Showing posts with label RetraxPRO. Show all posts
Showing posts with label RetraxPRO. Show all posts

Thursday, February 15, 2018

Product Comparison: RetraxONE VS. RetraxPRO

It can often be difficult to peg down the differences between some of the models of tonneau covers, especially when they're made by the same company and are built in the same style. Even so, you'll still need to make a choice, so why not make an informed one? In this article, I will be discussing the primary differences between the RetraxONE and RetraxPRO, which applies to both the standard and MX models.

Basic Functionality

At a base level, they seem quite similar. Both are, obviously, retractable tonneau covers, and many of their similarities come from a base design engineered to create smooth action and reliable protection. Their sealed ball bearing rollers are mounted to each section to create smooth action with no catches. By sealing them, the bearings can't get clogged up with dirt, dust, or grime, so you can continue accessing your truck bed with easy, single-handed motion for the lifespan of the cover. 

Both covers feature the same, great storage canister design. Compact and streamlined, the canister contains a spiral track inside that prevents the cover from grinding against itself when being retracted. This prevents premature wear, as well as keeping dirt from getting dragged around and clogging up the system. It also means the cover won't jam when you're opening or closing it, keeping operation quick and easy.


Both covers are coated with a strong UV protective seal to guard against fading. They're designed to last a long time, maintaining their look and functionality, and they back their designs with a limited lifetime warranty on both covers. Both covers feature an easy, clamp-on installation that is strong and requires no modification to your truck. There are no snaps or velcro on either cover, meaning fewer components to break or fall apart, and no fumbling around in the cold. Finally, both covers lock at multiple points along their tracks, making them great for fifth wheel hauling or cargo loads with a great variety in size.


So, I know what you're thinking right now. What is the difference, because it doesn't really seem like there is any? Well the major difference in the construction materials. The RetraxONE is built primarily from a poly-carbonate material called Lexan. The material is designed to function in temperatures that vary between -40 degrees Celsius and 130 degrees Celsius, a hugely wide range that makes it a viable cover in all climates. 


The RetraxPRO, on the other hand, is constructed from a rugged, lightweight aluminum alloy which gives it the capacity to hold over 500 pounds of distributed weight on top. On top of the that, aluminum is a metal that doesn't react with oxygen, meaning it won't rust. Both materials are durable and designed to last, so really the choice comes down to your needs. If your truck sees a more rugged work life, you may want to make the upgrade to the RetraxPRO.



There are also a couple of extra features included with the Pro. The most important of these is the built in key lock. The primary purpose of a tonneau cover is to protect your cargo. Mostly, that is protection from the elements. Both the Pro and the One seal off your truck bed from the elements, guarding your cargo from snow, rain, and mud. Both covers will also prevent thieves from cutting their way into your truck bed, as they could with a soft cover or even a hard Tri-Fold. Only the Pro provides you with a key lock to completely seal off your truck bed from unwanted eyes and hands.


The Aesthetic

A final note on differences between the two covers is their style. While a streamlined look is inherent in retractable tonneau covers, it is important to note that the RetraxPRO is definitely a more low-profile look. For some, this is important, and so it's definitely an element to consider.


Whichever your choice, both of these covers are going to serve you well. Retractable tonneau covers seal your truck bed better than any other, both against the elements and against thieves. This is especially important in a season of snowfall or rainfall. Don't limit your time available to carry cargo to just clear days.Whether it's for work or play, we live in a country that spends a lot of time outdoors. Get out there without a monkey on your back.

Auto Truck Depot

107, 42 Ave SW, Calgary ALberta
Toll Free: 1-855-253-4330
Local: 1-403-253-4330
info@autotruckdepot.ca

