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Frequently Asked Questions:
1. How Does RETRAX Work?
The patented RETRAX truck bed cover is unique because it is manufactured from polycarbonate, a durable thermoplastic commonly known as LEXANฎ. This low-profile design incorporates a front cover that is flush with the rolling cover; this streamlines the overall appearance and provides a firm, dependable seal to help keep the bed dry. Open a RETRAX and you will immediately be impressed at the way it smoothly glides back and forth with just one hand. Sealed ball-bearing rollers mounted onto the aluminum support beams allow the cover to retract or close effortlessly without the use of springs or any kind of mechanism; no moving parts to jam, freeze or fail. The compact storage canister contains a unique spiral track system that prevents the cover from rubbing on itself as it retracts and closes. This eliminates wear-and-tear on the cover.
2. What Is It Made Of?
The RETRAX tonneau cover is manufactured from polycarbonate, a durable thermoplastic commonly known as LEXAN ฎ. This rigid, one piece sheet is engineered to retract without joints or hinges that can trap dust, wear out, or freeze. Polycarbonate has excellent impact resistance and is unharmed by sun, moisture or temperatures from -50 to +200 degrees F. The RETRAX is maintenance-free and its low-profile design has a gloss-black finish that is UV treated for years of protection from the sun. Our engineers utilized the same polymer technology in fighter-jet windshields and bullet proof glass and designed a truck bed cover that withstands the most rugged use.
3. Will It Keep The Bed Dry? What About Snow And Ice?
An automotive grade weather-strip, designed for harsh outdoor use, seals the RETRAX on all sides to help keep water, snow, ice and dust out of your bed and the moving parts of the cover; the system seals nicely over the top of the tailgate. The automotive grade weather-strip incorporates a soft felt lining that allows a smooth sliding action even in ice and snow conditions. The RETRAX is manufactured in Grand Forks, ND; it has been engineered to withstand Mother Natures worst and offers dependable operation year-around.
4. How Does It Lock?
RETRAX can be latched or key-locked in any position along the bed rail. The secure key-lock system offers protection that no soft cover can. When you need access to your pickup box simply release the flush-mounted latch with the touch of a button no key required and the cover glides out of your way with the use of one hand. The cover can be locked open in any position along the rail to allow unlimited hauling flexibility and convenient use with a fifth-wheel trailer.
5. Will It Improve My Gas Mileage?
The rigid design of the RETRAX improves the aerodynamics of your pickup. Input from our customers and our own experience indicates that your gas mileage should improve by approximately 10% on the highway with the cover closed.
6. How Will It Be Installed?
Installation is simple. The RETRAX is a clamp-on bed cover that can be installed by anyone with basic and tools; installation requires a 9/16 wrench and a Phillips screwdriver. All parts are rubber mounted to prevent paint damage and each part is an exact match to your pickup. Installation time is about 1 hour and it can be easily removed if needed. No two pickups are exactly alike. Our mounting system is adjustable for a perfect, no hassle fit every time.
7. Is It Compatible With Other Aftermarket Accessories?
The RETRAX is compatible with most accessories such as bed liners and bed rails. Some may require minor modification to the RETRAX or the accessory. |
Installation Instructions:
No two pickup trucks are exactly alike. Our engineers designed the RETRAX™ Truck Bed Cover with that in mind. The mounting clamps have adjustable spacers built in for a perfect, no-hassle fit every time.
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When the RETRAX engineering team designed the perfect rolltop pickup bed cover they didn’t leave out the installation process. They talked to dealers, installers and pickup owners to help define the ideal installation and they listened. The result was a clamp-on truck bed cover that can be installed by anyone with basic hand tools. Installation requires a 9/16” wrench and a Phillips screwdriver. RETRAX™ installation time is about 1 hour and it can be easily removed if needed. No drilling, No swearing, No kidding.
