A musician is going to a concert with a truck full of fragile instruments. As the truck goes over a bumpy road, the instruments are in danger of getting damaged. This situation highlights a common issue for truck owners: ensuring their precious cargo stays safe and doesn't get harmed or lost without proper protection.
The article explores Retrax Tonneau Covers, detailing various models such as the durable RetraxOne and sturdy RetraxPro. It also includes key features, installation steps, and care tips. Discover how these covers can enhance and protect any truck, offering a blend of security and style. Continue reading to learn more.
What Is a Retrax Tonneau Cover?
A Tonneau Cover is important for a pickup truck for its multiple purposes. It protects your cargo from rain and dirt, prevents items from falling out during travel, and contributes to fuel efficiency.
Retrax, with over 20 years of experience, specializes in manufacturing durable and visually appealing tonneau covers. These covers enhance the look of trucks while providing reliable protection for the truck bed.
Choosing a Retrax cover offers numerous advantages. With a weight capacity of up to 500 pounds, these covers are strong and easy to install, with all the necessary tools and instructions. They can be locked in various positions, making your truck look stylish. For a resilient and versatile truck tonneau cover, Retrax is the top choice.
Types of Retrax Tonneau Covers
Tonneau covers are a must-have for pickup trucks, with each type offering distinct features. Here's a simplified guide:
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Folding Bed Covers: These covers are divided into sections that fold back, providing flexible access to your truck bed. They're easy to use and versatile. However, their security level might be lower than other types, and they could wear out faster.
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Rollup Covers: These covers roll towards the truck's cab, giving full access to your bed. They are typically made from a softer material. They're user-friendly and offer reasonable protection. On the downside, their soft material may not provide as much security or durability as hardcovers.
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Retractable Bed Covers: These are usually constructed from robust materials such as aluminum or polycarbonate. They retract into a canister at the front of the truck bed, providing top-tier security, often with locks and sometimes remote control functions. However, they're more expensive and might require professional installation.
RetraxOne Series
The RetraxOne covers are made from a single sheet of tough plastic called polycarbonate.
RetraxOne MX Tonneau Cover
This cover is a single-piece structure that operates smoothly due to its sealed ball bearings. Its matte finish gives it a sleek black appearance.
PowertraxOne Electric Tonneau Cover
This cover, similar to the MX version, has a remote control for easy operation and installation on your truck. It effectively keeps your truck bed dry and secure.
PowertraxOne MX Electric Tonneau Cover
Similar to the PowertraxOne Electric Tonneau Cover, this model also includes a remote control. However, it has an added sun protection feature, making it ideal for areas with high sun exposure.
RetraxONE XR
This cover has everything the MX cover does but also has a rail system. You can manually open, close, and lock it to secure your belongings.
RetraxPro Series
The Retrax PRO covers, called "Pro" covers, are made from aluminum.
RetraxPro MX Cover
This cover has a tough matte finish. It's designed to resist dents and keep your vehicle looking good. The design is smooth, keeping dust and ice out.
PowertraxPro MX Electric Cover
This cover works with a remote control you can carry on your keychain. It's strong enough to hold up to 500 pounds. You can lock it anywhere along its rail. It also has an LED light that turns off automatically for safety.
Key Features of Retrax Tonneau Covers
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Construction: The cover is made of polycarbonate or aluminum, making it strong and good for all weather.
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Locking Mechanisms: You can lock these covers anywhere along the side of your truck bed. They come with keys for locking. Simply press a button on the latch, then push the handle down to lock it securely wherever you want.
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Ease of Installation: It comes with a guide, an Allen wrench, and keys. All the screws you need are in the box. The clamps help you put it on by yourself, and they fit different kinds of trucks. It takes about 40 minutes to set up.
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Weather Resistance: These covers work in all kinds of weather, from cold (-50°F) to hot (200°F). They have a special track system that stops the cover from rubbing against itself, so it lasts longer. They also have a special strip that keeps rain and snow off your truck bed.
Installation and Maintenance Tips
Materials Needed for Installation
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The Cover: This is the main part. It goes on top of the truck bed to protect what's inside from bad weather and theft.
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Allen Wrench: This tool is included with the cover. Use it to make screws tighter or looser while you're putting the cover on.
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9/16” or 1/2" Wrench: This tool is not in the cover's box, so you might need to get one. It's a common tool to tighten or loosen the nuts and bolts.
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Basic Hand Tools: You'll need some basic tools for the installation, such as a screwdriver, pliers, and a tape measure. Each tool has its purpose during the setup process.
Installation Steps
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Remove all the shipping materials like screws, brackets, and tubes from the cover.
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Pull the cover out of its canister (about 6 to 8 inches) and carefully guide it into the rail channel. While doing this, ensure the rails fit into the canister spirals properly. You’ll see some tabs and holes on the rails – align these with the holes in the canister.
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With the rails in place and the cover slid into the rail channel, fasten them using the screws provided.
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Slide this part under the rails and secure it with the screws and the Allen wrench. This attaches through the top of the rail.
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Position the whole assembly onto your truck. Position the rails properly.
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This is important to hold everything in place. Push down on the rail while tightening the clamps, and tilt the rail up slightly. This helps to keep water out.
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Measure the distance between the rails, adjust if necessary, and check that the front cover fits well with the rolling cover.
- Remove any protective film, and assemble and install the drain tubes.
Maintenance Tips
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Cleaning: Wash the cover with mild soap and water. Don’t use strong chemicals or plastic cleaners.
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Avoid Gasoline: Keep gasoline away from the cover.
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Care for Rails: Don’t spray anything on the rails. If they get sticky, you can use candle wax to help them slide better.
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Waxing: You can use Carnauba wax on your cover, but not on the ONE MX or PRO MX models with a matte finish.
How to Choose the Right Retrax Tonneau Cover
When choosing the right Retrax Tonneau Cover for your truck, here's what you should consider, in simple words:
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Protection Against Weather: Think about the weather where you live. If it's snowy, get a strong cover that can hold the weight of snow. Pick a good cover for keeping water out if it rains a lot. This helps keep your stuff safe from weather damage.
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Find a Cover That Fits Your Needs: You also want a cover to protect your things from being stolen. Look for a cover that fits your truck well and has a lock. Retrax covers come in different styles. Each one works a bit differently, so choose one that matches what you need.
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Check How Much Care It Needs: Some covers need more care than others. For example, retractable covers might need their rails oiled to work smoothly. If you pick one made of vinyl, it might need special care to protect it from the sun. Think about how much time you want to spend on maintenance.
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Installation: Not all covers are put on the same way. Some might need special tools or even drilling. Others are easier and quicker to install. Make sure to pick a cover that you can install the way you want.
Conclusion
Retrax Tonneau Covers are great for keeping stuff safe in the back of your truck. They come in strong types like RetraxOne and RetraxPro. They're easy to wear and care for, keeping your things safe from getting lost or broken while driving.
Check out the collection of Retrax Tonneau Covers to find the perfect fit for your truck. Keep your cargo safe and your truck looking sharp with a cover that suits your needs. Explore the options today and give your truck the protection it deserves.