4 Common Retrax Bed Cover Problems (Explained)

Retrax bed covers have been around for a while now. The brand has built a great name for itself when it comes to manufacturing durable covers that will protect your cargo from the elements as well as theft.

However, their bed covers aren’t all that perfect. They do have some faults which, as an interested buyer, you need to be aware of. Overall, they are great covers and compete with other notable brands such as BakFlip and TruXedo.

Retrax truck bed cover

Common Retrax Bed Cover Issues

1. Not as Durable as They Claim

After going through various user reviews and their experiences with bed covers, one thing stood out from the rest. The Retrax bed covers aren’t as durable as they claim.

For the first three years, these truck bed covers will work flawlessly. You won’t be disappointed. However, on your cover’s third or fourth bed, you will be surprised when it cracks out of the blue.

This will happen when you least expect it, and there won’t be any warning signs. If it is covered by a warranty, you can always file a complaint.

Even though you can’t be sure whether they will compensate the cover as per the warranty, it is worth giving it a try.

Because of this issue, we do not advise you to buy a Retrax Bed Cover with a warranty of less than three or four years. This is usually the time when their covers start to wear out.

And if the warranty duration has lapsed, you will not get compensation.

And even though Retrax bed covers aren’t as durable as they claim, the level of care you show your cover determines how long it will last.

Provided you use the proper washing methods and protectants and do not overburden the cover, the Retrax bed cover should last significantly longer.

Be it as it may, we can’t ignore the alarming number of reviews that hint at the cover’s short lifespan. For the price of Retrax bed covers, you can get covers that last way longer.

2. The Locking Mechanism is Flimsy

If you look keenly at the Retrax bed cover locking mechanism, you will realize that it comprises a pointed screw that clamps into a rail of aluminum.

The design can look great from a standing point of view. But the aluminum used here is very soft, and after a while, it gets eaten away by the lock.

There is a quick fix for this which entails tightening the lock. But this offers short-term relief as the aluminum rail will continue to be eaten away. Eventually, the locking mechanism will fail, and you will be left with an open bed cover.

Regarding such an issue, Retrax will rarely fix it for you. For any problems related to the locking system, you will be asked to send photos.

And they will claim that the lock was forcefully opened, and that is what broke it. If you come across such, the best option is to replace the lock by yourself or take it to a mechanic near you.

3. They have Replaced Most Parts with Plastic

A couple of years ago, Retrax bed covers were the number one choice for most truck owners. A couple of years later, they are no longer the most desired bed covers on the market. You may ask why.

Well, it’s because they have replaced most parts with plastic. Understandably, a lot of bed cover manufacturers have switched to plastic. This reduces production costs, and this makes the prices of the cover to be reasonable.

However, it doesn’t make sense when essential parts such as the tracks that the cover rides on to roll to the back are made of plastic.

Because of how weak plastic is, it cracks fairly easily when exposed to the sun and other elements. The buildup of debris and dirt on the tracks also worsens the situation.

4. Upon Installation, the Operation of the Cover isn’t Very Smooth

Before you can operate the cover using one hand, it will take several attempts. On the third or fourth day, the mechanism will smoothen up, and you can slide the cover back and forth without any fuss.

However, this isn’t a big issue because the cover needs to be moved around slightly for it to smoothen up. The longer you use it, the smoother it will become.

Is the Retrax Bed Cover Waterproof?

From the above list of problems related to Retrax bed covers, you can see that we did not talk about leaking. Well, that is because we wanted to address this issue separately.

First and foremost, these bed covers made by Retrax are not waterproof. They are, however, weather-tight. This means that they can take a beating of bad weather and remain intact.

Retrax bed covers contain drainage tubes that ensure water doesn’t remain stagnant on them.

If you have installed these drainage tubes, you don’t have to worry about leaks as the water will be discarded easily. These covers also feature weather stripping that prevents water from getting into the truck bed.

During heavy rainfall, you should park your car in a garage because the Retrax bed cover won’t withstand this kind of weather. In such moments, there may be water leakage. It is also important to de-ice the bed cover before opening it.

Does Retrax Warranty Cover These Problems?

These bed cover problems are common in Retrax; the manufacturer can resolve some. And others can’t.

You need to differentiate between these two types of problems so that you can know exactly what you are getting yourself into.

Retrax will not cover the following issues with your bed cover;

If it wears, discolor, or fades because of normal conditions such as UV exposure

Damage due to uncontrolled events such as storms

Installation or purchase of Retrax bed covers from unauthorized dealers

Water intrusion

They will, however, replace or repair your bed cover in case it arrives with defects or gets damaged because of certain causes. These causes will vary depending on the terms of one manufacturer to another.

So, Should I Still Get a Retrax Bed Cover?

Despite all these issues, Retrax bed covers are still a great choice. Even though it may wear out after three or four years, it will serve you well. The Retrax bed cover offers functionality, and it looks amazing.

And with proper care, your Retrax bed cover should last for longer. If you have been considering getting a Retrax bed cover, familiarizing yourself with the above issues will help you know what to expect from your cover in the future.

There are many good things about Retrax bed covers. It comprises one complete sheet made of polycarbonate that retracts along aluminum rails. There have been reported incidents in some Retrax bed covers that feature plastic rails that break easily.

Does the Retrax Bed Cover Feature a Heavy-Duty Construction?

If you look at the build of this truck bed cover, one thing that will draw your attention is the heavy-duty construction.

As a result, it can withstand abuse as well as exposure to the elements. This makes it one of the strongest bed covers on the market. The problem, however, as we have seen above, doesn’t last for very long.

The design is simple yet elegant. The cover can support up to 500 lbs, and as long as you distribute the weight evenly, the cover should hold up.

While we are still on the design, all Retrax bed covers come with a strong lock that will ensure your cargo is safe and well-protected.

Other Complaints Launched Against Retrax Bed Covers

The above isn’t just the only problem launched against Retrax bed covers, there have also been other issues. They include;

1) These covers consume a lot of bed space. If you want to have some free space on your truck bed, this may not be the ideal cover for you.

After installation, you will have given up a considerable amount of your truck bed. This is something you should prepare yourself for.

2) Once installed, they are not very easy to remove. The other thing about Retrax bed covers is that once installed, they don’t come off easily.

It is even harder to remove if you have no prior experience with installing or removing bed covers. However, the good news is that you can always take it to an expert and have them install or remove the bed cover for you.

The installation process can take about two to three hours. And you may need an extra set of hands if you are doing the installation by yourself.

3) Another common issue with Retrax bed covers is that you may feel the cover moving when driving at high speeds. This can happen because of several factors.

One, it could be the bed wasn’t installed correctly. And two, after a while, the clamps become loose and are no longer stable. This is why the Retrax bed starts to shake when you drive at high speeds.

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