Installation process-The entire process of installing your RETRAX™ tonneau cover is fairly straight-forward; it will take you about 1 hour to complete the four step process. We recommend that you assemble the RETRAX™ tonneau cover on the ground or the floor of your shop.
Step 1:
Begin by carefully opening the RETRAX™ shipping box. Carefully remove the spiral canister; do not lift on the aluminum rod. We recommend using the styrofoam shipping end caps as a support for the canister after it is removed from the box. Open the rail box at the end with the description label and remove the rails and parts box. The parts box will include the bedrail clamps and a package of screws.
Step 2:
You are now ready to attach the rails to the bed cover assembly. With the spiral canister sitting on the styrofoam blocks on the floor, remove the aluminum shipping bracket that is attached to the spiral assembly on the passenger side; you will need a Phillips screw driver to remove one screw. Locate the passenger rail; it is the rail without the lock stop at the tailgate end. Thread the cover assembly bearings into the passenger side rail until the two threaded 3/16” holes in the rail line up behind the two ¼” holes in the clear spiral. Attach the rail to the spiral assembly using two 10-32” x ½” screws and push thru the clear spiral and thread into the rail holes.
On the driver’s side of the spiral assembly, remove the tie wire that is attached to the bed cover assembly. Locate the driver’s side rail. Open the bed cover lock and thread the cover assembly bearings into the driver’s side rail. Attach the rail to the spiral assembly using two 10-32” x ½” screws.
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Step 3:
The RETRAX is now ready for installation. Do not roll the RETRAX™ truck bed cover out of the spiral until the unit is installed; the RETRAX™ pickup bed cover must be rolled all the way into the canister and latched. With the help of another person, set the RETRAX™ assembly onto the pickup bed rails. Slide the rails forward or back to get 1/8” space between the bottom notch of the rail and the inside face of the closed tailgate; use the 1/8” measuring tool located in the plastic bag of screws. The top rail will extend past the tailgate.
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Step 4:
You are now ready to install the clamps. Start with the front clamps and install one clamp beside each white nylon allen head adjuster bolt. The clamp should touch the white nylon adjuster. The clamp teeth should be up as far as possible to engage all the teeth on the rail. The red dot on the nylon adjuster must be down. The rail may need to be pushed down while tightening the clamp so the rail fits down tight to the top of the pickup bed rail. Now check for 1/8” side play at the front, middle and back of the rails using the 1/8” measuring tool. Push the open lock from right to left; the cover must have exactly 1/8” side play. If the fit is not perfect from the factory, simply loosen the clamp and turn the nylon adjuster in or out as needed with a 1/4” allen wrench; tighten clamp very tight. With the RETRAX™ truck bed cover securely in place, you are now ready to install the front cover, which has the logo on each side. Set the front cover in place with the large weather-strip side setting on the front box rail. Install and tighten the front cover screws securely and press down firmly the caps that seal the front cover screws. The last step is to remove the plastic protective film that protects the front cover and the main bed cover. Enjoy!
