The 772108 remains the clearest hard-folding application for the 2002-2013 Avalanche and Escalade EXT. It keeps the unusual midgate bed usable while adding a rigid, lockable surface above the cargo area.
Fitment first
What to confirm before buying
Part 772108 is identified for 2002-2013 Chevrolet Avalanche and Cadillac Escalade EXT vehicles with the standard cargo bed, listed at about 63.3 inches. The product line ended after that range, so later-year claims should be rejected. Do not substitute the older 72108 or a FiberMax number solely because an archived page grouped those names together.
Confirm the full vehicle model, model year, and part number, then inspect the body configuration around the bed. Cladding and factory rail condition matter because this cover's mounting geometry follows the Avalanche or EXT structure. Measure the usable bed opening and compare it with the installation record rather than shopping by the broad phrase short bed.
Operate the midgate and rear-glass system before purchase. Worn seals, damaged trim, or a midgate that does not seat correctly should be addressed independently; the tonneau cover cannot correct those problems. Also confirm that any bed liner, cargo management hardware, or existing accessory leaves the specified rail and drain locations available.
A complete kit should include the matching cover and rails, clamps or application hardware, latch parts, support struts, seals, and drainage pieces named by the installation guide. Because this body-specific application is uncommon, used kits deserve a label and hardware check before money changes hands.
Product at a glance
| Current part | BAKFlip F1 772108 |
|---|---|
| Vehicles | 2002-2013 Avalanche / Escalade EXT |
| Cover type | FRP-skinned hard-folding panels |
| Access | Folds toward the cab for bed access |
How this accessory works in practice
BAKFlip F1 part 772108 is a vehicle-specific hard-folding cover for the Chevrolet Avalanche and Cadillac Escalade EXT. Those vehicles use an unusual cargo box and midgate arrangement, so a conventional pickup cover with a similar nominal length is not an adequate substitute. The F1 uses fiberglass-reinforced polymer over a rigid core and aluminum underside, creating folding panels that sit above the bed while retaining access to the midgate cargo area.
The cover closes through automatic latches and relies on the locked tailgate to restrict access to the release hardware. It folds toward the cab for large-item loading and is supported upright by struts. Integrated channels send water to drain tubes rather than leaving it to collect on the rail ledges. The listed 400-pound capacity requires a closed cover and distributed weight.
Daily use and ownership
For routine access, lower the tailgate, release the underside cable, and fold the panels toward the front. Close them in sequence and check that both sides latch. Once the tailgate is locked, the release points are concealed. Cargo still needs restraint inside the bed.
When the full bed and midgate length are needed, fold the F1 upright and fasten both support struts as directed. The source states that the upright cover leaves the third brake light visible. Before driving, confirm that the assembly is fully supported, does not conflict with the rear glass, and allows the midgate workflow intended for the load.
The FRP surface is designed for impact and weather resistance, while EPDM hinge and seal components manage movement between panels. Drainage channels route liquid outward, but openings around the tailgate and body joints can still pass some water. Place sensitive cargo in sealed bins and check the bed after storms before assuming a particular storage location stays dry.
Installation and setup
Begin with the factory bed rails, midgate seals, and rear-glass area clean and fully operational. Lay out the 772108 kit and identify both rails and struts from the instructions. The documented installation uses common hand tools and does not require drilling on the intended vehicle, so unexpected hole alignment is a signal to stop and verify the parts.
Mount the rails level and at matching heights, leaving the fasteners loose enough for alignment. Place the folded cover at the front and unfold it toward the tailgate. Compare the overlap along both body sides, then check the rear seal with the tailgate closed. Excessive closing pressure can distort the last panel or existing vehicle seals.
Cycle every operating state before final tightening: closed and latched, partially folded, upright on the supports, tailgate open and shut, midgate released and secured, and rear glass in its normal positions. The folded cover must not obstruct or load components that need to move. Correct the rail position if any action requires force.
Attach the drain tubes to the channels and route them to established bed exits without pinching them behind trim. Perform a modest water test at each front channel and inspect the discharge below. Recheck clamps and strut attachments after the first trips because settling seals can slightly change panel alignment.
Care and maintenance
Clean the FRP panels, aluminum underside, and rubber seals with mild automotive soap. Lift grit from hinge seams with flowing water and a soft brush rather than scraping it across the surface. Keep drain openings free of leaves, and dry the underside before leaving the panels folded together for extended storage.
Inspect the struts, latch housings, release cables, clamps, and midgate-area clearance several times a year. Watch for hardened or displaced seals and for abrasion where the upright cover approaches the cab or glass area. Treat the 400-pound rating as evenly distributed only; remove heavy debris and never climb onto the cover to clean it.
Buy it when
- You have a confirmed 2002-2013 Avalanche or Escalade EXT application.
- Maintaining useful midgate and full-bed access is a priority.
- You want an FRP-skinned hard cover with tailgate-controlled latches.
- The vehicle's rails, rear glass, and midgate seals are in sound condition.
Skip it when
- The kit carries a different part number or lacks vehicle-specific rails.
- You are matching it to a conventional pickup by bed length alone.
- The midgate or rear-glass mechanism already binds or leaks badly.
- You need to place concentrated loads on top of the cover.
Frequently asked questions
Does 772108 fit a standard Silverado short bed?
No. The documented application is the Avalanche and Escalade EXT cargo body. Similar measured length does not create compatible rail geometry, seals, or midgate clearance. A conventional pickup needs the exact part listed for its own bed and generation.
Can the midgate still be used with the F1 installed?
The application is designed around the Avalanche and EXT bed, and the cover folds forward for access. Installation must still be checked through the complete midgate and rear-glass cycle so the rails, folded panels, and supports do not interfere.
Is the 400-pound rating a standing capacity?
No. It is a maximum top-load figure for weight distributed across the closed cover. Standing creates a concentrated load and adds dynamic movement. Keep people off the panels and follow the manufacturer's load instructions for any item placed above them.
What should be inspected on an older vehicle before installation?
Check bed rails, cladding, tailgate operation, midgate latches, rear-glass movement, and all factory seals. Repair damage or binding first. The tonneau cover depends on those surfaces and mechanisms but does not replace or restore them.
Related fitment guides
- Truck-Bed Tent for Chevrolet Avalanche: Fitment and Use Review
- GM Molded Splash Guards for 2007-2013 Chevrolet Avalanche
- Best Chevy Avalanche Bed Covers: 2002-2013 Fitment Guide
Technical reference
Application and technical details were checked against Current BAKFlip F1 product family. Use the manufacturer application data and the vehicle’s own measurements as the final fitment check.