The REV tonneau cover has become a popular hard truck-bed cover on new pickups, but many owners wonder exactly who makes this cover. Is it Ford? Chevy? Or an outside supplier?
In this guide, we’ll reveal the manufacturer behind the REV cover, explain what makes it special, and compare it to other bed covers on the market.
We’ll also dig into market trends, real user experiences, and maintenance tips so you can decide if the REV cover is right for your truck. Read on to get the full picture, step by step.
Also check- Best brands for truck bed covers
Table of Contents
What Is the REV Tonneau Cover?
The REV tonneau cover is a rigid, hard roll-up bed cover used on trucks like the Ford Maverick, Ford F-150, and Chevrolet/GMC pickups.
It’s built with interlocking aluminum slats covered in marine-grade vinyl, giving it a sturdy, weatherproof design.
This hard roll-up style lets you fully open the bed by rolling the cover toward the cab – a one-handed, convenient operation that still keeps your cargo safe when closed.
In appearance and function, the REV cover is very similar to other hard roll-up covers on the market (for example, BAK’s own Revolver X4).
In fact, under the branding you’ll notice the same black rubber seals, anchor straps, and clamps used by other high-end covers.
The metallic slats and vinyl top provide a flush, secure seal when closed. Key features of the REV cover include tight sealing around the truck bed, a low-profile “flush” look, and an integrated locking mechanism (it locks automatically when your tailgate is locked).
Many truck owners value these covers for cargo protection, weather resistance, and even modest fuel savings (by reducing wind drag in the bed).
The REV cover’s design ensures you still have full bed access: just lower the tailgate and unclip the latch – the cover rolls up to the cab smoothly on rails.
Who Is Behind the REV Tonneau Cover?
Despite its OEM branding, the REV cover is not made by Ford or Chevy themselves, but by a specialist supplier. In fact, the REV cover is manufactured by BAK Industries – a long-time leader in truck bed covers.
BAK (part of the Truck Hero group) produces the famed Revolver X4 series and BakFlip folding covers, and it simply rebrands some models as “REV” for sale as factory-installed accessories.
In other words, REV is essentially a private-label brand for BAK’s hard roll-up cover. Auto experts and industry insiders confirm: the REV cover you get through your dealer is the same hard cover that BAK sells in the aftermarket, just with Ford or GM logo decals.
This means the engineering, materials, and quality control all come from BAK Industries’ plants. BAK has decades of experience in this niche; it even joined Truck Hero in 2014. So when you buy a REV cover from a dealership, you’re getting a BAK-made hard cover built to the automaker’s specifications.
(Many owners on forums note that the REV cover is basically the BAK Revolver model with an OEM sticker.) This OEM partnership is why the Rev cover fits so precisely on late-model trucks.
Key Features of the REV Cover
The REV cover is built to be tough, weatherproof, and user-friendly. Here are some highlights of its construction and design:
1. Aircraft-grade aluminum slats
The underlying panels are made from high-strength aluminum (similar to the 6063 alloy used in aircraft frames). This makes the cover rigid and impact-resistant. The slats interlock and slide on sturdy side rails, so the cover can withstand heavy loads pressing on it.
2. Marine-grade vinyl top
Over the slats is a layer of UV-resistant vinyl with a leather-grain finish. This vinyl is waterproof and protects the aluminum from scratches and the elements. It also provides a sleek, flush appearance on the truck bed.
3. Weather seals
Rubber seals run along the front, sides, and tailgate end of the cover. When the cover is closed, these seals compress against the bed rails and tailgate, creating a tight barrier against rain and dust. One owner reported only minimal corner leakage after driving through heavy rain, which outperformed some older tri-fold covers.
4. Lockable tailgate operation
The REV cover latches securely to the underside of the tailgate. When you close and lock the tailgate, it automatically locks the cover in place. This means the bed contents are secured without any additional padlocks or keys. It gives you peace of mind that your cargo won’t spill out or be easily stolen.
5. One-handed rolling
Unlike bulky three-panel (tri-fold) covers, the REV’s roll-up mechanism lets you open or close the cover with a single hand.
Simply pull the release lever at the tailgate and roll the cover toward the cab. Integrated anchor straps (attached to the front bulkhead) snap over the rolled-up cover to hold it firmly in place when open. This design is quick and convenient for frequent bed access.
6. Flush, low-profile fit
The REV cover sits recessed between the bed rails, so when closed it provides a near-flat, factory-installed look. This not only looks tidy but also keeps the cover protected from accidental prying or snagging at the edges.
The aluminum slats, straps, and smooth vinyl surface – key elements that make this cover secure and easy to use.
In practical terms, most buyers highlight these advantages: durability (it can take minor bumps and heavy weight without denting), security (hard covers are much harder for thieves to breach than soft vinyl rolls), and ease of use. Compared to soft covers, the REV also typically offers a more polished “truck factory” finish.
Pros and Cons of the REV Tonneau Cover
Like any product, the REV tonneau cover has strengths and trade-offs. Below is a quick rundown to consider:
Strengths (Pros)
- Built-in Security: A solid rolling cover locks tight under the tailgate, deterring theft.
