Retrax does anyone use this?

[Jeepstang]

I was thinking of purchasing a Retrax hard sliding cover for the bed

I was wondering if anyone has one and how they like it. Does your cargo stay dry?

here is the mfr link

http://www.rolltopcover.com/

 

[Blue Ox1]

My dad has the retrax and it is nice roll top. Stuff stays dry for the most part the big thing is covering the stake pockets,When he had his lining put in they filled the stake pocket with a little plastic filler and went over it.

Joe

 

[ronman]

I was thinking of purchasing a Retrax hard sliding cover for the bed

I was wondering if anyone has one and how they like it. Does your cargo stay dry?

here is the mfr link

http://www.rolltopcover.com/

I don't have a Retrax but I have a Roll-N-Lock on my '06 and had one on my former '98 CDT as well, and I like them a lot. The latest model is a lot better then the earlier models because they added a vinyl cover that makes it a lot more waterproof and cleaner looking too. They kept my contents pretty much dry, but, the gaps around the tailgate will allow rain to sucked get in at highway speeds due to the vortex behind the vehicle. I tried one of the 3M tailgate seal kits, and dirt kept collecting in between the seal and the body until the adhesive gave up. The kit did help a lot, but only lasted about a year before pieces came off. I did get a small waterproof tarp to spread over contents if I was doing a long trip, and that did the trick.

I'm not so sure I like the shimmery/shiny look to the Retrax...

 

[Jeepstang]

How secure is this? can you stand on it like the retrax? I like the way the roll and lock looks over the retrax

 

[Troubleshooter]

I've had the RETRAX for about three years now. Some slight seepage gets in from the lock during very heavy rains, so it is not 100% dry. Biggest problem to date has been if I'm up north during the winter; freezing rain tends to prevent use of the cover. Can't roll it until the ice/snow is broken loose, and the lock (mounted on top of the unit) gets wet/frozen.



All in all though, I like it and would probably get one again.

 

[RJOL]

I've owned both the Roll N Lock (on my 2001) and the Retrax (on my 2005). I can say, without a doubt, I like the Retrax cover more. It's easier to operate (you can slide it open and closed with one hand). The Roll N Lock required routine spraying of the rails with silicon to keep it operating smoothly. In two years of use, I have never had to do a thing to the Retrax to keep it operation smoothly. The Retrax cover can be locked in any position, from front to back, so you can adjust it for different loads you might carry. I think the literature said you could put 250lbs on it, but I'm not going to test it. Don't know why you would want to. The comment about freezing is probably true about either cover. Haven't tested this yet, on the Retrax, but I did have the Roll N Lock freeze up a couple of times. I installed both these covers myself and I can tell you that the Retrax was easier to install. The Retrax rails will cover the stake holes, if you purchase the extra wide rail accessories. On the Roll N Lock, I had to put metal plates over the holes. Both of these covers had minor leaks (usually around the tailgate area). Not enought to cause me problems, but if you need it absolutely weather tight, you might have to look at a cap. JMHO...



**Now that it's daylight I took a look at my top. The stake holes are covered by buying whats called a "rail cap. " This is not included in the ReTraxs cover... See photos in my comment below...

 

[Jeepstang]

Thanks everyone! Rick I appreciate that you have owned both covers and based on your comments I will be going with the Retrax. I don't like the shiny look either but I would rather have a higher quality product and not worry about aesthetics. I do not see a reason to stand on it but if it's rated to stand on it that was what impresses me plus with kids you never know what they will end up doing. Retrax sells an optional tail gate seal kit. I plan to have a spray in bead liner installed do you know if that will cause any issues?

I will not have my truck for another 3-4 weeks I want to do my research first.

 

[BMH95]

I have the retrax as well, and I'll get in line with the group saying buy one. It is by far superior to operate than any of the covers that other guys I know have.

 

[RTG]

I purchased the Retax about a year ago, and like it alot, But, I definitely have to agree troubleshooter, you CAN NOT open the darn thing once ice or snow is around, its frozen shut, the locking mechanism will not open. Also I noticed a small crack starting in between the seem of one rib, If you can understand what that means, the top of the liner is really just a hard plastic, and I think that in time will crack along these seems if you use it allot. I'm not sure at what point it cracked, whether it was in the hot summer or cold winter. I noticed it and was not happy. I do receive endless compliments on it, for it does look great.

 

[RJOL]

... I plan to have a spray in bead liner installed do you know if that will cause any issues?

The spray in liner should not be any problem. Like I said... If it's going to leak it will be around the back corners. I don't know if a tailgate kit will totally fix this but you could try it.



Here are a couple of more issues to think about. If you have electric door locks, you can wire a locking solenoid into the top lock. I also added an electric tail gate lock (built into the tailgate). They both lock and unlock with the key fob. This is real convenient. Probably won't keep a determined thief out, but it will stop the curious.



Here are some "real life" pictures. One is of the electric lock, one is of the corner, and one is down the rail. The green looking stuff is pollen. Here in the great Northwest it is a plague during the early spring... :-laf

 

[RJOL]

I purchased the Retax about a year ago, and like it alot, But, I definitely have to agree troubleshooter, you CAN NOT open the darn thing once ice or snow is around, its frozen shut, the locking mechanism will not open. Also I noticed a small crack starting in between the seem of one rib, If you can understand what that means, the top of the liner is really just a hard plastic, and I think that in time will crack along these seems if you use it allot. I'm not sure at what point it cracked, whether it was in the hot summer or cold winter. I noticed it and was not happy...

As I said before... I had the same problem with my Roll N Lock freezing up. If you live in an area that has a lot of freezing, this is an issue. In an emergency you could pour hot water on the lock (that's what I did), but it will refreeze if you don't get the water out. As for the crack... I don't know what to say... Did you contact ReTrax to talk to them about this?

 

[RTG]

No I did not. I will at some point real soon. .