5 Common Retrax Bed Cover Problems And Solutions

Last Updated on
Photo of author
Written By Waylon Joe

Hey, It’s Waylon “Joe” Kite here. I am a West Virginia native and a die-hard pickup truck fan. My story with trucks started with my dad’s 1989 Ford F-150, and it's still going on. I'll share all my trucking experiences (both great and gross ones) with you. I have a garage full of tools to fix and renovate trucks and a freezer full of ales. Do you want to join me?

Retrax is a popular name among truck bed owners for high-end service. Though it can withstand harsh use, weather, and loads, you may encounter some Retrax bed cover issues over time.

As you cannot avoid those difficulties, it’s better to learn how those tonneau cover problems occur and how to solve them. Following, we have listed some of the most common Retrax bed cover problems and tips to solve them at a home in the garage.

Common Retrax Tonneau Cover Problems

Retrax Bed Cover Problems

Similar to other high-end brands, Retrax Tonneau Cover may encounter several issues as a result of harsh use in harsh conditions and incorrect operation. The most common problems are:

  • Water Leakage
  • Producing noise
  • Incorrect fitting
  • Defective Seal
  • Harder to open and close

Let’s learn why you may experience these difficulties and the solutions.

Read also: Gator Trax Vs Retrax: Which One Is Better?

Retrax Bed Cover Problems. Fixing Water Leakage

Traveling during the rain can cause rainwater leakage, especially during windy or stormy weather. The force of the air pushes the water in between the covers and the body of the truck. Tonneau covers are designed to prevent water from entering the truck’s body.

So the tonneau cover can protect the truck from the rainwater that comes vertically or above unless it gets damaged.

But if it gets, you can still fix the leakage tonneau cover by yourself by simply following some tips.

To fix the leakage, you can apply a tailgate cover seal to cover the gap all around the bottom and the sides of both tailgates. A tailgate seal can effectively prevent moisture and prevent dust from entering the vehicle.

Also read: How To Open Truck Bed Cover Without Key? Answered!

Despite checking the front of the truck bed or the front bulkhead to make sure they aren’t at the same level as the bedside. You must keep the front side in a slanting manner to drain the water from the cover.

If your truck has a plastic drop-in bed liner, inspect the outside edge of the front bed as it should cover the entire width of the front bed rail instead of leaving room for water to enter.

Read More: 5 Common Gatortrax Tonneau Cover Problems

Retrax Bed Cover Problems. Fixing noisy Tonneau Cover

Retrax Bed Cover Problems

If the Retrax tonneau cover fits properly, it shouldn’t produce any noise. But, if it does not fit accurately, you may hear irritating noises while driving.

Installation is the main reason for making noise, whether it is a Retrax tonneau cover or from other brands. Plus, a damaged tonneau cover produces noise through cracks or holes.

So, after hearing any noise, the first step is to check the fit. If it gets loose, you can tighten your Retrax tonneau cover following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Installing a large tonneau in a small truck is also responsible for causing the noise. If you have done so, double-check the installation.

Cracks in the seal can also be the culprit. A broken seal allows the air to enter the cover and cause flapping, which should be fixed immediately.

Read More: Can You Use A Tonneau Cover With A Backrack?

Retrax Bed Cover Problems. Tonneau cover fitting issues

Retrax Bed Cover Problems
Image credit: Ebay.com

Retrax tonneau covers come in a variety of sizes to fit a specific model of the truck bed. As a result, make certain that you purchase the correct size and design tonneau cover for your truck bed.

You can either measure the dimensions of the truck or go with the manufacturer’s recommendation for getting the right fit.

Installing correctly is another key step to avoiding incorrect fit. Once you have installed it properly, check the hardware and the seal, as these shouldn’t be loose from any edge.

Read More: Best Retractable Tonneau Cover For Ram 1500

Read also: How To Fix Tonneau Cover Latch?

Defective Seal

Damaged or missing seals can cause constant flapping of a cover, allowing dust and water in and reducing the cover’s longevity, weakening its protection level.