Thursday, October 26, 2017

How to Install Your Tonneau Cover

Tonneau covers are a great addition to any pickup truck. Perhaps you’re thinking about purchasing a tonneau cover for your vehicle and want to be sure of the installation procedure prior to making the investment, or maybe you already have one that you’re preparing to install yourself. Either way, let me share some knowledge about how to install your cover!
Tonneau covers are usually installed with a simple clamping system that attaches the cover to your bed rails. There is no drilling or modification necessary, so even if your truck is leased, you have no worries about voiding any warranties or causing any unnecessary damage.
Installing an UnderCover Flex Tonneau Cover | Auto Truck Depot
It is important that the rails are straight, since the cover will fold open and rest on these rails. If the rails are uneven, the cover might not close or seal properly. Soft Roll-Up covers often roll out and seal along the rails with Velcro, and Hard Tri-Fold tonneau covers often include latches that secure the cover to the rails. If the rails are not positioned accurately, you risk jeopardising the security of your truck bed.
Once the rails are installed, the rest is a breeze. The cover will generally latch or secure on starting at the cab end of your truck bed and roll or fold forward. The average installation time of a cover ranges from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on your skill level, the tools you have, and the type of cover you're installing. Some covers can be removed from the rails easily after the installation, allowing you to take the top on and off at will without having to do the full installation again.
Access Original Roll-Up Tonneau Cover | Auto Truck Depot
Most tonneau cover installations are similar, but there are slight variations between different covers, so you might want to check the installation guide for your specific cover before attempting to install it yourself. All of the tonneau covers we sell on our website include installation guides and videos, which can be found in the product descriptions. If you plan on purchasing a tonneau cover, you may want to check out the installation guide for that specific cover. If you’re planning on buying a tonneau cover, but haven’t picked one out yet, take a look at these different tonneau cover categories.
Soft Roll-Up Tonneau Covers Hard Roll-Up Tonneau Covers Soft Tri-Fold Tonneau Covers Hard Tri-Fold Tonneau Covers Hard One-Piece Tonneau Covers Retractable Tonneau Covers Tool Box Tonneau Covers Tonneau Cover Accessories

Auto Truck Depot

107, 42 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta
Toll Free: 1-855-253-4330
info@autotruckdepot.ca

Tuesday, July 4, 2017

Will Installing a Tonneau Cover Violate my Truck's Lease?

A common question asked by those looking to purchase a tonneau cover for their leased vehicle is, will installing a tonneau cover violate my lease agreement? The easy answer is no, and this is because most tonneau covers can be easily installed without making any permanent modifications or changes to the vehicle. 
Access TonnoSport Roll-Up Tonneau Cover | Auto Truck Depot
There are various reasons why someone may choose to lease over finance a pickup, and one of the primary reasons is that the monthly lease payments are less than monthly loan payments. Preet Benerjee explains in her article, "Lease or buy a car: What's the better option?" that, "instead of of borrowing the full purchase price of the [vehicle], you are only borrowing the amount the [vehicle] will depreciate over the term of your lease" (Benerjee). A leased vehicle can be traded in every 2-3 years for a newer model, which lets drivers abandon older vehicles and the problems they may accumulate, especially if used for work purposes once the lease term ends. 
The leasing company is the actual owner of the vehicle, so there are certain restrictions to what can be done to a leased vehicle without violating a lease agreement. Types of changes that may violate a lease agreement include any alterations in suspension or any type of modification that will permanently alter the vehicle. This includes drilling or cutting of any kind.
When choosing accessories for your leased truck, it is important to choose ones that can be installed and removed without making any permanent changes. In the article, "Can I put a tonneau cover on a leased truck? Yes. Here's why", Logan Adams explains, "Roll-Up [Access Tonneau] Covers do not require any permanent modification of a truck. They attach to a truck's bed rails using TITE BITE™ clamps that attach to the bed without drilling and maintain a superior grip between the truck bed cover and the bed" (Adams).
Check out this installation video from Access to see the process.

The majority of tonneau covers, like the Extang Solid Fold 2.0, can be installed and removed without any modification, and even used on the next truck. The best thing you can do is check that the tonneau cover you are thinking about purchasing does not require any type of drilling or vehicle modification to install. This can be done by reviewing the product's installation manuals, and if you still have some uncertainty, the best thing you can do is contact the leasing company to find out.
Below are links to Installation Manuals for Tonneau Covers carried by Auto Truck Depot for your reference:

Auto Truck Depot

107, 42 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta
Toll Free: 1-855-253-4330
info@autotruckdepot.ca
Sources Cited:
Banerjee, Preet. 'Lease Or Buy A Car: What's The Better Option?'. Household Finance. The Globe and Mail, 2015. Web. 2 Dec. 2015.
Adams, Logan. 'Can I Put A Tonneau Cover On A Leased Truck? Yes. Here's Why'. Agri-Cover, Inc. Blog: Truck Bed Covers, Snow Plows, ATV Accessories, Agricultural Tarps Blog. ACI Agri-Cover, Inc., 2014. Web. 27 May. 2014