- Durable Materials: Aircraft-grade aluminum and thick vinyl resist dents, corrosion, and UV damage.
- OEM Fit: Designed for your truck model, so installation is precise and contours match.
- Weather Protection: Tight seals keep out rain, snow, and debris (in most cases).
- One-Handed Operation: Quick rolling action is user-friendly; no need to store large panels or deal with loose covers.
- Aesthetics: Provides a sleek, flush look that many owners find preferable to a bulky toolbox or uncovered bed.
- Fuel Economy Benefit: A cover reduces aerodynamic drag over an open bed, improving highway MPG by a few percent (good for frequent highway driving).
Trade-offs (Cons):
- Higher Cost: The REV cover is relatively expensive (often $1,100–$1,300 for common models, plus installation). Hard covers cost more than simple soft vinyl rolls.
- Weight: It’s heavier than a soft cover, which can make installation a two-person job. The aluminum slats add weight the truck must carry.
- Fitment Issues: A few owners have reported minor gaps or leaks if the tailgate isn’t perfectly aligned. In rare cases, adjustments (like trimming a tailgate spoiler) are needed for a flush fit.
- Less Easy Full Access: To completely remove the cover, you must roll it up, unclip the straps, and usually prop it near the cab or take it off. Soft rolls or folding covers can sometimes be removed faster.
- Spare Part Availability: Because “REV” is a specialized OEM label, replacement parts (like new vinyl slats) may be harder to find directly. You may need to use generic BAK parts if available.
- Warranty: OEM covers often come with warranty (e.g. 5 years on some GM trucks), but BAK’s own warranty on an aftermarket cover might be shorter. Always check the details.
In summary, buyers often conclude that the REV cover’s sturdiness and professional fit justify its price—especially if cargo security and a premium look are top priorities.
However, if you mainly haul small, cheap items or need a super light cover, a soft roll-up like the TruXedo LoPro might be more budget-friendly. Always weigh your budget, usage patterns, and need for security.
How REV Stacks Up Against Competing Covers
The truck bed cover market is crowded, so let’s compare REV to some major alternatives that truck owners consider:
TruXedo (Soft Roll-Up Covers)
TruXedo and similar brands offer vinyl roll-up covers (like the TruXport). These are much cheaper (often under $400) and lighter than hard covers.
They also roll up similarly for bed access. The downside is they’re only vinyl – less theft-deterrent and less durable over years. TruXedo covers are very popular on many trucks, but if you prioritize security and longevity, a hard cover like REV is a step up.
BAKFlip (Hard Tri-Fold Covers)
BAK’s own BakFlip series is a folding hard cover (aluminum panels that fold into 3 segments). These let you expose the bed partially or fully (by unfolding completely). They are very robust.
Compared to REV, a BakFlip usually costs more (due to more complex panels) and cannot be rolled up. Some owners prefer the BakFlip for its rigidity, but note: a BakFlip does not give full open-bed access unless removed – it stays attached.
REV’s advantage is easier full-bed open (just roll up) and generally lower cost.
Extang / Agri-Cover (Solid Fold or Roll)
Extang (also known as Agri-Cover) makes very popular tri-fold and roll-up covers (like the Extang Express). Their solid folding covers also use rigid panels. These compete closely with BakFlip and undercut REV on price sometimes.
They seal tightly and have good reputations. REV’s niche vs Extang is that REV is OEM-branded (fits exactly as a dealer option) and uses BAK’s clamp system. Functionally they’re similar, though user reviews vary on which seals better in practice.
Access / TonnoPro (Roll-Lock and Panels)
The Access 7500 series (by Trinity) is another rolling cover found on GM trucks. It resembles REV in being roll-up, but Access often uses a spring-assisted bar to help roll the cover. Some owners find the REV easier to latch (since BAK’s Revolver has strong clamps).
UnderCover (a Truck Hero brand) also has roll-up covers. In short, REV’s main advantage over these OEM equivalents is that it’s effectively the same product as BAK’s reliable models – you get BAK quality either way.
UnderCover UltraFlex (Hard Fold)
UnderCover makes a tri-fold that combines soft panels over a frame. It’s lighter but less hard than aluminum. UnderCover also has soft roll-ups. Compared to those, REV is fully hard, which some users prefer for security.
Soft vs Hard Debate
Some truck owners even prefer a traditional cap or shell (like a fiberglass topper) for full enclosure, but that’s a different category.
Within soft vs hard covers, the REV sits firmly in the hard, premium camp. If you value a true locking hard cover, REV stands alongside any hard cover as a top choice, just costlier than soft rolls.
Overall, REV competes most closely with other hard roll-up covers (like Access 7500 and Extang roll-ups).
Its claimed advantages are OEM fit, BAK engineering, and long tailgate seal. If you’re considering alternatives, remember to check installation style (roll vs fold), security level, and price. The REV cover often wins points on build quality but loses on affordability.
