As a driver, you probably know the feeling of having your truck bed in disarray. We’ve all been there, and it’s not a pleasant experience. Thankfully, Retrax Bed Covers provide a solution to this problem.
Retrax are tough and reliable covers. It keeps out dirt, dust, and other elements while keeping your possessions secure and organized.
Not only do they make a big difference in the presentation of your pickup truck bed, but they are also durable enough to cope with extreme weather conditions.
But like any product, Retrax Bed Covers have their fair share of issues. In this article, we’ll share some common Retrax Bed Cover Problems and their solutions as well.
We’ll also provide you with some helpful tips for maintaining your bed cover. So, keep reading and maximize the life of your Retrax Bed Cover.
6 Common Retrax Bed Cover Problems and Solutions
Retrax bed cover is popular among truck owners who want to keep their truck beds secure and protected. But it is not immune to problems.
So, do you want to know what are some of its common problems? No problem! Just keep reading and know its common issues with solutions.
Difficult to Open or Close
Are you having trouble opening or closing your Retrax bed cover? Don’t worry—; it’s a common issue.
Many Retrax covers are built with a tension-lock system that uses a pair of clamps to hold the cover in place. Over time, these clamps can wear out and become difficult to operate.
The good news is that this is an easy fix. All you need to do is lubricate the tension-lock system using silicone-based lubricant.
After it, adjust the tension by tightening or loosening the tension screws. This should make it much easier to open and close your Retrax bed cover.
Leaking Water
Leaks can be a real nuisance. Especially when it comes to your Retrax bed cover. All that water pouring into your truck bed can not only damage your cargo, but can also lead to more severe problems like corrosion.
This is a fairly common issue that has an easy fix. To start, you should inspect the seal of the bed cover.
If there are any gaps, cracks or tears in the seals, dirt and water will find their way inside.
Depending on where the leak is coming from, you may need to replace the seals or even replace the entire cover.
If the sealing is sound but you’re still experiencing leaks, you should check for drain tube clogs.
If there’s debris blocking the tubes that carry off excess water, it’ll pool up in your truck bed until it finds a way out. Clear away any blockages with a simple pipe snake and you should be good to go.
Making a Lot of Noise
We know how annoying it can be to be trying to get some peace and quiet in your truck bed.
This is only to have the Retrax Bed Cover turn your quiet moment into a noisy nightmare. Rest assured, there are a few things you can do to stop that noise from happening.
Check the Tightness
Sometimes, the noise is caused by the Retrax Bed Cover not being tight enough on the tracks.
So, if you’re hearing loud rattles when driving around, check to make sure all the clips and screws are tight.
Lubricate The Tracks
Having dry tracks can also be a major noise-maker. So, it’s important to lubricate them every 6-12 months with a silicone or dry graphite lubricant. It helps reduce friction and resulting noises from metal rubbing against metal.
Check Your Cable Tensioners
If you’re still having noise issues after checking the tightness of the Bed Cover and lubricating the tracks, then try checking your cable tensioners.
If they are too loose, they won’t provide enough tension on your cables and could be causing a loud humming sound when going down roads.
Make sure they are properly tightened up with an active tensioner/ spring (which usually come with most install kits).
By taking these steps, hopefully you will no longer hear those annoying noises coming from your Retrax Bed Cover.
Cover is Sagging
Have you ever noticed that the cover of your Retrax Bed Cover is sagging? If yes, you’re not alone.
Sagging is the result of improper installation, but luckily there are steps you can take to fix it.
Correct Installation Technique
The sagging issue could be due to incorrect installation technique. It can be easily addressed by making sure the mounting angles are in the right place and also positioned correctly against the bed rails.
Make sure that when attaching the bolts, they are tight enough to hold but not so tight as to strip or damage them.
Add Support Brackets
Another way to address sagging is by installing support brackets on either side of the bed cover.
These brackets will provide additional support to help hold up the Retrax bed cover with more rigidity and strength for a smooth operation every time.
Adjustment Strap
If neither of these solutions work, an adjustment strap may be necessary to make sure that your Retrax Bed Cover stays in place.
This adjustable strap helps keep tension on the cover and ensures it won’t sag or shift out from its position over time.
By taking these steps, you can make sure that your Retrax Bed Cover maintains its shape and provides a secure fit for years to come.
Difficult to Install
Okay, so you bought a Retrax Bed Cover for your truck — great! But you find out that after hours of trying, it’s just too difficult to install on your own.
Don’t worry; it’s not just you. Many people experience this problem after buying a Retrax Bed Cover.
If you’re having trouble installing your Retrax bed cover, here are a few solutions to try:
Check the user manual
Make sure that you’ve read through the manual and understand all of the steps correctly.
It also helps to review installation videos online or call customer service to get all the necessary details.
Watch installation tutorials
If reading the manual and watching a few YouTube videos still doesn’t help, it may be time to take a course in Retrax Bed Cover installation.
You can also watch live tutorials online with experts who can teach you how to install it properly. This is worth considering if you have no prior experience with this kind of project.
Ask for help from local mechanics
If all else fails, getting help from local mechanics can be another great option. They usually have plenty of experience with Retrax bed cover installations.
They can offer professional advice on how to get it done right. Make sure to take their advice and potential recommendations for any extra parts or tools needed for the job before proceeding with the installation process.
Fitting Issue
Another common problem you might encounter with a Retrax Bed Cover is a fitting issue.
Whether you bought an aftermarket cover that doesn’t quite fit your truck or need to replace a cover and the new unit doesn’t seem to fit like it should.
