Which Tonneau Cover? Looking for advice

[Nick@ApolloOff-Road]

Did anything change in regards to bed dimensions from '22 and '23?

No sir. 2017-2023 is all the same.

Interesting how so many people go with the Retrax covers... I considered the Retrax PowertraxPro XR versus the PaceEdwards Ultragroove Electric and decided to go with the PaceEdwards cover.

Both seem to have good reviews and couldn't find strong arguments against either brand. I did find more posts on difficulty getting warranty honored with Retrax, but difficult to know if that is a higher percentage of owners or simply due to more people buying this cover increases the likelihood of a dissatisfied customer.

One big criticism I found on the Pace Edwards is that they don't list the amount of weight the cover can hold while Retrax lists the Powertrax Pro XR at 500lbs. I don't ever seem myself in a situation where I would have that kind of snow accumulation that I would have to worry about the amount of weight the cover is holding. Neither are made to be walked on (which I also wouldn't do).

When looking at warranties, the Retrax warranty for the PowertraxPRO XR have a limited lifetime warranty for the failure of materials and workmanship. Warranty replacement costs will be prorated after three (3) years for the PowertraxPRO XR. What's unclear is how Retrax prorates following the 3 year period. The PaceEdwards Ultragroove Electric has a 7 year warranty which is prorated after 5 years. I figured it would be better to have full coverage for 5 years. The PaceEdwards also is about $150 less which this forum has also helped me spend on other things.

It's branding. Retrax is owned by Truck-Hero which is a massive private equity company with plenty of marketing. Pace Edwards, while owned by Leer who's not a small company, just doesn't have the branding, marketing, and name recognition. We carry and stock Pace Edwards as well, but hardly ever get inquiries for them.

 

[Dino]

Diamondback Switchback installed

 

[IndecisiveOne]

Diamondback Switchback installed
View attachment 133011View attachment 133012View attachment 133013

That looks great! What do you think the chances are you can tow a fifth wheel with only 2 of the panels open? (Not blocking rear window)

 

[TexasTremor]

Diamondback Switchback installed
View attachment 133011View attachment 133012View attachment 133013

I ordered the same one back about 2 weeks ago and waiting for it. It goes well with the red.

 

[MNhunter1]

I'm going back and forth between the HD and the Switchback. Does anyone have any specs on how much of the bed is open on a 6-3/4 with the back panel folded over/removed on the HD vs. the two panels folded on the Switchback? I know the Switchback provides more room, just haven't seen any specs on how much more.

Leaning towards the HD at the moment for the added capacity, shall I ever actually need it, and the access it allows behind the cab.

 

[Poots]

No sir. 2017-2023 is all the same.



It's branding. Retrax is owned by Truck-Hero which is a massive private equity company with plenty of marketing. Pace Edwards, while owned by Leer who's not a small company, just doesn't have the branding, marketing, and name recognition. We carry and stock Pace Edwards as well, but hardly ever get inquiries for them.

Which one (retrax or pace edwards) seems better quality? Which one would you put on your truck? Looking at a non electric version, ‘23 f250 xlt 6’9” box. Prices would be great too!

 

[Nick@ApolloOff-Road]

Which one (retrax or pace edwards) seems better quality? Which one would you put on your truck? Looking at a non electric version, ‘23 f250 xlt 6’9” box. Prices would be great too!

I personally run a RetraxPRO MX on my truck and have not had any issues with it. My only regret is not going with the XR for the different bed side rails that could handle cross bars. Not sure how often I would use that feature, but for the extra $100, I think it's worth it.

We're running a sale now on Retrax covers and have discounted pricing on the site. You can view the two Retrax options I mentioned at the links below:

RetraxPRO MX: RetraxPRO MX - 17-23 F250/350 6'10" w/out Stk Pkt 80383
RetraxPRO XR: RetraxPRO XR - 17-23 F250/350 6'10" T-80383

 

[modified]

Which one (retrax or pace edwards) seems better quality? Which one would you put on your truck? Looking at a non electric version, ‘23 f250 xlt 6’9” box. Prices would be great too!