Owner Insights and Real-World Feedback
What do real truck owners say about the REV cover? Here are some collected insights from user forums and reviews:
Better Than Tri-Folds: Owners who switched from old-style tri-fold hard covers often note that the REV (hard roll-up) handles rain better. For instance, one Silverado owner found only a little leakage at the extreme corners after a downpour – much less than his old tri-fold had leaked in similar storms.
Watch the Tailgate Gap: A common tip: ensure the tailgate closes firmly. If you have a spray-on liner or a tailgate cap that adds thickness, the cover might catch. Some Maverick owners trimmed the rear corner of a spoiler (factory piece on tailgate) so the REV cover could seat tightly. With such tweaks, many report a leak-free bed even in heavy rain.
Easy One-Hand Operation: Many users love how smoothly it rolls. One owner said they can secure the cover without leaving the driver’s seat – a big plus for security patrols and delivery drivers.
Dealership Installation: Some advice against DIY due to tool needs (you’ll need a torque wrench or proper hex driver for the clamps). Fortunately, Ford and Chevy often offer dealership installation or kits. Note that the cover usually comes pre-assembled in one piece for the rails, so professional alignment helps.
Headroom: A few Ford F-150 owners with tall bed campers noted that the REV cover’s cross-section is not flush flush – it leaves about 2-3 inches of clearance when closed. This is normal (it sits almost flush, but not perfectly). It’s wider than a batwing style soft cover. Just something to be aware of if you have very high bed accessories.
Lock Security: While marketed as lockable, some skeptics point out that any tonneau can be cut or forced open with enough determination. The REV’s lock is about as good as it gets for an accessory (it ties into the tailgate lock). It will certainly stop opportunistic thieves.
Installation Cost: Expect to pay around $100–$200 for professional installation if you take it to a shop. However, many consider that a small price for perfect fitment and warranty documentation.
All in all, the consensus is that REV covers fulfill their role well.
They do demand an upfront investment, but owners looking for a factory-quality, heavy-duty bed cover tend to be satisfied. If there’s a common gripe, it’s usually about the price or occasional alignment fiddling – nothing inherently wrong with the design itself.
Competitor Snapshot: Other Tonneau Cover Brands
To put REV in context, here’s a quick list of notable tonneau cover brands you might compare it to:
1. TruXedo: Makers of popular soft roll-up covers (TruXport, Pro X15, etc.). Lightweight and affordable (often under $500). Good for basic weather protection but less secure.
2. Extang / Agri-Cover: Known for Solid Fold tri-fold covers and Roll-It rolling covers. Solid Fold is a durable panel-type cover (like BakFlip). Strong seals; prices vary ($600–$900).
3. BAKFlip (Bak Industries): Factory-over truck owners often buy the BAKFlip MX4 (hard folding cover). Similar ruggedness to REV but folds instead of rolls. Top-tier quality, usually pricier ($1,200+).
4. UnderCover: Offers a few styles (soft roll, and a hard/soft hybrid Ultra Flex fold cover). The Ultra Flex has a soft top on a foldable frame, and a hard-core Max cover. These are often priced moderate ($800–$1,000).
5. Access (Trinity): Manufacturer of the Access 7500 and 7501 series. The 7500 is a heavy-duty roll-up very similar in function to REV. It’s often featured as a GM accessory cover, making it an alternative to REV on some Chevy trucks.
6. TonnoPro (Trinity): Known for the TonnoVault (rolling hard cover) and TonnoFlip (hard folding cover). The TonnoVault competes directly with REV as a rigid roll-up option, typically priced a bit lower than OEM.
7. Gator (Trinity) and Rugged Liner: Other players offering hard covers for select models. Gator Pro (easy-lift hardtop) is for full bed closure (cap-style), while Rugged and Gator also have some roll-up and folding models.
8. Trunk Showcase/Underbed: A new trend is under-bed lockboxes (Rugged) or slide-out drawers – different concepts but solve similar security issues.
Each brand has its quirks. But in terms of style (hard roll-up) and price range, the REV cover is on the higher end – alongside BAKFlip and Access 7500.
Its nearest alternative would be the Access 7500 (if offered for your truck) or an Extang rolling cover. If shopping around, weigh cost vs features: some cheaper covers lack strong latches or weather seals. REV earns points for its dealer-backed fit and full warranty in OEM markets.
If you’re convinced the REV cover fits your needs (strong construction, security, flush look), reach out to a dealer or trusted retailer. Otherwise, use what you’ve learned here to weigh other quality options. Ready to upgrade your truck bed?
Now that you know who makes the REV cover (and that it’s made by BAK Industries) along with its pros and cons, you can make an informed choice. Evaluate your priorities—be it ultimate durability, cost savings, or ease of access—and pick the tonneau cover that matches your lifestyle.
Your truck is an investment; a good bed cover protects it (and your cargo) while also giving your rig that polished, covered look. Whatever you decide, drive safely and enjoy the added utility (and fuel economy) that a tonneau cover brings.
If this guide helped clear up your questions about the REV cover, the next step is to check out installers or dealers for availability. Happy hauling!
