Good bed Covers can be a truck owner’s Shield. Unfortunately, they are hard to find. Even big-name covers like Retrax face issues.
Retrax covers are solid, but the users face some common problems with them. Unsmooth movements, no waterproofing, tricky setup, space consumption, lock problems – the list of issues keep going.
No one wants to have issues with their truck bed covers. So it is better to have some idea about the possible issues before you buy one. If you’re eyeing any Retrax cover, here are some common issues you might face.
Common Retrax Bed Cover Problems
Let’s face it, issues aren’t the default. Most people go on with their Retrax covers just fine. But the thing is, the issues aren’t invalid just because they don’t happen frequently.
Knowing what can happen also helps you to be better prepared.
It is one thing to have one or two loose screws but some problems go beyond that. Most problems Retrax users face are because of the design of the product. This is why sometimes these issues are deal-breakers for people.
Here are some problems Retrax truck cover bed users face pretty frequently.
Also Read: Differences Between SyneticUSA And Retrax Tonneau Cover.
- Doesn’t Operate Smoothly
Imagine getting a hyped product, setting it up, and then finding out it doesn’t really work smoothly. That’s bad enough but what if the stuttering movements were how the product operated?
Borderline nightmare. And unfortunately, that’s what happens with Retrax bed covers.
The manufacturers advertise the cover as one of the smoothest ones you’ll use. You should be able to slide it off with one hand.
But that doesn’t happen. The cover is hard to budge with one hand even if you’re using almost full force. The cover doesn’t slide off properly unless you’re using both hands to push.
And with the way the lock is attached, opening the cover with one hand is also inconvenient. You’ll have to flip the cover, press the latch down and then push the cover.
This makes the lock somewhat normal but it is an inconvenient design choice.
- Isn’t Completely Watertight
People use truck bed covers for safety. It is supposed to protect the inside from most problems.
Turns out, water isn’t on the list of “most things” for Retrax.
The truck bed covers are barely water-repellent and they leak a lot.
And Retrax doesn’t seem sorry about it.
No matter how inch-perfect your cover setup is, you’ll still have water leaking under it. And it won’t be a small, negligible splash.
The water runs like there is no bed cover over the back in the first place. It gets everywhere, soaks things up, and just creates a nuisance.
The worst part is, Retrax knows about this but doesn’t really do anything. The occasional exceptions are when they try to blame it on your truck model or even tail lights.
Also Read: Differences Between Truck2Go And Retrax Tonneau Covers.
- Hard To Set Up
Another inconvenience Retrax seems to forget about. The instructions in the manual are slightly murky but that’s not even the real problem.
The real problem is, the bed cover is harder to set up than they’ll tell you. You’ll need extra time and multiple adjustments to get it going.
The instruction manual comes with all the measurements you’ll need. You’re supposed to just follow it and be done. Except Retrax doesn’t make it that easy.
Most of the measurements need adjustments depending on your truck model and simply do not fit with the given ones.
The adjustments mean you’ll need more time to set the whole thing up. If you assume you’re going to take two hours for that, make sure to clear your schedule for the next three hours. That’s how bad it is.
Another problem is the railing placements. You have to make sure they’re exactly parallel to each other. A hair out of place and the cover won’t budge.
- Takes up Too Much Space
If you’re pinching on space, just skip this one altogether.
Most Retrax covers have bigger support structures. You’ll have to expect more space blocking than regular bed covers.
If you don’t mind losing a little extra space on the back then it won’t be an issue for you.
But if you want to use most of your backspace, then it is a problem.
The support structure spreads a good few feet over the back. You won’t see it unless you open up the cover.
But once you do take it off, you’ll see a pretty big part of the inside space is gone. The frame also makes it harder to reach inside for switches and other things.
- Lock Problems
This is ironic considering the whole point of having a bed cover is to protect things inside. With the locks having this many issues, it really makes you think about whether the bed covers are worth it.
From fitting issues to simply not being practical enough – there’s a whole array of issues going on here.
The Retrax cover locks are interesting, to say the least. The lock uses a clamp to hold the whole thing in place.
Unfortunately, the aluminum framing can be a little too soft for the clasps. They sink down too much and the lock suddenly starts acting up.
There are also some safety concerns around the lock. Every lock is supposed to have an inside release so people (mostly children) don’t get stuck inside. Retrax cover locks don’t have those.
Not just that, the covers are pretty much impossible to slide off from the inside even for an adult.
Are Retrax Bed Covers Worth It?
That depends on what your personal preferences are. If you’re looking for something strong and durable, Retrax bed covers are a good choice.
The only problem is you’ll get next to zero water protection. Retrax warranty can be a little tough to deal with too.
But other than some bumps around the edges, Retrax truck bed covers are a pretty good choice.
Also Read: Should You Get SyneticUSA Tonneau Cover?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are a bunch of questions people usually ask about Retrax bed covers.
Yes and no. Retrax does have a lifetime warranty but it is limited.
Not all of them, no. if you can pick the right cover, you won’t have to deal with water issues (minus the minimal odds).
You aren’t supposed to outright “lubricate” any Retrax cover parts. The bearings don’t need lubricants according to Retrax. And if the rails feel sticky, then rub some paraffin wax along the frame and leave them to set in.
Yes, you can, but it isn’t recommended.
Conclusion
No truck bed cover is perfect. But it is better to know exactly how imperfect they are before investing in one. Hopefully, this Retrax complaints rundown helps you with that.
Make sure to try the hoods out as much as you can and to order from a platform with a good return policy, just in case.
