Project Sierra: Retrax Pro bed cover installation and first impression

[Zane]

 

Zane & Josh Merva

Copyright, GM-Trucks.com

 

If you're looking at covering the bed on your pickup, theres no denying that a Retrax rolling bed cover is one of the nicest options around. Now that they offer a tougher, all aluminum Retrax Pro, we wanted to see just how easy or hard it was to install one ourselves. Is the Retrax Pro as good as it sounds? Heres 27 high-res photos from our installation, how it went, and what our first impressions are.

 

The Retrax Pro is shipped in two boxes. The larger one is quite heavy and will require help to move. Because of the weight and large dimensions of the parts used, two people will be required to easily install the Retrax Pro.

 

 

The larger box holds the entire top, rolled away into its protective barrel. The packaging is well done and our Retrax Pro arrived with no damage.

 

 

The installation of the Retrax Pro takes surprisingly few tools. The ones we picked out to help with the project were limited to a tape measure, needle nose pliars, a socket and racket, vice grips, and a multi-head screwdriver. And, of course, the manual.

 

 

Before we got too far, we installed two required drain tubes. This requires drilling but luckily, there are two GM factory bed-drain holes that nearly fit the bill. To install tubes, we enlarged the front side-most drain holes already present in the bed of the truck. They are at a perfect location for this purpose. We drilled these holes right before we had Line-X applied, to cover any bare metal. Wed recommend some sort of protectant to prevent rust if you drill your drain holes out too.

 

 

The drain tube installed in the front of the bed. It is tucked neatly behind the wheel well and does not get in the way of loading plywood or other large items on the floor of the truck bed.

 

 

The larger package as we began to unpack it. Wed recommend wearing leather gloves during this step, as the cardboard is mostly secured with metal staples.

 

 

Unpacking the main barrel is easy. Retrax has secured all moving parts to prevent damage during shipping.

The Retrax starts to get unwieldy at this stage. Because the rolled up cover is in a round shape, it kept wanting to roll away. We ended up using foam that came in the package to steady things.

 

 

Once you remove the packing straps, the cover wants to roll back into the storage barrel. Be careful at this stage, as we could see the cover being damaged if the barrel rolls on its side.

 

 

This close up shows the bearings that line the entire side of the Retrax Pro Cover, giving it a super smooth open and close action.

 

 

Almost ready to open the second, smaller, box and see whats inside. Best to have someone hold the rolled up cover at this stage while you open the other box.

 

 

So whats inside the second box? The side rails that well soon attach to the main barrel! We found moving the whole installation to a large and soft patch of grass with plenty of room to move around it made things easy.

 

 

Attaching the side guide rails is one of the easiest parts of the entire installation. Two screws and youre done. We chose rails that cover the bed post holes but lower profile rails that are thinner and do not cover post holes are also available.

 

 

After attaching both side rails, we used the styrofoam from the packing material to support them.

 

 

A close up of the attachment points between the roll-up barrel and the side rails.

 

 

One of the last steps of assembly before moving the Retrax Pro to the bed of the pickup truck is to attach the front cover plate. It serves to strengthen the entire assembly and give a cleaner, flush, look.

 

 

Per the instruction manual, we backed off the plastic adjustment spacers, found on the side rails.

 

 

A look at the entire Retrax Pro just before lifting it onto the Sierra.

 

 

Sitting pretty on the bed but no time to celebrate as we still have to perfect the fit and fasten it down securely. The bed has a few inch float, so make sure to center it properly and according to the manual.

 

 

This small box holds the much of the hardware. It is packaged with the bed rails.

 

 

Before we can secure the Retraxs rails down, we need to measure the gap between the tailgate and the side rails using a provided measuring tool. Once the gap matches the width of the tool, the cover is in the right spot.

 

 

Next, we use the supplied metal clamps to fasten the Retrax Pro to the underside of the bed rails. There are four of these clamps.

 

 

After securing the Retrax Pro, we can finally do some fine tuning on the fit and alignment of the side rails by adjusting these 8 plastic spacers. We have to admit, it was slightly frustrating to get everything lined up and closing correctly. On our first try, the tailgate collided with the cover. With some patience, we soon had everything working perfectly.

 

 

Our first roll! Still covered in protective plastic from shipping.

 

 

We have to admit, this was pretty fun to remove. Take your time so it doesnt rip.

 

 

The finished & installed Retrax Pro on our 2011 GMC Sierra!

 

 

First Impressions

Overall, installing the Retrax Pro on Project Sierra was a simple project. If you are prepared, take your time, follow the instructions, and have a friend nearby to help with the lifting, any mechanically inclined person can tackle this project.

Overall fit and finish is excellent. The Retrax Pro is clearly designed and assembled with high-quality parts. Once installed, the cover slides open and closed with ease. It can also lock secure in any location.

Well be taking a look at life with the Retrax Pro in detail along with letting you know how its held up to our abuse following this installation. Well be back with that article in just a few weeks.

GM-TC Install Stats
Level of Difficulty: easy
Product First Impression: 4.5/5
Instruction Manual Clarity: 4/5
Required # of People to Assemble: 2
Time Required: 2 2.5 hours
Overall Install: 4.5/5

[Iowa Rick]

Link is broke

[mshupe]

Link is broke

Yup reviews with broken links are lame.

[mainland_newfie]

why is it in all the links I click read more, it says "can't find" ???

[Mossyoakglock]

Any updates on the long-term use and reliability?

 

I currently have a Bakflip F1 (had 2 replaced under warranty) that leaks something awful. I had a PE JackRabbit before that. I am working with the vendor to replace the cover with something different since I am not happy at all with Bakflip and the quality of the cover(s).

 

How watertight is the cover? Any additional pictures of the cover installed?

[Zane]

Any updates on the long-term use and reliability?

 

I currently have a Bakflip F1 (had 2 replaced under warranty) that leaks something awful. I had a PE JackRabbit before that. I am working with the vendor to replace the cover with something different since I am not happy at all with Bakflip and the quality of the cover(s).

 

How watertight is the cover? Any additional pictures of the cover installed?

Our retrax still works very well.

 

Aside from being dirty, it slides perfectly like the day we installed it. We've had to adjust the lock a few times and the seal isn't perfect along the tailgate. Otherwise, we get a ton of complements and love it.

[Mossyoakglock]

Thanks!

 

How about water intrusion? Does it let any water in and keep the bed pretty dry?

[Zane]

Thanks!

 

How about water intrusion? Does it let any water in and keep the bed pretty dry?

It keeps 95% of the water out. Most of the water intrusion is around the tailgate, specifically the sides. The retrax does not leak on the top or front. If I know I'll be driving in rain, I make sure whatever is on the bed is waterproof, but above that I'll put just about anything. No water gets through the actual top or side rails.