Diamondback vs RetraxPro XR

I know: familiar debate. Looking for more discussion from the group to help me decide, though I am leaning DB HD…

99.9% Weatherproof
I really need to be able to load up the bed and drive 12 hrs through heavy rain without any water in the bed. I think that’s possible with the DB HD with some work on sealing, right? Seems like it’s not possible on the Retrax, really, and that even worse: some retrax units are more weatherproof than others…. especially interested in experiences with this.

Racks and accessories
Retrax is straghtforward and solid on this one. On the DB HD: if I install the Yakima track is that a t-slot that opens up the ability to mount other accessories?

“Flatbed” utility
The DB HD handles seem to get in the way a little bit, but definitely it seems capable of supporting big loads. The retrax has a much lower capacity and also seems like the aluminum slats would be prone to cosmetic damage without some liner, right? I probably won’t put much on too, but occasionally dropping cement bags or lumber might be nice…

Overall functionality
This seems mixed to me. Front and back access hatches on the DB HD are convenient, plus the crossbin and molles are useful. I think I’d mostly toss in packouts, backpacks, groceries, etc in the bed so I don’t foresee any limitation from the DB. But would I miss the enhanced bed access if I leave racks on? With a retrax and racks it becomes like an open shell.

Thanks for sharing and any insights!

 

I've been shopping around, but I am definitely saving up for the DB HD w/ either the Front Runner rack system, or the Yakima Skyline HD rack system installed from the factory.

 

Do they install the rack system? I looked for that on the website but didn’t see it… That would definitely be something I would do.

 

Installing accessories on the DB covers is pretty easy if you can use a drill and tape measure.

I have done several bolt on additions with my previous truck and now the Tundra.

I had an HD cover on the Ridgeline and now an SE on the Tundra. The HD was too much cover and super stiff. The SE is good, just keep your additions near the braces or bends in the cover. I think I am a bit more weight conscious with the Tundra.

 

I had the HD on my Tacoma and actually am waiting for my HD to arrive for my tundra (appointment for delivery is for Tuesday). Got the HD on their outlet store and saved 10%. Plus wasn’t seeing a ton of long bed options pop up so I jumped right when I saw it.

as for waterproofing I did quite a bit to my Tacoma to make it sealed off to almost 100%. Light rain was no issue, only heavy and using a power washer that’s when I would notice a tad bit of water coming in.

for racks there are quite a bit of options for the diamond back HD cover now that use the anchors as a mounting point. I had a chassis unlimited rack on my Tacoma for a little bit but took it off cause the weight and only being able to lift one panel at a time. I know the Yakima and the front runner aren’t as heavy and not much of an issue. But the retrax does look easier to mount and no drilling.

While loading on top of the cover sees like a great idea it’s so high up that getting the stuff down really sucks. I put some things on top of the cover but rather take the cover off and just use my bed. Especially heavy stuff. It’s always an option in a pinch but I always found it easier to remove things without it being on top of the bed.

as for functionality the hinged design is nice, but accessing large stuff from the front was a pain. If I wanted to pull a suitcase out or something large it wouldn’t come out the front so I’d have to get in there and pull the thing out the back. Sucks if you need something at the front and the bed is loaded. I think if you had one of those cross bins and had that up there is would be a nice touch. Plus the Tacoma panels were a lot smaller since the bed was smaller so maybe the long bed version I have coming with be easier to get things out through the front portion. That being said, I will take that struggle over losing a foot of bed space with the retrax roll up container. Taking the DB cover off isn’t really much work and can be done in like 5-10 minutes by yourself. But you do have to plan ahead and have it removed if you are going to pick something up.

I was real happy with my HD cover on my Tacoma but realized it does have limitations. I was looking into RSI smart caps for my tundra but with the digital rear view mirror I didn’t want to relocate the camera. Plus figured with the size of the long bed I shouldn’t have any issues with space. But if I was in your position I’d go with the Diamondback just so I didn’t lose any bed space. Plus lifetime warranty and their customer service is top notch. Had a gas strut bend on me and emailed them and had on delivered to my door free of charge the same week. So definitely happy to have another one coming in for my tundra.

 

Wow, thanks! That was a great & informative reply!

Btw, I was also looking at a Smartcap…. That would be cool, too. Just not sure I want a cap on all the time, and the camera thing.

 

If you go to the accessories page for that HD cover on the site, all you have to do is select the rack system and then there is an option for them to install it for you. I think it's an extra $89.

 

I really wanted a smart cap for the Tacoma since the bed was so small and wanted to be able to load up. But realized I needed a bigger truck so traded in the Tacoma for the tundra and I think for my needs and the huge amount of space I have now inside to bed and cab the Diamondback cover should work just fine. You definitely won’t be disappointed in the Diamondback cover. Thing is rock solid and I never worried about leaving stuff in the bed overnight or having too much weight on top of it.

 

Are diamondbacks retractable? I didn't see a retractable model on web site but just checking...I want to go that route...any advice on best one's? Pace Edwards looks nice but pricey

 

Diamondback is full wing, or tri flip only.

 

The DB covers are not retractible. They have sections that lift up and can be easily removed if you need more height. I don't see how they could be retractible given the way they connect each segment together with hinges.

