Retrax pro-MX has a history of being one of the most durable covers you can get on the market. It will protect the cargo and potentially ensure proper mileage.
While Retrax pro-MX is popular for its durability, it also has some faults, which have been noticed by many users. Though they are great coverage, you need to know some of the peculiar problems of the brand. Keep reading this article for more information.
Retrax Pro MX Problems
Though they are advertised and users have been made to believe that Retrax pro MX are durable but after going through a lot of reviews and comments, they might not be as durable as we have been made to believe.
The following are some of the likely problems that you will encounter with Retrax pro MX cover and how you can resolve them.
1. Problem with locking mechanism
Retrax pro-MX is designed in a manner that the locking mechanism with its screw clamps into aluminum Though the design looks great, the locking would get worn out easily, especially if you open and close the cover often.
Apart from this, little error in installation and forceful opening of the cover could also lead to a problem with the locking system. If not fixed quickly, you might have to endure an open cover. Highlighted below are some of the things you can do to resolve this.
Tighten the lock
Once you begin to experience problems with the locking system, you should retighten the lock. Well, this would serve as a short-term remedy because the aluminum will soon become loose again.
Replace the lock
In most situations, Retrax pro-MX will accept to replace the lock even if your warranty is still valid. It is recommended that you replace the lock yourself if you don’t want to continually drive the truck in that manner. You can go to any auto workshop near you.
2. Plastic parts
One of the reasons why Retrax covers were popular in the past is that they were made with metal panels. Just like other manufacturers, Retrax has replaced most of these metals with plastic.
While this would reduce the cost of production and make the product relatively affordable, it, however, affects the overall durability of the cover.
As you know, plastic is weak and could easily break or crack when exposed to different weather conditions. You will likely experience a problem with the durability and handling of some parts of the cover. Here is a list of some of the things you can do to resolve the problem that would arise from the use of plastic.
Proper installation
Whenever you want to install your Retrax pro-MX, it is recommended that you follow the instructions. If you have a problem with the installation, you should contact a professional installer for help. Apart from this, make sure you buy the right size for your truck.
Handle it with care
Because plastic could break with the application of little force, it is recommended that you exercise caution whenever you have to deal with the cover. You should carefully open the cover, place or remove your cargo, and gently close it.
Inspect regularly
To avoid a sudden break-off of any part of the cover due to the plastic material, you should inspect the cover regularly. If you feel that any part is loose, you should retighten it. If there is any missing plastic, you should replace it immediately.
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3. Difficult operation
After installing Retrax pro-MX, you will likely experience problems with the operation of the cover. In most situations, it might be difficult for you to open the cover with one hand, at least for the first week of installing the cover.
This could be caused by the poor installation of the cover. The following are some of the things you can do to resolve the problem.
Don’t force it open or close
While you might be experiencing difficulty with operating the cover, you should not apply excessive force to it. If you do, you could break the lock system or tamper with some parts of the cover. It is recommended that you handle the cover gently.
Move it around
You can gently move the cover around slightly when you are trying to close or open it. This will make it easier for you to navigate it.
The cover would become smoothen when you do this. When you use it in this manner for an extended period, you will master the art of opening and closing the cover with ease.
Seek help
In a situation where you have installed the cover yourself and you are experiencing this problem, especially if that would be the first time you will be handling installation yourself, you can seek help from a professional installer. You will be guided on the necessary adjustment.
4. Possible water leakage
As opposed to the general assumption that all truck bed covers are waterproof, Retrax pro-MX is not. This could be alarming, especially for those that have cargoes that could be damaged by water.
However, Retrax pro-MX is water-tight, which means that the cover would remain intact, irrespective of how bad the weather is.
Despite this possibility, you might likely have leakages when you do not install the cover properly, there is a hole, or the location of parking the car. The following are some of the things you can do if your Retrax pro-MX leaks water.
Install properly
When it rains, water will not pool on the Retrax pro MX cover because they contain tubes that will drain water from it. However, when they are not installed properly, the tubes would not function the way they ought to.
It is recommended that you go to a professional installer for an assessment of how you have installed the cover and probably the necessary adjustments.
Park properly
During a heavy downpour, Retrax pro-MX cover might not be able to withstand excessive rain and this would lead to leakage. If you have noticed that the cover leaks water to the cargo, it is recommended that you park the truck in the garage.
Remove the ice
In a situation where there is ice on the cover, you should not open the cover until you have completely removed the ice. Ice could fall into the cargo and de-iced there.
Cover the spots
After inspection and you discover that the leakages are caused due to some opening in the cover, you should get some seals and apply them on the spots.
5. Discoloration
Due to exposure to UV, Retrax pro-MX could become discolored or fade. The surprising fact is that the warranty policy does not cover discoloration or fading caused by UV and other conditions.
This implies that you will have to continuously use the truck in that manner for a longer duration or you replace them. However, you can potentially prevent discoloration of your Retrax pro-MX with the following steps.
Wash with only auto-rated soap
The type of soap you use in cleaning the cover would determine how soon the cover could get discolored. It is recommended that you avoid acid-based soap to clean it. Make use of auto-rated soap only.
Park in the garage
Due to excessive UV, the cover could get discolored within the shortest duration. Whenever you want to park the truck, it is recommended that you park it under a shade or in a garage, if possible.
What are the things that can reduce the lifespan of the Retrax pro-MX truck bed cover?
If cared for properly, you can use your Retrax pro MX for three years or more. Knowing the things that could destroy the cover would help you avoid them and potentially increase the lifespan. Here is a list of some of the things that could reduce the lifespan of Retrax pro-MX.
Poor installation
You could be getting it wrong from the beginning if you do not install your Retrax pro-MX correctly. It shouldn’t take you more than 2 hours to install it yourself if you can follow the instructions or you have experience installing covers. However, if you have any problem with it, you should seek help.
Lack of care
Due to its material and the belief that it could withstand different weather conditions, some users do not care for their cover. If you do not clean the cover, handle it properly, replace missing parts, and other necessary care, it is likely that the cover would get damaged within the shortest duration.
Acid-based soap
While some users clean their covers, they could still be damaged if you do not use the right soap. This will not only make the color fade easily, but it would also reduce its lifespan.
Manner of parking
Exposing the truck cover to extensive UV would degrade the quality and the color of the cover. Apart from this, if you pack the truck where the cover could be tampered with, the lifespan could be reduced.
Conclusion
If you want to get a Retrax pro MX truck cover, you must familiarize yourself with the problems highlighted in this article. This would help you know the likely difficulties you will encounter and possible ways of troubleshooting.