bed cover- Retrax vs Access

[jerry]

I am a new Ridgeline owner seriously considering a bed cover. This forum contains favorable reports for both the Access roll up bed cover and the Retrax retractable one. I would like the opinions of experienced forum members about which option encroaches least on bed functionality. I would like answers to these specific questions:

Which cover allows the in-bed trunk lid to open widest?

Which cover has side rails that extend the least distance into the interior of the truck bed? The extension of attachment rails into the bed space would appear to hinder loading or unloading the bed from the side.

Which cover occupies the smallest space when fully folded/retracted? From pictures posted in this forum, the Access cover appears to fold into a roll that sits above the level of the bed cover. This partially obstructs the view from the rear window but does not take up space below the level of the bed cover. On the other hand, the Retrax cover appears to retract into a canister that sits below the level of the bed cover and projects into the bed space. How many inches does the Retrax canister project into the bed space from the anterior bed wall?

How much of a hassle is it to fold the Access cover sufficiently to open the in-bed trunk lid maximally and then reclose it following loading/unloading?

Does each cover allow the use of tie-down cleats following installation?

I would like to thank forum members for considering these questions and for any helpful replies.

[Lingered_I]

Regarding the Retrax cover, the measurements are in post 26 of this thread.

[WhiteRTLnav]

It's all a matter of personal preference. The Access cover takes up the least amount of useable space, but requires more manual effort. The retrax is easier to use, but takes more bed space, and makes more noise when rain and wind hits it. So really, it's a matter of personal preference.

[MarkF]

I have the Access and like it just fine. A little water comes in but I wasn't looking for watertight to begin with. Limits the trunk opening somewhat but no big deal there either. The cover was cheaper than the Retrax. Would agree that it's mostly a matter of personal choice between the two.

[handyman6538]

I have the Access cover and like it very much. The two main reasons I chose it over the Retrax are Price and the amount of space it takes up in the bed. I believe the retrax takes up a space about 11"x11". The Access takes up very little bed space when rolled up and doesn't really hinder the rear vision all that much, especially if you have your rear headrests in place. I did add some black caulk and some extra weather stripping and now the only water that I get in the bed is from around the tailgate when going through a carwash. I could add a tailgate seal and that would probably take care of most of that as well. My previous vehicle was a Dakota with a snap on cover and there is no comparison to the Access cover. It literally comes undone as you unroll it and takes about 1 min to roll it back into place. I'm sure that some Retrax owners will have some very positive things to say about that product as well but I don't have one so I don't know the pros and cons of it. Installation time for the Access is a little more difficult than the Retrax as far as I can tell. It took me about 2.5 hours to install mine, but was not really difficult if you follow the directions and take your time.

[Redridge]

I have the Retrax and I'm satisfied with it. I bought it because of the locking feature... still waiting for the dynolock to come out with the tailgate lock. One thing about the retrax is that it gets dirty and scrathes pretty quick, just have to be carefull. You can also partially cover something as well... I also recommend installing the gate seal. I didnt install the drain tube... I'm not to concerned with the bed being wet, all the water goes underneath my bed mat and out to the bed drain... I was in the same boat as you 3 months ago.. $860 later and no regrets. Whatever your choice, Im sure both will do there jobs well.

[nighthawk]

I also have the Access cover and I'm very satisfied. For the price it was a no brainer for me. It is easy to open and close, is fairly water tight, and really finishes off the look of the truck. It does not look like a soft cover. It looks like a hard cover because you really don't see the rails that go across like other soft covers.

I like it because it gives quick access if you need to carry something large. It does impede the view out of the middle rear window when rolled up. This didn't concern me too much since I figured if you are carrying something large in the bed, it most likely will impede your view anyway.

You need to be handy to do the installation but just take your time and follow the directions carefully. I bought mine from "AutoAnything" for $369 delivered. They were easy to work with and shipped fast.

Also...Any cover you choose will restrict the opening of the trunk opening fully to some degree. The trunk is still functional enough with the top in place, it's not even a concern.

[milehigh]

You need to be handy to do the installation but just take your time and follow the directions carefully. I bought mine from "AutoAnything" for $369 delivered. They were easy to work with and shipped fast.

Nighthawk- I went to the AutoAnything website and found the Access covers, but no listing for the RL. Did you have to call them? About the only place in Denver I can get one locally wants $495 plus tax. Another website I found (realtruck.com) does list the Access cover for the RL with a delivered price of $409.19 (no tax).

[oldguy]

Whats the scoop??? Autoanything says that there is nothing available for the 2006 Ridgeline; either $404 or the $3** product.

[oldguy]

Oh, BTW, has anyone done a cost analysis to fine the break even point on
getting one and installing one. To start with, I think that the liner is supposed to help with anywhere from .5 mph to 1 mph. And at a cost of $3/gal. what would be the break even point in miles traveled. But, if its all for the astetics (.sp), what the heck. lets go for it...