Choosing a bed cover can be arduous process with the amount of variations available on the market. For Project "JAKD" the bed cover had to complement the overall look of the truck, but it also had to be durable and built with quality materials, functional and weather proof all at the same time. The cover had to be user friendly; meaning when the bed was used nothing fancy needed to be done to make room for large loads. This limited our search to roll top covers. One of the companies that stood out in our search was Applied Products, Inc which produces the RETRAX Retractable Pickup Bed Cover.

The RETRAX retractable pickup truck bed tonneau cover is unique because it is manufactured from polycarbonate, a durable thermoplastic commonly known as LEXAN®. Sealed ball-bearing rollers mounted onto aluminum support beams allows the retractable tonneau cover to retract or close easily without the use of pull straps, Velcro, snaps or springs; the truck bed cover is also key lockable in any position along the rail. This patented low profile design incorporates a front cover that is flush with the rolling tonneau cover, which streamlines the overall appearance and provides a firm, dependable seal to help keep the truck bed dry.

Benefits:

One Piece Polycarbonate (LEXAN ®) Design - A durable thermoplastic commonly known as LEXAN® . This rigid, one piece sheet is engineered to retract without joints or hinges that can trap dust, wear out, or freeze. Polycarbonate has excellent impact resistance and is unharmed by sun, moisture or temperatures ranging from -50 to +200 degrees F. The RETRAX Retractable Roll Top Cover is maintenance-free and its low-profile design has a gloss-black finish that is UV treated for years of protection from the sun. This is the same polymer technology used in fighter-jet windshields and bullet proof glass. The end result is a truck bed cover that can withstand the vigor's of nature and survive the most rugged use.

RETRAX ™ was founded in 1996 around a customer-centered business philosophy that has progressively driven the company's growth and success in the retractable truck bed market. The company's philosophy is backed by its reputation for providing the most innovative and highest quality products coupled with superior customer service and prompt product availability. They have spent over a decade focused on the disciplines of designing, developing and manufacturing one of the best retractable truck bed cover in the market. Their customer-centered business philosophy will continue to drive the company's steady growth far into the future.

Mission Statement:
Design, develop, manufacture and become the #1 provider of retractable truck bed covers by providing the most innovative and highest quality products backed by superior customer service and prompt product availability.

RETRAX ™ corporate offices and production plant.

RETRAX ™ finished parts, assembly, shipping and storage plant.

Strength - The cover is reinforced with up to 20 tempered aluminum support beams embedded every 4 3/4", which will hold 200 lbs. and can easily support heavy snow loads.

Sealed Ball-bearing Rollers - Sealed ball-bearing rollers mounted onto each end of the aluminum support beams allow the cover to retract or close easily without the use of springs or any kind of mechanism. Anti-bind ball-bearings mounted horizontally prevent the cover from binding as it is opened or closed.

Spiral Track Storage System - Unique spiral track system that prevents the cover from touching itself as it retracts, which eliminates wear-and-tear on the cover. No moving parts to jam, freeze or fail.

Lockable In Any Position Along The Rail - The Roll Top Cover can be latched or key locked in any position along the rail to allow unlimited hauling flexibility and convenient use with a fifth-wheel trailer. The tailgate works independently of the rolling cover also enabling the user to use the bed like a big trunk. When access is needed, simply release the flush-mounted latch with the touch of a button and the cover glides out of the way with the use of one hand.

Lock Handle - The flush-mounted lock handle, located at the rear on the driver's side, provides easy access when opening and closing the cover. The lock is also protected with its own weather proof cover which will prevent lock failures due to prolonged exposure to the elements.

Tailgate Area - The RETRAX™ bed cover overlaps the top of the tailgate utilizing an automotive grade weather strip seal keeping water from rain or snow at bay.

Weather Protection - The patented RETRAX ™ low-profile design uses a front cover that is flush with the rolling cover; this streamlines the overall appearance and provides a firm, dependable seal to help keep the bed dry. This design incorporates automotive grade weather-strip for harsh outdoor use. It seals the roll top cover on all sides to help keep water, snow, ice and dust out of the bed and out of the moving parts of the cover. The automotive grade weather-strip incorporates a soft felt lining that allows a smooth sliding action even in ice and snow conditions. It has been engineered to withstand Mother Nature's worst and offers dependable operation year-around.

Maintenance - There is no special maintenance required. The cover can be washed and waxed using the same method for the rest of the vehicle.

Customer Service - The team at RETRAX prides themselves in providing top quality customer service and highly trained technicians. However, it doesn't stop there. RETRAX offers customers the option of customizing their roll top cover to suit their needs. Bedrails can be cut and re-powder coated to expose stake-hole pockets for tying down large loads, installing a CB antenna, or mounting any accessory that requires its use. The RETRAX Retractable Pickup Bed Cover can also be customized to work with a toolbox in the bed.

With the solid reputation RETRAX brings to the table and the plethora of benefits associated above, the RETRAX Generation III Retractable Pickup Bed Cover was the clear choice.