Retrax Truck Bed Covers Come in Four New Flavors

July 24, 2019June 12, 2023 Joe Evans 0 Comments Retrax, Tonneau Covers, Truck Bed Covers, truck bed protection, Truck Hero

Despite new vehicle sales entering 2019 with the slowest start in five years, consumer popularity of pickup trucks is at a record high. In fact, during the same time period, overall pickup truck sales rose about 1%, pushing market share near 18% and closer to the all-time highs we saw in the late 1990s.

Understandably, to keep up with that incredible spike in ownership, the pickup accessories market has had to be at the top of its game. And one area where we’ve seen incredible innovation and growth? Truck bed covers.

Retrax truck bed covers offer protection, security, and versatility. — Truck bed covers offer protection, security, and versatility. *Source: Retrax*

According to 2019 SEMA market research data, truck bed cover market valuation reached $520 million in 2018. That’s nearly double the market share it held in 2014! And that upward trajectory is expected to continue, as manufacturers report steady or growing sales of pickup-related accessories.

With all these diverse options, you could argue there’s never been a better time to be a truck owner. But as popularity increases and the market begins to crowd, it can be tough to sort out which accessories are worth your time. How do you know you’re getting the best quality product?

Well, for tonneau covers at least, we can help narrow the search. For truck owners willing to splash the cash for the best-of-the-best, Retrax is the go-to option when it comes to top-of-the-line product. And lucky for you, Retrax truck bed covers now come in four new flavors.

First, Why Retrax?

Founded in 1996, Retrax has been in the truck accessories game since the last big pickup trend captivated consumer appetites. For almost 25 years, the company has maintained a stellar reputation for not just high-quality truck bed covers, but high-end truck bed covers. Striving for excellence and unique innovations in design, development, and manufacturing, Retrax products are like the Dream Team of tonneaus.

Retrax truck bed covers offer protection, security, and in this case, cargo versatility. — “Summer adventure awaits, and this year, with the Retrax XR Series, you can do it bigger and better!” *Source: Retrax*

Better yet, all Retrax truck bed covers are made in the USA at the company’s North Dakota facility. And since joining the Truck Hero family in 2013, Retrax products have an immensely broad reach, being sold all over the world.

Launched as a one-person start-up, this is an all-American brand that is now packed to gills with cutting-edge technology and premium features. In fact, that’s where Retrax stands out the most when compared to the competition.

Retrax Truck Bed Covers

Available in two styles—polycarbonate or aluminum—Retrax truck bed covers are built to stand up to the elements far better than the glued vinyl or stapled aluminum slats so common in other brands.

All polycarbonate offerings are manufactured from a one-piece sheet that is engineered to retract without joints, hinges, or moving mechanisms that can trap dust, wear out, or freeze. The rigid construction also provides superior impact resistance, as well as ultimate UV-protection, meaning it performs like a champ in temperatures ranging from -50 to +200°F.

The aluminum covers are constructed from industrial-strength aluminum slats that provide unsurpassed strength and ruggedness for even the roughest off-road adventures. Additionally, its patented low-profile design streamlines the truck’s appearance—and reduces drag when driving.

Wondering where the “Retrax” name comes into play? Retrax truck bed covers are retractable, meaning they easily slide open and close without the need for pull straps, Velcro, snaps, or springs. Both options feature an innovative sealed ball-bearing roller system with special anti-bind ball bearings that guarantees an easy glide. Plus, the compact storage container features a unique spiral track system that prevents the cover from coming into contact with itself when opening and closing, so you won’t have any unsightly scratches or marks.

Let’s Meet the Newest Offerings – The XR Series

Each one of the new Retrax truck bed covers builds upon the brand’s premium retractable MX series, integrating exciting new premium features.

RetraxONE XR Series & RetraxPRO XR Series

Both the RetraxONE and RetraxPRO XR options integrate a cargo-carrying Trax Rail System that allows for unique and personal customization above your truck bed cover. Playing well with most T-slot rack accessories from Rhino Rack, Yakima, and Thule, it offers protection and versatility all in one.

Retrax XR series truck bed covers come in aluminum or polycarbonate offerings. — The XR Series allows for unique and personal customization above your truck bed cover. *Source: Truck Hero*

“Pairing the Trax Rail System with accessories offers double the cargo capacity,” explains the company. “This unique technology frees up the hitch with the ability to mount bikes, coolers, outdoor gear and more on top of the bed cover by combining the Trax Rail system with the t-slot accessories.”

The RetraxONE features a one-piece polycarbonate construction, while the RetraxPRO upgrades customers to the premium aluminum.

Retrax PowertraxONE XR Series & Retrax PowertraxPRO XR Series

Next up the line are the Retrax PowertraxONE XR and the Retrax PowertraxPRO XR, also separated by their polycarbonate and aluminum construction. Featuring the same cargo-friendly Trax Rail System, these tonneau covers take the accessibility a step further by utilizing a remote keyfob to electronically open and close the cover. That’s right, now you don’t even have to bother with manual operation!

Retrax Powertrax covers use a remote keyfob for easy operation. Source: Truck Hero

“The Retrax Powertrax ONE and PowertraxPRO covers utilize a remote keyfob to open and close with the touch of a button,” says the company. “Additionally, an electromagnetic brake allows it to lock in any position along the rail. Plus, an integrated LED cargo light is also operated by the keyfob with an auto shutoff feature.”

Which One Is Right For You?

While much of the decision relies on budget and preference, there are a few more selling points to discuss.

Those of you who suffer through rough winters, both the polycarbonate and aluminum options are more than capable of holding heavy snow loads. Though, it is worth mentioning that the aluminum series are rated for distributed loads of up to 500 pounds, while the polycarbonate models’ twenty tempered aluminum support beams embedded every 5 inches can withstand up to 200-pound loads. Either one should give you less to worry about when the snow hits the fan.

Additionally, while the aluminum series is stronger, it is also more expensive. However, the standard covers are backed by the company’s legendary lifetime warranty while the powered options are covered by a 3-year full warranty. By comparison, the polycarbonate covers offer a one-year full warranty on standard options and 3-year full warranty on powered offerings.

Both aluminum and polycarbonate Retrax covers can stand up to heavy snow loads. *Source: Retrax*

Both options feature patented low-profile designs that incorporate a front cover that is flush with the truck bed cover, giving you a firm, dependable seal over your truck’s bed and an automotive-grade weather strip. It’s a design that works to keep the bed of your truck as safe as it can be. When you compare that to the additional vinyl protectants you would need, plus the outdated water channeling rails, canisters and drainage tubes standard for most other brands tonneaus, it’s clear how superior the Retrax’s advanced design features are.

All of these incredible features, technology, and designs built into Retrax truck bed covers set the company apart from the competition. Believe us, when it comes to retractable pickup bed covers, there are few finer options available.