The BAK 450538 is the 2022-and-later Nissan Frontier 5-foot-bed version of the BAKFlip MX4 EZ-Lift, a hard folding tonneau cover built on RealTruck's MX4 platform with aluminum panels over a high-density polymer core. Its main upgrade over the standard MX4 is assisted opening: a torsion spring on the cab-side panel, an oversized paddle latch, and an auto-releasing second panel. The manufacturer lists it for 2022-2026 Frontier 5-foot beds with or without the Utili-Track system, and says it leaves the third brake light and OEM camera unobstructed.
Choose this over a soft roll-up or a standard hard cover if you regularly open the bed with your hands full, in the dark, or while wearing gloves. Owners on user forums single out the spring-assisted final fold as the main reason to pay for the EZ-Lift, though one reports the cover still feels heavy when folding from the ground. The manufacturer quotes an install time under 30 minutes thanks to its click-in rail design. Searches this product fits include 2022 Frontier 5ft bed torsion-assist tonneau, one-hand hard folding Frontier cover, and Frontier 5ft EZ-Lift install.
The manufacturer lists this part for the 5-foot bed both with and without the Utili-Track system, so the same cover applies to either setup.
Owners on user forums report that the torsion spring makes the final fold and opening noticeably easier, and that the cover can be opened one-handed. One owner still found the last fold heavy when working from the ground, so expectations should be realistic.
Owners on user forums report that pulling the spring pin activates the torsion spring. If you pull it before final clamp adjustments, the front panel can resist lying flat, so the pin is best pulled as the very last step.
The manufacturer describes a simple DIY install using its click-in design and quotes under 30 minutes. Per the manufacturer's general BAKFlip install sheet, you will need a 9/16 inch wrench or socket, and a 7/8 inch drill bit and drill are optional for pre-drilling the buckle ends. Work through the rails and clamps with the tailgate closed, start at the front and place the first clamp roughly 6 to 9 inches back, and keep the rails completely level. Use spacer shims if the cover does not seat in the rail opening.
Owners on user forums warn that a crooked install is the most common problem. One Frontier owner had a shop mount the cover with one rail raised and the drain hoses left hanging, which caused the cover to shift. Check that the front panel sits just inside the bulkhead rail and lies flat before final tightening, and confirm the cab bumpers and rubber washers are in place.
