Actually, I had intended to install it today. I was just unpacking it to make sure I had everything and all of a sudden it was on the truck. Seriously, the most difficult part was unpacking the boxes (two). The items were so well packed even UPS couldn't damage the tonneau.
This has to be the easiest top I have had to install and use. I had a solid tonneau on my Nissan and it was a pain. Whenever I needed to haul anything it took two strong men and a boy to get the thing off! The Retrax is so easy to get out of the way that I anticipate very seldom needing to remove it. If I'm carefull, I can lift it out myself, it's that light.
I did need to go to the hardware store to get T-50 Torx socket to fit my ratchet. I had the T-40 already. That was the most time consuming part of the operation. I cannot get out of that store without hearing six new jokes and a bunch of bull from my friends there. Always enjoyable, however.
I have only discovered one problem. It involves, to no ones surprise, the bed extender. There is a nylon stop on the drivers side of the Retrax rail that is supposed to keep the top from overextending but it keeps the extender from flipping over while in the rear position. The front position is pretty useless with the Retrax in place. I think I can use a cutoff wheel and shorten the stop and the bolt that holds it in place. I think I'll check with Randy at ReTrax before I do.
One last item. I read the instructions and it had provisions for all sorts of adjustment to assure a tight fit. I found mine fit perfectly right out of the box. I was really impressed. This cover is of a quality that lives up to that of the truck it's mounted on. To the folks at ReTrax...nice going guys!

I installed mine this week too. Installing it singlehanded (because my better half was out of town) was a bit of a balancing act but I managed it ok. I must say, it looks sharp. Did you install the drain tubes? I haven't done that yet. I also got the tailgate seal but haven't put that on either yet.

I was a little surprised by the noise the cover makes when you're doing any reasonable speed. You can only hear it with the rear window open but I think that the cover is being subjected to lifting forces as the air moves over the vehicle and competing downward pressure by the vacuum created in the bed, so in general it rattles a fair bit. If you angle your rear-view mirror you can see the surface of the cover shimmering.

Ok...tell me...is virtually waterproof?? I really need it dry for the business I am in. Right now what doesn't fit in the back seat with the seats up I have to drive Todd's Ford Exploder! :eek:

Too early to tell yet. I took mine through a touchless carwash and checked the bed a couple of hours later and there was a little water, but I haven't installed the drain tubes yet.

I've been holding out for that other brand roll-top cover that is powder coated thinking it might look better on the truck. How glossy is the Retrax cover? Do you think it will just look all scratched up after a few car washes?

It is fairly glossy (http://www.rolltopcover.com/images/honda/DSC00023.jpg) as it has a polycarbonate coating. I wouldn't be putting the truck through a contact car wash anyway so I'm not worried about scratching.

When you get a chance we would love to see some pics of the cover both closed and open.

Thanks

Yes, it is very shiny and yes it does scratch easily. I would not go through a brush type car wash with the bed covered. I would retract it and let the bed get wet. The nylon brush would scratch the heck out of it. As to water tight, mine is not quite water tight but if I spent a little more time adjusting the side rails I think that it could be. Some members have added silicone sealer to their installation. That certainly would make it water tight. If you had the tailgate seal I bet that you could haul live fish in the bed! The drain tubes are simple to install. Just drill a 1/2" hole in the existing rubber covers for the bolts that hold the bed in place. If you have stuff in the bed that could be damaged by a tablespoon of water on the sides of the bed, put a semi-ridgid bed mat in the bed and let the few drops of water that might get past the front or side gaskets go under the mat. The only evidence of water leaks that I see are when I wash the truck and rinse very thoroughly. Sometimes there are some signs of water leaking past the gaskets on the sides of the bed. It is never enough to collect or pool on the bed itself. If I were to drive for an extended period of time in very heavy rain it might be similar to the amount of water that the truck sees when I wash and rinse it. In no case would I ever expect items carried in the center of the bed to get wet. If you keep stuff that could be damaged by a little bit of water away from the front and side rails you will not have any problems.
Ther are lots of retrax pictures on this site in other threads. Search "Retrax" and I am sure that you will see what you are looking for. If not, ask for the specific photo or information that you need and I am sure that one of us will provide whatever you want.

I've been holding out for that other brand roll-top cover that is powder coated thinking it might look better on the truck. How glossy is the Retrax cover? Do you think it will just look all scratched up after a few car washes?

I had given serious consideration to the type of top you mentioned until I saw a sample at the Truck trick shop. It looks great but...the sample had obviously been opened and closed many times and it sounded like an old tin shed in the process. This thing was indoors and it still had binding tracks and seemed very "loosey goosey" to me. I also think the neighbors would be complaining about the noise during a rain storm. As far as the gloss is concerned I prefer it. Looks sharp. I have two greenhouses made of polycarbonate and I know it is durable. If you wax it and keep it fairly clean it should look good for a long time.

