Retrax - How Good in Snow and Ice ?

[Diesel Dad]

I'm thinking about replacing the Armor-Roll rolling bed cover on my Silverado 3500 with a Retrax. I'd appreciate some input from current Retrax owners:

1). Does it ever freeze shut ?

2). My Armor-Roll has open aluminum slats that freeze whenever snow, water, ice etc. get in between. Does that ever happen on Retrax ?

3). Sometimes, the Armor-Roll also freezes to the felt gasket on the rails or the felt gasket on the canister -- ever happen to Retrax ?

4). Does the latch or lock freeze ? (pictures don't show any type of cover like my old Roll-n-lock had)

5). How is the durability looking ?

6). How do you feel about the cover not locking to the tailgate ?

Thanks for the input. Bad enough to replace one bed cover after less than two years -- want to make sure I don't replace a second one.

Thanks !

[DMAX Daddy]

Being in Southern Cal, I can only address a few of your questions.

4) There is a rubber cover that covers the lock. I live right on the ocean and my lock is corroding, where my friend's lock that has the rubber cover looks brand new.

6) I like the cover not locking the tailgate. I put an elctrical lock on my tailgate that operates with the remote. I can lock the truck, toss the keys into the bed, shut the cover, and go do whatever. Granted this is usually on a military base where its fairly secure, but I like that option.

Hope this helps!

[jbplock]

The only winter problem I have had with my RETRAX was the lock froze. I put some lock de-icer in the lock and it was fine. There is a “pocket” under the latch that can fill with water and freeze. You do have to be careful not to get any de-icer on the Lexan. Lexan is very tough but solvents will make it brittle and cause it to crack. All in all I am very happy with the RETRAX. (Got mine from JK). smile.gif

[ 02-19-2003: Message edited by: jbplock ]</p>

[Kennedy]

I haven't seen a roll up cover yet that worked when covered with snow/ice. The surface should be free of snow/ice prior to retracting.

The lock on the Retrax can potentially freeze. They have a "boot" that covers the lock to keep out moisture.

[AKDmax]

I'm not an expert, but I'll post my opinion/experience.

1). Does it ever freeze shut ? Yes, usually after all the snow on the cover melts during the day and re-freezes at night. If you keep it somewhat clean it will work fine.

2). My Armor-Roll has open aluminum slats that freeze whenever snow, water, ice etc. get in between. Does that ever happen on Retrax ? Nope, no openings for water to get between the slats.

3). Sometimes, the Armor-Roll also freezes to the felt gasket on the rails or the felt gasket on the canister -- ever happen to Retrax ? It can, see answer #1

4). Does the latch or lock freeze ? (pictures don't show any type of cover like my old Roll-n-lock had)
Yup, check my pics for a close-up of the lock cover.

5). How is the durability looking ? So far, so good. Takes a little work to get it installed correctly so it rolls smooth.

6). How do you feel about the cover not locking to the tailgate ? Get a tailgate lock. Then you can use your tailgate independant of the cover.

Overall, I think this is one of the best covers you will find available for the truck. Couple drawbacks, you lose about a foot of your bed and there are no aux tanks designed to fit with the roll top cover. Yet!

[jbplock]

John,

Do you have the boot for the Lock? I couldn't find it on the RETRAX website (www.rolltopcover.com). I'll give you a call. Thanks!

smile.gif

[poorloser]

John

Ijust installed my cover which I purchased from you. Where can I get that lock boot?

Rich Miller

[Diesel Dad]

Thanks for the feedback. Sounds a lot better than the ill-fated Armor-Roll.

Saw the picture of the cover for the latch -- should keep it from freezing. I also tend to leave my rolling cover unlocked during the winter so that if it does freeze, I can still get in.

Guess that nothing is completely immune from freezing. My 3500 does fit into the garage but does not spend a lot of time inside in the winter since it takes up most of the garage.

Two more questions:
1). What type of tailgate locks do you use ? esp. interested in the lock that uses the remote keyless entry.
2). How hard was the install ?
I'm guessing that the removal of the old cover may be harder than the install of a Retrax.

Thanks, Todd

[AKDmax]

Don't let that cover fool you, it will still freeze the latch/lock if there's water on the cover and it gets cold enough.