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It's all personal preference. I strongly prefer matte, which is what I bought for my F450. I was a little concerned about having to walk my cover open-closed over my dually fenders, but it's no problem. If I was a few inches shorter, it would have been an issue. (I'm 6'.) I'm quite happy with my Retrax cover.
Love the RetraxPro on my current 2012 F150. Will be getting the MX for the new F250 when it arrives. Just prefer the matt finish. (Was not availabe 6 years ago).
Hi,
I just bought a 2017 F350 Platinum, white exterior with 8’ bed.
I’m interested in getting an all aluminum slat Retex bed cover.
I can’t decide if I should get the Retrax Pro, which is the black ‘gloss’ finish or....
the Retrax MX, which is the black ‘matt’ Finish.
What do you guys think would be the best for my truck and why?
Your thoughts would be most appreciated........thanks.
Is the cover to store valuble equipment or just protect your stuff from the elements?
If to protect against theft, forget the Retrax.
The Retrax is an okay cover, but the main weaknesses is the single point locking system, very easily broken, and the set screw on the lever handle tends to slip and eventually gouge the aluminum rails underneath. The slats and rails are very strong though.
I'd recommend Truck Covers USA, the American roll cover. Those covers have dual metal locking tangs to help prevent forced entry.
I also have used both brands, the TCUSA is simply a better built tonneau cover. The canister is much more solid and more compact, and the unit doesn't use a plastic bearing guide like the Retrax. Similar price also.
Is the cover to store valuble equipment or just protect your stuff from the elements?
If to protect against theft, forget the Retrax.
The Retrax is an okay cover, but the main weaknesses is the single point locking system, very easily broken, and the set screw on the lever handle tends to slip and eventually gouge the aluminum rails underneath. The slats and rails are very strong though.
I'd recommend Truck Covers USA, the American roll cover. Those covers have dual metal locking tangs to help prevent forced entry.
I also have used both brands, the TCUSA is simply a better built tonneau cover. The canister is much more solid and more compact, and the unit doesn't use a plastic bearing guide like the Retrax. Similar price also.
I think all tonneau covers use wafer locks. Any skilled thief can pick, drill, or force them open in a few seconds with the right tools. The Retrax can "lock" in any position, but relies on friction to hold the cover EXCEPT when locked fully closed. When fully closed, there is a hole that the locking arm drops in for a much stronger hold. I don't think the Truck Covers USA is any stronger - both require defeating the lock to open. I don't think anyone could force either one open with the lock intact.
Truck covers USA was my runner up. It has a stronger and smaller can. It is also much heavier. Downsides are the looks (subjective) and needing to use the strap to open/close. I strongly prefer the handle. I don't think you can go wrong with either one.
Does anyone have any experience with the pace Edwards switchblade metal? I like the retractable covers a lot but need something easily removable. So far this is all I've found.
The Retrax Pro is almost as expensive as the Pace Edwards electrical unit. Any reason not to go with the more convenient electrical unit and Pace Edwards?
I have the Retrax Pro on my F450 with Platinum White exterior and really like it better than the matte finish with this color but that is just a personal preference thing. Great cover having had one on the last 3 trucks.
The Retrax Pro is almost as expensive as the Pace Edwards electrical unit. Any reason not to go with the more convenient electrical unit and Pace Edwards?
When I watched various videos, I decided that the electric motor was way too slow (esp with an 8' bed), it seemed barely powerful enough (snow concern) and required yet another thing in my pocket. I can fling my Retrax open in less than a second and close it in 2.
When I watched various videos, I decided that the electric motor was way too slow (esp with an 8' bed), it seemed barely powerful enough (snow concern) and required yet another thing in my pocket. I can fling my Retrax open in less than a second and close it in 2.
I hear you on that one. The reason I was considering it is because of my wife. She's already bent out of shape that I bought the truck. Now I have to buy all these toys to go with the big toy heh heh.
I figure the electric slide will at least ameliorate her complaints about how hard it is to open and close the slide, especially since she's only 5'6" and these new truck side rails are TALL.
Is the cover to store valuble equipment or just protect your stuff from the elements?
If to protect against theft, forget the Retrax.
The Retrax is an okay cover, but the main weaknesses is the single point locking system, very easily broken, and the set screw on the lever handle tends to slip and eventually gouge the aluminum rails underneath. The slats and rails are very strong though.
I'd recommend Truck Covers USA, the American roll cover. Those covers have dual metal locking tangs to help prevent forced entry.
I also have used both brands, the TCUSA is simply a better built tonneau cover. The canister is much more solid and more compact, and the unit doesn't use a plastic bearing guide like the Retrax. Similar price also.
Out of curiosity do you have any experience with their American Work Cover line? Has a built in tool box that really piqued my interest. I have been looking for a good roll up and a tool box to use with it that wouldn't kill off too much space and that might just kill 2 birds with one stone
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