It’s possible to adjust or modify the cover to get an improved fit. If the Retrax Bed Cover isn’t tight, the following tips can help you to fix it:
- Make sure all hardware is tightened correctly.
- Look for any gaps along the sides of the bed rails which need to be filled.
- Invest in adjustable clamps to make sure the seal on your side rails is as tight as possible.
- Adjust and/or re-position your side rails as necessary.
- Use high-quality foam weatherstripping along any contact points where sealing might not be perfect — like around drains, drain plugs, and hardware pieces.
By taking these steps and double checking your installation, you can make sure that your Retrax Bed Cover has a close and snug fit that won’t come loose over time.
Why It’s Important to Determine Retrax Bed Cover Problems
Retrax bed covers are popular among truck owners as they provide a secure and stylish way to protect cargo in the bed of the truck.
However, it is important to determine any problems with Retrax bed covers in order to ensure they are functioning properly and effectively.
Determining any problems with Retrax bed covers can help to prevent these issues and ensure the cover is functioning properly.
Regular inspection of the cover, particularly after any significant impacts or damage, can help to identify any potential problems early on.
Addressing these problems as soon as possible can prevent further damage and prolong the life of the cover.
Identifying and addressing any problems with Retrax bed covers is crucial for protecting both the cargo in the bed of the truck and the cover itself.
Regular inspection and maintenance can help to ensure the cover is functioning properly and effectively, providing peace of mind for truck owners.
How to Maintain Retrax Bed Cover
Maintaining your Retrax Bed Cover is essential to keep your truck bed looking great and to avoid any problems down the road. Here are some tips for the proper upkeep:
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: When you clean your Retrax Bed Cover, always opt for gentle cleaners and soft cloths. Never harsh chemicals or abrasives which can cause damage over time.
- Lubricate Hinges & Tracks: Periodically lubricate the hinges and tracks of your Retrax Bed Cover with white lithium grease or silicone lubricant to ensure they maintain a smooth operation.
- Clean & Dry Regularly: Make sure you regularly clean and dry your Retrax Bed Cover after use to remove moisture, dirt or dust buildup which can damage the finish over time.
- Store Securely When Not in Use: It’s important to securely store your Retrax Bed Cover when it’s not in use. Check if it locks securely in its closed position and if it’s not exposed to any harsh elements like direct sunlight or water during storage.
- Make Sure Gaskets Fit Snugly: Make sure the gaskets on both sides of the bed cover fit snugly into their mounting channels (consider using adhesive foam for additional security).
- Check for Rust Issues Promptly: Regularly inspect for rust spots or corrosion on metal components. Especially around water drainage channels as well as on any moving parts like lifting arms. Have these promptly addressed by a professional to maintain the integrity of your Retrax Bed Cover system.
How to Extend Life of Retrax Bed Cover
If you want your Retrax bed cover to last a long time, you’ll need to do a little bit of extra work.
After all, if you don’t take good care of it, you might find yourself having to replace it sooner than later.
Here are some tips you can follow to extend the life of your Retrax bed cover:
Regularly Maintain the Bed Cover
Perform regular maintenance on your Retrax bed cover as instructed by the manufacturer.
To do this, regularly check for any wear and tear and look for any signs of damage or degradation.
Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how often you should service your Retrax bed cover in order to keep it in tip-top shape and running smoothly.
Avoid Chemical Cleaners
Don’t use harsh chemicals like bleach or any other corrosive cleaners when cleaning your Retrax bed cover.
These can significantly shorten its lifespan. Instead, use mild soap and water or a gentle cleaning solution that is specifically made for use with Retrax bed covers.
Keep it Covered When Not in Use
When not using your Retrax bed cover, make sure to keep it covered with a weather-proof tarp or plastic sheeting.
It will help protect it from UV rays and dust while in storage, which can contribute to wear and tear over time.
You can also use a lubricant according to the manufacturer’s specifications at least once every year (or as necessary) to prevent rusting and corrosion.
Lubrication
Lubricate the tracks of the Retrax bed cover periodically with silicone spray or similar lubricant to ensure smooth operation and prevent wear and tear.
Storage
When not in use, store the Retrax bed cover in a clean and dry place to protect it from the elements.
Keep these tips in mind and follow regularly scheduled maintenance to maximize the lifespan of your Retrax bed cover!
What Is the Average Servicing Cost of Retrax Bed Cover?
If you’re the proud owner of a Retrax bed cover, you know that they are designed to be a long-lasting addition to your truck.
However, regular maintenance such as cleaning is essential to keep it looking and functioning properly.
You may need to pay for servicing costs every now and then for any problems that come up.
So, what’s the average cost for servicing Retrax bed covers? Usually, Retrax bed covers typically range from $50 – $150 depending on the complexity of repairs.
To figure out what it will cost for specific repairs, it’s best to consult a professional for an accurate quote.
Here are some of the factors that can determine what your total bill might be:
- The type of Retrax bed cover you own.
- Any extra accessories installed on the bed cover.
- The severity of damage or issue with the bed cover.
- If you’re replacing parts or pieces of your bed cover.
- If specialized tools or expertise is needed to repair the problem.
- Labor costs associated with servicing the Retrax bed cover.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can take proactive steps to keep your Retrax bed cover functioning properly and minimizing repair costs in the long run.
Final Thought
It’s clear that understanding and addressing Retrax Bed Cover Problems is essential. With the right tips and tricks, you can make sure your Retrax Bed Cover is properly maintained and runs smoothly for years to come.
Take the time to troubleshoot and identify any potential issues and have your bed cover serviced regularly to ensure the best results.
Hopefully, this small effort will be helpful for all of you to know its common issues and their solutions as well. Thank you all.
