I just got off of the phone with RealTrucks (BakFlip parent company)...The Gator FX3 is made by BakFlip but is not identical to the MX4. The BakFlip MX4 his aluminum while the Gator FX3 is a composite polymer product. Also the Gator has a 2 year warrantee and the BakFlip has a 5 year warrantee.
I will be ordering the MX4 later today but the FX3 seems to be an excellent product as well. If you order by phone, RealTruck offers a discount for active duty military and military veterans. The guy in product support did not know how much the discount is but the discount for my BedRug was 10%.
Edit: Just completed my MX4 order and received a 10% military vet discount and their standard free shipping. 3 - 4 weeks out.
Yes, the only differences I originally saw with the FX3 and MX4 were the material. At the end of the day composite is probably a little better for hot climates since aluminum is a superior thermal conductor. As a result, if it's in the sun that thing is going to get hot.
The other thing I noticed after canceling the FX3 is that some stuff says that you have to open the cover before closing the tailgate. That's one of the main features I liked about the MX4 is that it can be open closed regardless of the cover's position. That solidified my decision to cancel the FX3 and get the MX4.
I appreciate the tip on the discount. Unfortunately I've already got my cover so no joy for me. Maybe some other folks can save a bit of money though.
I installed my BakFlip MX4 at lunch today. Hopefully, I got it on correctly. Will find out later when I drive it.
I did notice that when folded, the only place it bumps the cab appears to be on the sliding rear window. Should I be concerned? Should I cut and move the stick-on "bumper" to each side of the sliding window?
I have my "bumpers" slightly closer to center than the install videos show. The cover is nowhere near contacting the outer edges, so I put the one in the center as instructed, and the other two are about a foot away from it. If the outer bumpers are going to make contact (which I don't see how they would), it will be near the center first.