As far as leak proof is concerned I don't think that will be a problem. The problem will be openning it when it's raining. There will be no way to protect things from that. My tilt-up tonneau did a fair job as long as there was no wind. I don't know about where you live but here when it rains it generally blows like heck. Nothing will stay dry under an open tonneau of any sort in those conditions.

The Retrax may not be right for everyone and it isn't perfect. Then again, few things in this life are. I just wanted you all to know the installation was easy and the results suited my tastes. Rememer I've been driving a truck for years, not a Lexus. I'm in hog heaven with this new Ridgeline. It's "more than I'm used to and more than I expect", to steal a phrase!

Again, I agree. If you keep it waxed (I use Dry-Wasg-and-Guard) it will stay looking great for a long time. Just dont drag a dirty rag over it or slide anything over it any more than you would the hood of your truck. Apply a little candle wax to the side rails and it glides open and closed very smothely.

Apply a little candle wax to the side rails and it glides open and closed very smothely.

Excellent suggestion. I always keep a candle in my tool kit. People will ask me if I'm preparing for another black-out. When I use it they generally say, "Oh, now I get it."

Apply a little candle wax to the side rails and it glides open and closed very smothely.

Maybe a dumb question, but how do you apply the wax?

Just rub the candle along theower edge of the track that the Retrax runs in. See Randy's instructions from post #38 here http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1295&page=2&pp=10&highlight=retrax .

Just rub the candle along theower edge of the track that the Retrax runs in. See Randy's instructions from post #38 here http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1295&page=2&pp=10&highlight=retrax .


PICS???? Man o Man. I think there should be a rule on this. You can post anything on " I installed this" unless you ost pics. :confused:

Actually, I had intended to install it today. I was just unpacking it to make sure I had everything and all of a sudden it was on the truck. Seriously, the most difficult part was unpacking the boxes (two). The items were so well packed even UPS couldn't damage the tonneau.
This has to be the easiest top I have had to install and use. I had a solid tonneau on my Nissan and it was a pain. Whenever I needed to haul anything it took two strong men and a boy to get the thing off! The Retrax is so easy to get out of the way that I anticipate very seldom needing to remove it. If I'm carefull, I can lift it out myself, it's that light.
I did need to go to the hardware store to get T-50 Torx socket to fit my ratchet. I had the T-40 already. That was the most time consuming part of the operation. I cannot get out of that store without hearing six new jokes and a bunch of bull from my friends there. Always enjoyable, however.
I have only discovered one problem. It involves, to no ones surprise, the bed extender. There is a nylon stop on the drivers side of the Retrax rail that is supposed to keep the top from overextending but it keeps the extender from flipping over while in the rear position. The front position is pretty useless with the Retrax in place. I think I can use a cutoff wheel and shorten the stop and the bolt that holds it in place. I think I'll check with Randy at ReTrax before I do.
One last item. I read the instructions and it had provisions for all sorts of adjustment to assure a tight fit. I found mine fit perfectly right out of the box. I was really impressed. This cover is of a quality that lives up to that of the truck it's mounted on. To the folks at ReTrax...nice going guys!

I ordered a Retrax cover this week but got a copy of the install instructions ahead of time. I noticed that the drain tubes are installed in the cover of the bed mount bolts. I don't like the idea of doing this because it may corrode the bolts and was also wondering if it drains well enough. Has anyone installed a cover and located the drain tubes in a different area? I would be interested in the location and any pictures you may have.

Can't express enough how not having any photo's kills the excitment of this thread. No offense, but, having documented your installation would greatly help the rest of us. Thanks

Can't express enough how not having any photo's kills the excitment of this thread. No offense, but, having documented your installation would greatly help the rest of us. Thanks

Sorry to disappoint you. I'll just keep it to myself in future.

In our defense (I installed mine without pictures too) it's really hard to take pictures while you're wrestling with the thing (or at least it was for me as I did it single-handedly), and there's not actually much to take pictures of as it's so easy to install.
So, here's some post-install pictures. The only thing I didn't like about the product is the solution for blocking up the bolt recess half way along the top of the bed. The rail goes across it, so you have to block it up to prevent water ingress. A bit of stick on foam does not do it for me, so I'm going to try and find some hole plugs. I also installed the optional tailgate gasket as it was only $28.

[Edit] - I forgot to mention that the cover does rattle at speed, although you only hear it if you have the back window open.

More pictures.

How do you like that cargo net? Is it stretchy? What did it set you back?

Thanks.

The cargo net has been great - definitely worth the money, even if you have the cover - about $50 if I remember correctly. I also bought the underseat storage system. That's been really good too to stop stuff from rolling around. The missus likes the fact she can hide her handbag under there when we're out walking.

I ordered a Retrax cover this week but got a copy of the install instructions ahead of time. I noticed that the drain tubes are installed in the cover of the bed mount bolts. I don't like the idea of doing this because it may corrode the bolts and was also wondering if it drains well enough. Has anyone installed a cover and located the drain tubes in a different area? I would be interested in the location and any pictures you may have.
I too was not crazy about putting the tubes via the bolts. I just left the tubes curl into the corners of the bed. I noticed the bed itself has drain holes at the seam where the bed floor meets the back of the cab. I've resigned myself to having some water leak in, so I pack the bed accordingly. Anything water-sensitive goes into the trunk or the cab. So far that's sufficed. I've driven in heavy downpours and done carwashes (my own and at service centers). Any water that gets in has been minimal and not of any concern to me.
Sorry no pix. I'm digital-image challenged. Maybe after Christmas ;)

Sorry to disappoint you. I'll just keep it to myself in future.


