| Step 11: Adjust the side-play of the cover (if required)
** Measurements are taken when the clamps are tight **
We found that the side-to-side play of our cover was perfect so no adjustments had to be made. If adjustments are necessary, simply remove the clamp and turn the nylon adjustment screw using the supplied hex wrench. Pull the rail slightly toward you to relieve pressure on the adjustment screw while turning them. At each set of clamps, adjust the play evenly between the driver and passenger side to achieve 1/8" measurements. For example, if a measurement of ¼" was taken, then there is 1/8" too much play. Adjust both the driver and passenger sides one complete turn (clockwise). Continue adjustment until proper 1/8" side play is achieved at each set of clamps when the clamps are tight.
- One complete turn of the nylon adjustment screw = 1/16"
- Reducing side-to-side play = Turn the adjustment screw clockwise
- Increasing side-to-side play = Turn the adjustment screw counter-clockwise
Once the final adjustments have been made, ensure the top surfaces of the rails are level. Loosen the clamp and adjust the rail pushing it down and re-tighten the clamp as required. The cover should roll without too much effort. The rolling resistance will decrease over time as the weather stripping and bearings break-in.
The cover should latch anywhere along the rail by pushing down firmly on the rounded end of the lock handle. The effort needed to latch the cover will decrease as the lock mechanism takes a set. The lock can be adjusted if needed. There is an adjustable steel tip that contacts the rail at the bottom of the locking mechanism. To increase or decrease the pressure, loosen the jam nut with a 7/16" wrench and adjust the steel tip "in" or "out" using a 1/8" hex wrench. Tighten the assembly by holding the tip and tightening the jam nut.
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| Step 12: Install the drain tubes
Locate the rubber plug at the front of the truck bed. Using a drill and ½" bit carefully drill a hole through the plugs. A second set of eyes at the area between the cab and the front of the truck is helpful while drilling. This will ensure there is no contact between the drill bit and the back of the cab while drilling and cleaning the hole out to allow the drain tubes to pass through.
 
Double check the brass nipples and ensure they did not work themselves into the canister when installing the assembly onto the truck bed. Use needle nose pliers to pull them back out as required. Cut the drain tubes to length and install one end to the brass nipple and pass the other end through the rubber plug.
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| Step 13: Remove protective plastic film
Remove the plastic films from the canister and the rolling cover. Open and close the cover to ensure it is rolling without rubbing or binding. As stated rolling resistance will decrease once the bearings are broken in.
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Final Checks:
- All the clamp bolts are tight.
- Bottom notch of the rails are 1/8" from the face of the closed tailgate.
- 1/8" side-to-side play of the rolling cover at each set of clamps.
- Rails are level on the factory bed rail caps.
- Front cover screws are tight.
Aside from the weather, everything about the installation went flawlessly. As luck would have it, the weather took a turn for the worst and gave us a perfect opportunity to see how weather resistant this cover was. For about four hours the rain came down, and came down hard without pause. It literally seemed like it was raining sideways. When the storm passed I ventured out to see how dry the bed was. To be honest, I half expected some water to have seeped into the bed from the bed rails and up front by the spiral canister. When I opened the tailgate, I was pleasantly surprised to see a perfectly dry bed. The only trace of water was inside around the tailgate by the corner posts. The industrial weather stripping used on the RETRAX Retractable Roll Top Cover really did its job. To remedy the problem of water permeating around the tailgate, RETRAX offers their Tailgate Gasket. The Tailgate Gasket is designed to keep water out of the only area remaining that water can pervade, and that's around the corner posts and the bottom of the tailgate itself.
The RETRAX ™ Tailgate Gasket is installed below the floor of the bed and inside the protection of the rear corner posts.
RETRAX really delivered on this cover. It most definitely complemented the overall look of the truck, it was durable and built with quality materials, it was functional and user friendly, and it was weather proof all at the same time.
Video
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