If the seal gets damaged, repair or replace the cover right away to prevent more damage. Repairing should be the first decision as it can restore productivity and save extra bucks on the new Retrax tonneau cover.

Read More: Can You Use Tire Shine On The Tonneau Cover?

Operating tonneau cover properly

The Retrax tonneau cover should slide smoothly while operating. If the cover gets stuck or you feel it is harder to open or close, then you should check the function.

The most potential reason for sticking a tonneau is rust stuck in the opening system. Applying lubricant can solve the problem, but the frequent use and loss of ability can also cause such difficulties.

>> Retrax Pro XR Review

Read also: How To Patch A Hole In A Tonneau Cover?

Fixing the measuring problems of Retrax Bed Cover Problems

You must know the precise dimensions of the bed length of your truck to pick the right Retrax cover. All the trucks don’t have the same dimensions, which you will get in the user manual. The following are some essential tips to get a proper measurement of a truck bed for a tonneau cover:

  • Start measuring from the bulkhead where the truck bed remains joined to the rear of the cab.
  • Measure the closest point to the bedside.
  • Now measure the inside edge of the tailgate.
  • Calculate in inches and convert them into feet by dividing by 12.

Retrax bed cover alternative

  1. Gator Recoil Retractable Truck Bed Tonneau Cover
  2. Roll N Lock M-Series Retractable Truck Bed Tonneau Cover
  3. Syneticusa Retractable Hard Tonneau Cover

1. Gator Recoil Retractable Truck Bed Tonneau Cover

This is a great alternative to the Retrax bed cover. It is made of heavy duty vinyl and has a recoil mechanism that keeps it tight against the bed of your truck. It is also easy to install and can be ordered in a variety of colors.

Read also: Bakflip Mx4 Problems

2. Roll N Lock M-Series Retractable Truck Bed Tonneau Cover

The Roll N Lock M-Series Retractable Truck Bed Tonneau Cover is a very popular choice because it is durable and easy to use. It can be retracted with the touch of a button, and it automatically locks into place when it is closed. This cover also comes in a variety of colors to match your truck.

Read also: Bakflip Mx4 Problems

3. Syneticusa Retractable Hard Tonneau Cover

The Syneticusa Retractable Hard Tonneau Cover is another great alternative to the Retrax bed cover. This cover is made of hard aluminum and it is very durable.

It is also easy to install and it can be opened and retracted with just the touch of a button. It automatically locks into place when it is closed, so you don’t have to worry about it accidentally opening.

Read also: Best Weather Stripping For Tonneau Cover

FAQs Snout Retrax Tonneau Cover Problems

Do Retrax Bed Cover Leak?

You can take any steps to make your Retrax weathertight, but it won’t be completely waterproof. So you should be more careful during the rainy season, harsh weather conditions, and during car washes. More importantly, don’t force the tonneau cover to open if ice forms on the cover after a car wash or storm.

Will A Retrax Bed Cover Withstand My Weight If I Stand On It?

In general, Retrax tonneau covers can withstand around 120 pounds. It means the cover is strong enough to hold you if you stand on it. But you should not do so as the tonneau can hold the distribution load and putting pressure on a certain portion can damage it.

How To Properly Unlock A Retrax Bed Cover To Prevent Sticking?

Use the key to unlock your Retrax tonneau cover and start opening it towards the cab. You can close and lock the tonneau without opening the tailgate of the truck, and you can lock the tonneau in several positions.

Read also: Roll N Lock Bed Cover Problems And Solutions

Final words: Retrax Bed Cover Problems

The Retrax bed cover addresses everything that a truck owner looks for and boosts the cargo capacity of the vehicle. It also takes a house and two people to install it perfectly.

But you will face the Retrax bed cover problems, and learning their solution will help you deal with the situation. Hopefully, after reading the guide, you are prepared and confident now.

Read also: How To Keep Dust Out Of Tonneau Cover?

Save Upto 15% on Your Tonneau Cover Order!

As we know in this era tonneau cover is a must-have tool for every truck owner, that's why we came up with up to 15% discount for our readers on Amazon. If you click on the button below, we will take you to their exclusive discount page!