Don't get so sensative. It was a generalized statement.

ie: " WOW, just installed an MP3 player and all the band info shows up on my NAVI screen. Also, bought this really cool wind blocker for the front hood, makes the truck look allot nicer and reduces the wind drag and wind noise"

As you can see, your original post was actually very exciting, I would say 7 out of 10 people here would love to have that top or something comperable you just installed but are:

1. To chicken to flip out the $$$ without seeing it on another RL ( That would be me)
2. Are not sure if it's a quality product and need to see it installed
3. Not technically savy enough to install it ( That would be me again)
4. Need to see how someone else did it and maybe would build up enough guts to do it themselves ( Me again )

So, you can see, pictures mean a thousand words and it only helps build this community into something stronger.

Peace

Dude, that looks GREAT. Man, I am seriously getting excited about that cover

Hey fellow RL owners,

I need your input on a couple of “Tonneau Cover” issues.

Would there ever be a time where you would have your Tonneau covers open or in the “retracted position” and need the front tie-downs under the bed lights? If so, are you able to get the tie-down hook attached? Thank you guys, so much. All of the different types of rear covers make the Ridgeline look really smooth but I’d like to continue hauling the quad and motorcycles without having to dismount a retractable cover to go camping.
Thanks again, and great photos!!
Ron

I just went out and took some measurements:

The clearance between the upper tie-down and the top of the cover is 5/8". I've used my cargo-net with the upper tie-downs without problem although you only want to do that with tall cargo to avoid the net scratching the cover. Use of ratchet type tie-down slings would depend on the radius of the hook and the angle of the sling. If it was going up from the tie down you would probably be ok.

With the cover fully retracted, the distance between the rear-window and the trailing edge of the cover is 14.5"
The distance between the cabin wall and the trailing edge of the cover box is 13". Depending on the wheel size of your quad the wheels will either be touching the cover box (probably ok) or the cover itself (not good). The cover box itself is perspex.
The clearance between the bed floor and the bottom of the cover box is 9". So there's a 13"x9"x49" of space under there.

You can't dismount the Retrax cover without completely uninstalling it because the rails are fixed to the cover box prior to installation.

Just noticed something interesting about your post (18) in this thread and wanted to comment.

I just got my retrax a couple weeks ago and installed it myself, you mention the center holes being a cause for water leakage concern.. My install kit came with caps that plug those holes, not just foam but actual caps that fill the holes and make them flush the rail gasket seals up the bed near perfectly now. You might want to call retrax and ask for a pair , just give them your invoice number.

I also received the brackets with a round rubber washer instead of using a strip of foam on the cab side l brackets, these round rubber things are already glued on, the drivers side came off but it was easily put back into place and the screw holds it now. Just some updates they are making based on customer concerns I guess.

I really wish they'd notch out the passenger and driver side brackets (tailgate side) instead of a bolt hole so that you could make minor up and down adjustments of the rails. My passenger side is just a touch low. Anyway.. Just wanted to basically comment on the plugs.. My tubes are in the bed just laying there, don't want to drill out my caps haha.. --Josh

In installed my retraxx cover last week and i love it so far. For those who just left the tubes laying in the back... My understanding is that they are just for the stuff that drains off the cover when you roll it back up (open it), and that when the cover is closed, the top it completely water tight (well more or less). so if your not actually drilling the holes you dont need the tubes at all!! it looks cleaner too. Just a tip. i love how clean the black cover looks on my black RL!!! soo sexy :D

I don't get your hesitation in drilling those plastic caps. It's not like you're drilling through your truck bed. Even if it just catches the water from inside the cannister, don't you want that funneled out of your truck bed.

You will get some water at the front. I don't think anyone has made this cover completely water tight. It's a minimal amount of water, but it's enough to disqualify it from the claim of water tight.

My hesitation lies more in the fact that it's a leased vehicle and we might not keep it if the buyout is too much (just get a 2009 instead)

Can't express enough how not having any photo's kills the excitment of this thread. No offense, but, having documented your installation would greatly help the rest of us. Thanks

I have detailed pics of our installation. Hasn't anyone posted pics of this already? I figured someone beat me to this one, but if pics are still needed, I can oblige.

OK, here's a link to some pics Ultra Hog posted. I thought he'd beat me to it. Both he and I have many more pics of the process and there are probably others who have posted in other threads too. Here's the link directly to UH's pics. After you look at them, click the Thread link at the top right and look through this entire thread for some valuable information.

http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showpost.php?p=14207&postcount=28

You can always replace them.

doh! you know what's funny , that thought never crossed my mind?