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Retrax lock/handle on bed cover is freezing up!

PMattras

By PMattras
in Modifications & Accessories

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PMattras Enthusiast

PMattras

Posted
Posted

With the very cold weather were are having in CT, I have been having trouble with the handle/lock on my Retrax One. It appears the handle/lock is freezing up (very fast) just with cold weather and sometimes when it is snowing (getting wet) etc. I can't close or lock it after I open it up. I put the truck back in the garage and use a hair dryer and I can close it very easy. Sometimes I just notice this with very cold (below zero) with high wind chill factor. Sometimes it is easy to open but I can't (don't want to force it) close it afterwards until I warm it back up. It seem once the inside of the handle is exposed to the cold it is a very fast freeze up.

 

Anyone having this problem and what can you do about it?

Mike1220 Senior Enthusiast

Mike1220

Posted
Posted

I don't have one of these covers but is there any kind of way to insulate the handle by chance? I know we are having a very cold winter here in Southern Louisiana. Although its not near as cold as what everyone up North is seeing. Coldest we have gotten to is a 9 degree wind chill.

 

If there is any kind of a way to insulate the handle then I would think that would help. Just the first thought that came to my mind. I'm surprised that Retrax wouldn't have performed tests and figured out a way to prevent this from happening

PMattras Enthusiast

PMattras

Posted
  • Author
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I am thinking maybe some moisture got into the lock/handle and when it is exposed it could be a fast freeze. Maybe I didn't put the plastic cover on right. Not sure.

Grandpa Enthusiast

Grandpa

Posted
Posted

My lock froze the other morning. It had some moisture in the lock from rain a few days before. I have used some WD40 to help eliminate any moisture and then applied some white grease to help keep the moisture out. I haven't had to open it in the morning yet so I'll have to wait to see if this helps. I have the Retrax Pro.

PMattras Enthusiast

PMattras

Posted
  • Author
Posted

My lock froze the other morning. It had some moisture in the lock from rain a few days before. I have used some WD40 to help eliminate any moisture and then applied some white grease to help keep the moisture out. I haven't had to open it in the morning yet so I'll have to wait to see if this helps. I have the Retrax Pro.

Does your hand or fingers get full of oil or grease when you have to open and close it?

Grandpa Enthusiast

Grandpa

Posted
Posted

Does your hand or fingers get full of oil or grease when you have to open and close it?

Nope. A lite coating goes a long way to repel any water.

PMattras Enthusiast

PMattras

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Thanks for the tips. I never seen something that would fast freeze like this.

~Wicked~ Enthusiast

~Wicked~

Posted
Posted

Silicone spray helps as well.

 

That is what I would try myself.......Now I need to go pick-up a can before mine freezes, lol

PMattras Enthusiast

PMattras

Posted
  • Author
Posted

I went back to the installer yesterday and he told me to use the key anti freeze. I haven't tried this yet but this morning it was 22 degrees and the lock was frozen. When I put it in the garage to warm up it is okay. Installer told me some people are having this problem around here. It is metal on metal. It is funny because sometimes I can open it but once this is done the lock flash freezes up and can't close/lock it. I have to warm it back up and it opens okay. Very weird because it happens so fast. Maybe there is water in the lock set.

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