I've had the Retrax XR on my truck for 3 years now and it's been great. The install is quick and the cover can be removed fairly easy if you need the full use of the bed. Here's a look at my install:

Modified's 2020 F250 Tremor Build

Got my rear Built Right racks installed. Just need to cut the front ones so they work with the Retrax cover. Now I need to fill 'em up with gear! Looks great! ?

www.fordtremor.com

I also added Go Rhino XRS Cross Bars & Yakima bike rack and plan on adding a cargo basket soon.

 

[DTX2023Tremor]

Which one (retrax or pace edwards) seems better quality? Which one would you put on your truck? Looking at a non electric version, ‘23 f250 xlt 6’9” box. Prices would be great too!

I was considering the Pace Edwards Ultragroove electric tonneau cover, but ended up installing the Retrax Powertrax ProXR. One reason was that my local dealer/installer couldn't find a Pace Edwards cover at any of the suppliers. They called Pace Edwards directly and was told they could get one built in about 3 - 4 weeks. How Pace Edwards doesn't have inventory of this cover for our bed size, given the volume of new trucks with this bed size sold per year was surprising to me.

From a quality standpoint, both covers are comparable and I couldn't find anything that would indicate one cover was better than the other. The only difference is small difference in price and they have some difference in warranty terms. Since you're going non-electric, the Retrax cover would give you the better warranty (I think it is lifetime).

You'll get a good sense of pricing here: https://realtruck.com/c/exterior-ac...-retractable/?brand=Pace Edwards&brand=Retrax

 

[Poots]

I definitely want the tslot track, as I will be getting and adjustable height rack eventually. Either the Elevate or Yakima, looks like the Elevate has more carry capacity, just don’t see alot of reviews on it.

 

[MJM_MWF]

For those with the Powertrax-does it need to be unlocked in order for the electric motor function to work? Or is it always locked bc it’s an electric cover? If it’s ‘always’ locked, I assume there is a manual override function??

 

[Skyguy]

One thing that hasn’t been mentioned is with a hard folding cover it can get flipped up by the wind and blow out your rear window. if you have the tail gate open and the back isn’t latched it can blow up the panels and slam them into the rear window. Nothing $800 won’t fix….. I got a cheap gator soft cover (surprisingly good for $245) and then went to a smartcap and bed slide. No more climbing into the bed!

 

[DwnSth]

That looks great! What do you think the chances are you can tow a fifth wheel with only 2 of the panels open? (Not blocking rear window)

None

 

[DwnSth]

Diamondback Switchback installed
View attachment 133011View attachment 133012View attachment 133013

Solid. Diamond backs are Beast!

 

[disastertp]

Diamondback Switchback installed
View attachment 133011View attachment 133012View attachment 133013

Do you happen to have a photo with the bed cover opened? I am trying to visualize how much room I will have to work with. I know the measurements are about 46 inches of open space but hard to visualize

 

[DwnSth]

Do you happen to have a photo with the bed cover opened? I am trying to visualize how much room I will have to work with. I know the measurements are about 46 inches of open space but hard to visualize

Only picture I could find off hand.

 

[Tightlines]

I like my money so I went with a cheaper version of the Retrax called Syneticusa after reading about it online. I also looked at the reviews on Amazon. I did the install (again because I like my money ) and it went well. So far I am happy with it as far as operation and looks. I havent been in the rain yet to check for water leakage.

Amazon.com

 

[Modman]

a cheaper version of the Retrax called Syneticusa

Most times when "US" or "USA" is part of the name it ends up being a China knockoff product, as is the case with this one. I'm not surprised it's less expensive than US-based Retrax.

That being said, I have plenty of crap made in China... Hard to get away from it nowadays, unfortunately.

 

[MrFancypants]

Most times when "US" or "USA" is part of the name it ends up being a China knockoff product, as is the case with this one.

My personal favorite is "Assembled in America"

 

[Modman]

My personal favorite is "Assembled in America"

Which could mean Canada, Mexico, Central, or South, too!