic that eventually wears the paint finish on the pick up bed.

 

[jkind]

Not sure what company made the Ford brand trifold cover I now have on my 2025 F150 but it sits above the bed rails rather than below as the one on my 2014. Prefer the above rails type as it gives just a bit more vertical space with closed.

As for the bed liner the 2025 came with a spray in Linx liner from the dealer which I would have preferred not to have as I like the BedRug liner for what I use the truck for. Unfortunately, in my area finding a two wheel drive F150 XLT is a chore so sometimes I take the one I can find. Installing the BedRug liner is easier if you do not have a spray in liner.

 

[Parthery]

I have the OEM four panel cover and just transferred it to my 2025 Lariat from my 2018 Lariat. Still works as intended and for the most part has kept the pick up bed dry. I can’t comment on the equivalence to Leer but mine does have the drain tubes.

Is your truck a short or long bed? The long bed 4 panel covers are made by Realtruck. The short bed 4 panel covers are Leer. Realtruck has the drain tubes.

 

[Mancerator]

Mine has the sprayed in bed coating but I wanted something that would keep items from sliding around inside the bed. Had a cheap $78 liner that was more like plastic than rubber so switched to a Geedar heavy duty rubber mat, $113 on Amazon and found it is far more slip resistant.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CFZS2Y39?ref_=pe_148126100_1193965070_t_fed_asin_title&th=1

 

[yhzt’bird]

Is your truck a short or long bed? The long bed 4 panel covers are made by Realtruck. The short bed 4 panel covers are Leer. Realtruck has the drain tubes.

I have the 6.5’ box.

 

[kieefer]

I had a Gator folding bed cover. I found myself with it open more often than closed.
Sold it and bought a topper.
Guess it depends on how often you use your bed and want easy access to it.

 

[Evolvd]

I had a Gator folding bed cover. I found myself with it open more often than closed.
Sold it and bought a topper.
Guess it depends on how often you use your bed and want easy access to it.

I doubt I'll be using it for much. This truck will be my daily driver. The bed will be used sparingly for road trips or runs to the local Lowe's or Home Depot.

 

[kieefer]

I use mine pretty often, carrying a recumbent trike or bike to the greenway, lawn equipment to family cemetery. Everything is secure under the topper, like a solid bed cover but taller.

Using my folding cover, one thing did bug me is when completely folded it blocks the rear window.

 

[jcru1017]

I had a Gator folding bed cover. I found myself with it open more often than closed.
Sold it and bought a topper.
Guess it depends on how often you use your bed and want easy access to it.

How was the quality of the Gator? Was it hard Tri-fold or soft?

Was looking at Gator on Real Truck today, cannot justify paying $1,200 for a Ford tonneau cover. Did that when I bought my ranger in 2020 and it fell apart 3 years later.

 

[kieefer]

How was the quality of the Gator? Was it hard Tri-fold or soft?

Was looking at Gator on Real Truck today, cannot justify paying $1,200 for a Ford tonneau cover. Did that when I bought my ranger in 2020 and it fell apart 3 years later.

Hard tru-fold. Probably could stand on it but I never did.

 

[Parthery]

Go look on Facebook Marketplace. Probably can find a gently used one. Someone traded their truck, or switched to a toolbox etc…

 

[Sig Oris]

I searched through this sub forum and haven’t seen what I’m looking for so please forgive me if this has been gone over before.

I’m new to the truck world and trying to learn as I go. I’m looking to order a ‘26 Lariat SC with the 5.5 bed. Is the OEM bedliner a quality product or would I better off getting Line X or another brand? I won’t be using the truck bed much so my intent is just for aesthetics. That being said, I don’t mind spending money on quality vs “just good enough”. I’m also considering bed rug but I don’t want to go that route unless I can seal the top from water intrusion. Which leads me to my second question.

What is the best general consensus on the OEM 4-panel flip tonneau cover compared to other brands? I’d like to seal the bed from water intrusion as the vehicle will live outside and it rains a fair amount where I live.

TIA!

Look at a bed liner called Bedrug

ive used on several trucks and it perfect for 95% of my needs

those other 5% i put a tarp down

 

[redline]

I find the factory cover very heavy , I prefer Bak on , I have had a mx4 and f1

on spray in liners its is not like ford does some special process … they send it to a third party after the truck is built. it is same as any place you would send to after you buy the truck.

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