These covers are heavy duty which takes some of the conveniences like a roll up or retractible functions and tosses them out the window!

There is another manufacturer that makes a heavy duty cover that is quite nice! https://renegadecovers.com/

 

Renegades take a loooong time to get. Customer,service is questionable, and they leak.

 

Leaky! that's too bad. Looks like a nice improvement over the DB as far a finish and the built in attachment track is a nice touch. I guess that explains why their website doesn't show any products, just a broken link!

Back to DiamondBack who appear to be still making covers

 

I wanted a renegade cover. IMO it’s a better design. But no one really owns one. Not a lot of reviews, and a couple bad ones. Can’t go wrong with diamondback

 

Yeah, I really feel like the DB HD is rock solid, as weatherproof as I can get, and very secure for leaving items in the bed. Still leaning toward that.

I wanted a smartcap, too! But I just watched some reviews and while it looks cool, like you: I’m not sure why I would need it over a DB or DB + racks solution. On the smartcap I can wait to make a decision…

 

The Retrax looks amazing.

The leaking is what gets me. How wet does your bed get if you leave your truck in a heavy rain for 4 hrs?

Do you ever put any load on the cover? If so, what about scratching and dents and dings?

 

I was also intrigued by renegade, but seems very risky— actual performance, lead time, support….

 

Leaky is too bad… I also saw that RSI Smartcaps can be leaky esp. over time, so that was another option I axed…

I really wanted to like the Renegae covers, too…

 

Is that a RetraxPRO ?

 

??
Their website has a RetraxPro XR and a RetraxOne XR. Is that Aluminum or composite?

 

So I picked up a '25 Platinum TRD OR 6.5' w/ factory lift last December and was finally able to purchase a Diamondback HD bed cover. I SO lucked out in that they had one for my bed on their Outlet page that was reduced nearly $500 due to a slight run on the outer finish (I had to look hard to find it) and a scratch or two underneath one of the panels. I have no idea where the scratches are but I never saw them. I LOVE THIS COVER!!! The quality is amazing and that especially includes the locks/locking mechanism. I had one slight concern with one of the clamps that didn't seem to be bent quite right and was very tight to install. I reached out to DB Customer Service, sent them a few pics and now have a couple of replacement clamps en route. I couldn't be more pleased with this company, their product and their customer service. Highly recommend and would definitely buy again.

Once I dig my truck out from all the pollen, I'll provide a few pics.

 

I have the Pro XR and have been generally happy with it. I need retractable as I haul kayaks and bikes on my racks frequently and the retractable is just easier for my needs.

I have strapped a couple hundred pounds of gear on top of the covers slats and it held up fine. I wouldn’t put much weight up there though.

it is leaky but I also have put zero work into sealing it up. Zero water comes in through the top or within most of the bed. 80% of water comes in around the tailgate due to all the gaps. I have tailgate seal but again haven’t taken the time to install.

on my Taco, I had the Truck Covers USA tonneau and while the Retrax is fine, I felt the TCU was more solid, had a smaller canister (so you lose less bed space) and it was 99.9% dry. In a car wash or heavy downpour a few drops may make it along the sides of the bed but any small amount of water would run underneath my bed mat. Never had an issue with my cargo getting wet. It performed and looked like new after 8 years of heavy use.

While I’ll roll with the Retrax for likely as long as I have the truck, I do regret not shelling out an extra $400-500 for the TCU

I’m running my Retrax Pro XR with the Yakima Overhaul HD racks with crossbars and it provides loads of mounting options without drilling. T-Slots on the Retrax ARE beefier than they were on the Yakima tracks on the TCU FWIW

 

Had Diamondback on my Tacoma and absolutely loved it! Have RSI Smartcap on my Tundra, its also fantastic! However I want to sell it and get the DB HD again for this truck too as I need an open truck bed to often, and don't have a reliable way to take canopy on and off.

 

So here's a pic of the DB on the Tundra and one of the cross bin. I've read reports where the cross bins can twist/bend when loaded AND during heavy off-roading. I realized after I got the cover and the bin installed that the indentations in the Tundra's bed provide for a place to put a 2x6 or even a 2x8 underneath for additional support. It fit perfectly and now I'm not worried about loading the bin up with my Weigh Safe hitch, tools, etc.

So pleased with this cover and the bin. Top quality.

 

Very Sharp.

 

For what its worth....

I have owned both. Had the DB on my F-150 with no complaints. Rugged, great looks, sealed well, etc. Even modified it to add cross bars on top to carry some cargo boxes on long trips. I had the two door flip where there was no drilling into the box. Door flipped back and a door flipped forward. Even moved it from a 2016 F150 to a 2020 F-150 with no issues so that was perfect.

The reason why I didnt go back to the DB on my 22 Tundra was really for only one or two main reasons: 1) Carrying mountain bikes on the back end and over the tailgate; and 2) carrying taller larger items in the box of the truck. The second was way less of a reason than the first. So I went the retrax route for my Tundra and love it for my use. Its durable, seals well, works well in our cold climate, and also looks great. I went with the T-slot option to add cross bars once again to add cargo boxes and have not looked back.