RetraxPro XR install tips, please

Hi! First post! I pickup my 2023 Platinum today! So excited! I'm planning on ordering the RetraxPro XR. I've searched the forums and there are tips here and there, but hoping for an all inclusive list to help with the install.

One thing I saw was mention that you need to install it far enough forward so that the tailgate will open easily. That's 1. Is it a good idea to add your own weather stripping on the bed rails where it overlaps? Anything else?

 

I just installed my retraxpro xr 3 weeks ago. At first install using the plastic clip to find the proper spacing between the tailgate and the edge of the cover, my tailgate would not properly open. It seems that the rubber gasket of the cover was too grippy. I adjusted it since then, and it works flawlessly now while still keeping the water from coming in through the tailgate. I do, however, have minor leaks on the edges and towards the front by the canister. It's something I can live with.

 

Anyone add bead of silicone on the rails where it overlaps?

 

I am thinking about doing that, but I am unsure if that will fix the problem of the leakage coming from the sides.

 

What did you do to adjust it? And, think you could add a bead of silicone on the bed rails to help keep out the water intrusion?

 

man, I'm too quick on the draw.

 

you mean you think it's getting in between the rolling top, inside edge of the track, and not from between the bed rails and the track?

 

I just moved it forward a hair... so instead of the suggested 1/8 of an inch gap, it's more like 1/4 inch now.

 

Yes! I think it's coming in from the top of the cover and flowing into the rails inside the bed.

 

in the middle too! That's no bueno! I think i could be ok with it on the sides, and understandable.

 

The middle drops might have come from the sides originally and the droplets slid towards the middle. The picture was taken after I pressure washed the top during washing. It hasn't rained enough since then to see if the problem persists during a regular rainfall.

I consider this cover to just keep stuff safe while traveling. I will mostly store luggage in it, so I am ok with it getting slightly wet.

 

One advice I give you is make sure you got all the parts before starting. My kit came without the bolts to tight the clamps . I just noticed after I already had everything mounted . I had to wait one week to receive the bolts, I was not happy about it.

 

Mine also interfered with the tailgate a bit after install, I would have to help it get away from the weather seal just so slightly but it annoyed me that the side button wouldn't drop the gate. After a couple of weeks the seal must have worked in enough that it works on all but the coldest days and didn't ultimately need an adjustment.

I haven't had a great opportunity to test water sealing yet as it got pretty cold right after I got the truck. I went to a wand wash once but the wash was cut short by an early closing policy (another story) so I didn't get the full wash or get to see how well the bed is sealed.

For drains I went into the existing holes in the front of the bed. IIRC there are four and I used the to inside ones, were pretty close to directly under the Retrax drain outlets. I drilled out the holes to fit the tubes. A tip here would be drill out the holes before you install the canister and tracks. Although it was possible to drill them while the canister and tracks were in place, it was at a weird angle.

I'm waiting until the weather warms up to put holes in my bed mat for the drain tubes.