The modern part number for this application is 772101. It is a hard-folding F1 cover for the 6 ft 6 in bed on selected 2007-2013 Silverado/Sierra and 2014 HD trucks; the old 72101 title mixed product-family names and is corrected here.
Fitment first
What to confirm before buying
The rebuilt application identifies 772101 for selected 2007-2013 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks, plus certain 2014 2500HD and 3500HD models, with a 78-inch bed. A broader source line also mentions older C/K applications. Because the published ranges are not identical, the manufacturer's part selector and truck-specific installation record must settle the exact application.
Confirm 772101 rather than relying on the old 72101 number embedded in an archived title. Then identify light-duty versus heavy-duty model, cab, body generation, and bed length. Trucks sold in adjacent years can use different beds even when the nominal description remains 6 ft 6 in.
Measure at rail level from the inner bulkhead to the closed tailgate and compare the result with 78 inches. Examine stake-pocket areas, factory caps, spray-in or drop-in liners, and repaired rail surfaces. The cover is not universal, and a body-generation mismatch is a known source of returns because rail shape and clamp access matter as much as overall length.
Existing toolboxes, headache racks, ladder racks, and bed rails also need a mounting review. An accessory may leave the stake pockets visible yet still occupy the side surface needed by the tonneau rails or the forward space used by upright panels. Confirm both products are designed to coexist before ordering.
Product at a glance
| Current part | BAKFlip F1 772101 |
|---|---|
| Replaces legacy number | 72101 |
| Bed | 6 ft 6 in / 78 in |
| Cover type | FRP-skinned hard folding |
How this accessory works in practice
BAKFlip F1 part 772101 is the corrected reference for a hard-folding cover previously described under legacy number 72101. It is built for selected Silverado, Sierra, and related 6 ft 6 in bed applications rather than every truck marketed with a 6.5-foot box. The F1 panel uses a fiberglass-reinforced polymer top, a rigid core, and an aluminum lower layer, combining a durable exterior with a folding, low-profile form.
Closed panels latch along the rails, and locking the tailgate restricts ordinary access to the underside releases. For oversized cargo, the cover folds toward the cab and support struts hold it upright, opening the full bed. Water channels lead to drain tubes at the front of the box. Product details cite a 400-pound top-load rating, which should be understood as evenly distributed over the closed assembly and subject to the applicable instructions.
Daily use and ownership
To open the F1, lower the tailgate, release the concealed latch cable, and fold the panels in order. To close it, unfold the sections and make sure both sides engage before locking the tailgate. The rigid deck hides cargo and resists casual access, but it does not replace tie-downs and cannot guarantee security against forced entry.
For furniture or other tall loads, fold the cover toward the cab and attach the support struts. This provides full-bed access without removing the rail system. Check the original instructions for approved driving positions, verify that the third brake light remains visible, and make sure no shifted cargo can strike the upright panels or rear window.
The FRP surface, rubber seals, hinges, channels, and drain tubes form a weather-management system. They help shed rain away from the cargo area, but tailgate gaps and imperfect seal contact can still admit moisture. Treat the bed as weather-resistant rather than watertight, and keep electronics or absorbent materials in their own closed containers.
Installation and setup
Unpack the 772101 cover, two rails, vehicle-specific clamps, supports, drains, and guide. Confirm the model label before starting. Clean the upper rail and bulkhead areas, then check whether a liner edge or accessory bracket prevents a clamp from sitting flat. The documented application installs with a wrench and socket and does not require drilling on the correct truck.
Position the rails at equal height, square them to the bulkhead, and tighten the clamps only enough to hold adjustment. Measure the opening at the front, center, and tailgate. Parallel rails give the latches a consistent landing surface; pulling mismatched rails into place with clamp force is not a valid fitment solution.
Set the folded cover at the front, unfold it, and inspect side overlap and the 78-inch-bed relationship before final torque. Cycle the tailgate with the cover both open and closed, and raise the panels onto their struts. Correct any rubbing, weak latch engagement, or rear-seal pressure through rail alignment.
Route each drain tube from its channel to an existing bed exit with a continuous downward path. Keep it away from cargo pinch points and verify flow with a controlled pour. After several trips and the first rainfall, inspect clamp seating, tube position, latch operation, and any wet line that could reveal an alignment issue.
Care and maintenance
Rinse loose grit before washing the FRP top with mild soap and a soft tool. Clean beneath panel edges, around hinge lines, and along the rail channels, then clear both drain inlets. Avoid abrasive compounds and harsh solvents that can dull the polymer surface or shorten the life of EPDM seals.
Inspect support struts, clamp threads, latch housings, cables, rubber hinges, and the tailgate seal on a regular schedule. Remove standing debris and snow without climbing on the cover. If one panel begins to sit high, diagnose rail movement or an obstructed latch promptly; repeated forcing can damage the panel frame and seal alignment.
Buy it when
- Your exact truck application is confirmed for 772101 and a 78-inch bed.
- You need rigid cargo coverage plus full-bed access when upright.
- An FRP outer skin suits regular work and weather exposure.
- The rail surfaces and front drain exits are unobstructed.
Skip it when
- You are relying only on the legacy 72101 title.
- The truck generation or light-duty versus HD application is unresolved.
- A rack or toolbox conflicts with rail clamps or upright panels.
- You intend to stand or place concentrated machinery on the cover.
Frequently asked questions
Are 72101 and 772101 the same reference?
The rebuilt catalog identifies 772101 as the modern part number replacing the legacy 72101 reference for this page. Use 772101 in the manufacturer selector and verify the complete truck application rather than assuming every old title maps cleanly.
Will it fit any Silverado with a 6 ft 6 in bed?
No. The documented fit depends on model year, light-duty or HD platform, body generation, and the actual 78-inch bed. Published source ranges differ at the edges, so part-specific confirmation is essential before installation.
Can the tailgate operate while the cover is closed?
The F1 uses a tailgate-controlled security arrangement, and the cover should be aligned so the tailgate closes without lifting the rear panel. Follow the supplied seal instructions and correct excessive pressure rather than repeatedly forcing the tailgate.
What does the 400-pound rating allow?
It describes a maximum load spread over the closed cover, subject to the manufacturer's instructions. It does not authorize standing, sitting, or placing a small-footprint heavy item on one panel. Concentrated loads can exceed local panel capacity.
Related fitment guides
- BAKFlip G2 Tonneau Cover Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra 1500
- BAKFlip Tonneau Bed Covers: Fitment, Use, and Buying Guide
- BAKFlip MX4 448207 for Ram 1500 5 ft 7 in Bed: Fitment Review
Technical reference
Application and technical details were checked against Legacy-to-current part-number record. Use the manufacturer application data and the vehicle’s own measurements as the final fitment check.