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Shipment Tracking:
Please click on the appropriate link or call
800-206-4070:
FedEx
UPS
United States Postal Service
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Tech Tips:
Cover Assembly Tailgate Adjustment:
Click Image To Zoom In | Position the entire cover assembly forward or back to achieve a 1/8 gap between the bottom notch of the rail and the inside face of the closed tailgate or tailgate protector. Measure both sides. Use the supplied adjustment tool to achieve the proper 1/8 clearance. |
Clamp / Nylon Adjustment Screws:
Click Image To Zoom In | The proper clamp location is between the two adjustment screws. Start with the two clamps closest to the canister. The clamps should be installed as high up as possible to engage more teeth on the bed rail. Push down on the rail as you tighten the clamp bolt for a better seal on top of the pickup box rails. If the clamp wants to rotate while tightening, hold it with a pliers or vice-grip. Tighten all clamps securely. The nylon adjustment screws are pre-set from the factory with the red dot pointed down and they will take an initial set as the clamp is tightened. |
Cover Assembly Side-play Adjustment:
Click Image To Zoom In | The single most important step in the installation process is the measurement and adjustment of the 1/8 side-to-side play of the rolling cover. Note: tighten all clamps securely. The adjustment screws or rubber spacers will take an initial set and it is important that the clamps are tight for accurate cover side-play measurements. For models equipped with adjustment screws, use a 1/4 allen wrench and always turn the adjustment screws one full turn so the red dot is pointed down (not on the F-150 long bed). To reduce the side-play, turn the adjustment screw in or clockwise; one complete turn equals about 1/16. On models equipped with rubber mounted spacers adding one rubber rail adjustment spacer over the rubber block will decrease the side-play about 1/16. Continue the adjustment process until the proper 1/8 side-play is reached at each set of clamps. |
Front Cover / Spacing Adjustment (Gen III Covers Only):
Click Image To Zoom In | The amount of weather-strip exposed between the rolling cover and the front cover should be equal from side-to-side. If there is more weather-strip exposed at the drivers side, add more spacing at the drivers front by turning the adjustment screws in or adding a rubber spacer. Reduce the spacing at the passenger front clamp by turning the adjustment screws out, removing a rubber spacer or tighten the clamp further. Cover Overlap Adjustment at Tailgate (Models with Raised Front Cover)
While measuring the amount of side-play, pull the cover closed at the tailgate and latch. Check how much the cover overhangs the tailgate or tailgate protector. The passenger side of the cover may lag behind or may not cover as much of the tailgate as the divers side. If so, turn your attention to the rail spacer (side-play) adjustment at the front set of clamps. Turning the adjustment screws in or adding more rubber spacers on the drivers side forces the passenger rear corner of the cover over the tailgate. Adjust passenger side accordingly to maintain proper 1/8 side-play. |
Lock Assembly:
Click Image To Zoom In | The bed cover can be latched anywhere along the bed rail by pushing firmly on the lock handle. The effort needed to latch the cover will decrease as the lock mechanism takes a set. The lock can be adjusted if needed. At the bottom of the lock is an adjustable steel tip that contacts the rail. To increase or decrease the pressure needed to latch the lock along the rail, adjust the steel tip in or out using a 7/16 wrench and a 1/8 allen (hex) head wrench. |
Here are some helpful hints for keeping your RETRAX looking and working like new:
Automotive (non-abrasive) wax can be applied to the cover and rails for extra protection against the elements and scratches.
Secure cargo in your box to prevent shifting of the load and possible damage to the front canister.
The RETRAX bed cover should slide open and closed easily. Do not force the cover open or closed. Please call the RETRAX Consumer Hotline (800-206-4070) before attempting any maintenance or repairs.
Care should be taken when setting any items on the cover. If the cover is dusty or an item is dragged across the cover, scratching or hazing may occur. Treat your RETRAX bed cover like the hood of your pickup. Do not wipe dust off the cover; it should be washed off.
With proper care, the polycarbonate cover on your RETRAX will last for many years. It should be cleaned with mild soap and water. Do not use any strong chemicals or cleaners of any kind. Do not allow gasoline to come in contact with the cover. The ball-bearing rollers installed on your RETRAX are sealed-for-life and no maintenance or lubrication is required (do not use a lubricant).
The channel of the rail can be wiped clean, if needed, to remove dust or dirt.
Every effort has been made to make the RETRAX weather-tight, however, the RETRAX is not waterproof. Use extra care to prevent damage to items during severe weather conditions or while entering a car wash. Water may collect on the cover, remove water before opening.
Do not force your RETRAX open if ice forms on your bed cover after an ice storm or car wash. You should use your hand to gently tap around the perimeter of the cover, which should free up the weather-stripping that seals the bed cover along the edges. Lock de-icer can be used to free up the key lock. Do not allow de-icer to make contact with the bed cover.
