Beyond aesthetics, there are other reasons why car owners install Bakflip VP on their vehicles. To some; it is for safety while others install it for proper mileage.
While these are true, some problems that are peculiar to Bakflip VP have been observed by many users, especially those who had used more than one Bakflip VP. What are the causes of these problems? What are the possible DIY solutions? Keep reading for answers to these questions.
Bakflip VP Problems
Due to design error, wrong installation, improper handling, and many other factors, you will likely experience some peculiar problems with Bakflip VP.
It is important to note that these problems depend on the individual using the product but we will discuss the most common of these problems, causes, and the things you can do to fix them. The following are some of the problems of Bakflip VP.
1. Broken release cable
Unless you don’t use the truck or make use of the truck bed often, you will always need the release cable of the Bakflip VP. It then becomes a hassle if the release cable is broken or malfunctioning.
In most situations, a broken release cable is caused by improper installation, age, or wear due to handling. This might seem like a big hassle, but you can still fix it. The following are some of the things you can do to fix a broken release cable when it happens.
Seek help
This is the best thing you can do in a situation like this, especially if you are unable to assemble the broken pieces. All you need to do is to go to a car shop close to you, preferably your dealer if you have bought the Bakflip VP in a local store. It is either you get the part replaced or fixed.
Contact the manufacturer
In a situation where the warranty of the Bakflip VP is still valid, you can contact the manufacturer for a possible replacement if you have any problem with the release cable.
From the statement of people available online, you could wait for a longer duration before you get this fixed. If you can wait, it is recommended that you go for it.
2. Latch problem
After installing the Bakflip VP, you could experience a bit of a problem with the first latch, especially if there is any defect with the installation.
Opening and closing the Bakflip VP will be a bit difficult. In most situations, the latches will not work the way they ought to whenever you pull the cable.
This is mostly caused by a screw that is too tightened. If you continue to use it in this manner, it will likely affect the latches and soon affect the release cable. Fixing this is very simple. The following are some of the steps for fixing a latch problem.
Open the Bakflip VP
Irrespective of how difficult it is to open or close the Bakflip VP, you must open it when you want to fix the problem with the latches.
Release the screw
It has been stated earlier that latch problems are mostly caused due to defect installation or over-torquing of the screw. All you need to do is to loosen the screw a bit. You should do this on both ends of the Bakflip VP.
Shift the plastic
If possible, after releasing the screw, you should gently shift the plastic towards the middle point. This will ensure that the cable is properly tightened and functions optimally.
Seek help from professionals
Fixing this problem is a bit technical. Any mistake with it could affect the entire setup of the Bakflip VP. If you do not have the right tools or willpower to do it, it is recommended that you seek help from any car shop around you.
Trending Searches
- 5 Hidden Bakflip F1 Problems & Possibe Solutions
- 5 Hidden Bestop Trektop NX Glide Problems & Solutions
- 5 Hidden Undercover Truck Bed Cover Problems & Fixes
3. Water-logged
One of the pros of Bakflip VP is that they are waterproof. Though this is true, it is, however, likely that the Bakflip VP becomes water-logged or sag, especially near the tail gale.
Many car owners detest this, especially when they have contents that could be destroyed by water in the truck. This problem is mostly caused by defects in installation, age, problems with the bolt, leaving water on the cover for a long duration, driving the vehicle with the Bakflip VP open, and at times parking the truck wrongly.
However, don’t panic when this happens, especially if the weight of the logged water has not torn the Bakflip VP. Here is a list of some of the things you can do if you are in a situation like this.
Retighten the bolt
Though the Bakflip VP is not expected to retain water when it rains. Even if it does, it should be minimal and should not lead to sagging. You can potentially fix this and restore the cover to shape by retightening the bolt. When you do this, you should not over-tighten the bolt.
Park the truck correctly
If you notice that your Bakflip VP retains water when it rains or when you clean it, you can fix the problem with the steps highlighted above. Apart from that, you can also potentially prevent it from happening by parking the truck under a shade. If possible, you should construct a garage for the truck.
Take it to a professional for proper installation
While you can retighten the bolt to restore the cover to shape, you should also seek help from a professional, who can install the Bakflip VP properly and likely prevent future occurrences and other problems that are associated with improper installation. Apart from this, some devices could be installed on the cover that will prevent water from pooling there.
4. Leakages
Bakflip VP is expected to be waterproof so that water will not get to the cargo in the truck. While this is one of the reasons why many car owners opt for Bakflip VP, it is saddening to note that the cover could leak water into the truck, especially if you have neglected it for a longer duration without inspecting it.
Leaking Bakflip VP is mostly caused by improper installation, loose screw, and a possible tear to the cover. You can fix this problem with the steps highlighted below.
Get a repair kit
If the reason why your Bakflip VP leaks are due to tears on the cover, you can easily get a Bakflip VP repair kit and use it to fix the problem. Just follow the instructions on the kit.
Tighten the screw
There are instances where the Bakflip VP will leak at the edges due to a loose screw. That is why you need to inspect it often. If the leaking is on the edges due to a loose screw, all you need to do is to retighten the screw.
5. Rusty metal
Metals are prone to rust but the time they will get rusty differs, depending on different factors. The danger of rusty metal on your Bakflip VP is that it can reduce the efficiency of the cover or make it ineffective.
Rust on metal is mostly caused by oxidation due to the interaction between the metal, moisture, air, sunlight, and other environmental conditions.
This is another reason why you have to inspect the Bakflip VP regularly. If detected early, you can fix the rust with the following steps.
Scratch it off
Rust starts from little and spreads with time. If you detect it early on the metal of your Bakflip VP, you can fix it by scratching it off from the metal.
All you need to do is to apply sandpaper to the affected portion of the metal. Once you’re through, you should clean the metal and check if the rust is gone. You can repeat the process if the affected part is not rid of the rust. Doing this will slow down the rusting process.
Paint the metal
You can also prevent the spread of rust on metal by painting. Once you notice the sign of rust on the metal of your Bakflip VP, you should first clean the metal, and then apply sandpaper to the affected part.
Once you are through, you should clean the metal again and paint it. You should allow the paint to dry before you close the Bakflip VP.
Maintenance tips for Bakflip VP
Just like other parts of the vehicle, you should not neglect the Bakflip VP without caring for it. Doing this regularly is a good way to ensure that it lasts for a longer duration. The following are some of the things you can do to care for Bakflip VP.
Proper installation
One of the best care you can show your Bakflip VP is to ensure proper installation. When installed properly, you can use it for a longer duration with proper care.
Clean it
You should also clean the Bakflip VP whenever you clean the truck. However, you should only make use of auto-rated cleaning products when you want to do this.
Inspect regularly
You should not wait until you want to remove or put cargo in the truck before you check the Bakflip VP. You should always check it whenever you clean the truck or go for other important assessments of the truck.
Lubricate
You should lubricate the parts of the Bakflip VP that need it regularly.
Do not drive when the Bakflip VP is open
You should check the Bakflip VP and ensure that it is properly closed before you begin to drive the truck. The Bakflip VP is prone to a lot of dangers when you leave it open while driving the truck.
Park it properly
To protect the Bakflip VP and the truck when you are not there, it is recommended that you park it in a covered location, preferably in your garage.
Conclusion
You should not have a problem with your Bakflip VP if you install it properly and care for it. Some of its common problems and how you can resolve them have been highlighted in this article.
