FMJ and RETRAX Owners

[bond007jms]

Question for you: How large is the opening (with the cover closed) between the floor of the RL bed and the bottom of the FMJ and Retrax cover (NOT where the canister is, the other end by the tailgate)?

Thanks in advance!

BTW - the OEM and RnL are coming in at 15.5".

[ericrwalker]

There are a lot of threads out there with this data...I think the retrax was about 21 or 22. Try a search.

I ordered my Roll-n-lock Saturday and it's at my house now...I hope I can install it soon...we are having a "big" snow storm now so who knows when i will do it.

[breakfastchef]

Retrax has 15.5" clearance at the tailgate end and about 18.5" near the cannister. This is measured from the highest point of the bed. And yes, you will have "Ho Crap!" moments when you have a 40" piece of cargo that is 15.75" high.

[bond007jms]

Thanks breakfastchef! Very helpful.

Any FMJ owners out there care the chime in?

[bond007jms]

RL's bed floor (not trunk floor) to bottom/underside of tonneau cover measurements.

What I have found on the forum:

Retrax 15.5"

FMJ ???

RnL 15.5"

OEM 15-16"

Also, for anyone looking at this as a resource, these are measurements by the tailgate. At the other end of the bed the covers are roughly 18" from the bed floor.

Other measurements that could impact your decision. Trunk opening with cover installed:

Retrax 21"

FMJ 21.5" (BTW - The cover will NOT function correctly without the strap)

RnL 15"

OEM 21"

I hope this helps those who are looking at this forum.

In the END: There isn't a perfect cover out there period. Each of them compromise someplace. It really does come down to what you are willing to live with. The universal problem with rolling covers is the canister, the universal problem with tri-fold covers seems to be the water/construction/non-locking issues. The problem with OEM cover, too restrictive with regard to bed access.

So, what did I choose? RETRAX.

RETRAX - Fewest complaints on this site, it doesn't have a silly (IMHO) pull strap to open/close, price ($900 installed), no drilling. What I don't like about RETRAX (wind rattle issue, easily scratched).

Close Second:
FMJ - but the strap was a deal killer for me. What I liked about the FMJ - warranty, metal construction, and no drilling. What I don't like about the FMJ - price, strap, maintenance for the rollers.

Others considered:
BAKflip - too many issues and not lockable
OEM - too restrictive (1/3 bed exposure when folded back and having to take it on and off every time I need "full bed" access)
RnL - too restrictive with regard to the in-bed trunk opening (15").

I hope this helps other potential bed cover buyers on this site.

Cheers!

[Tcape]

bond007jms, I just got my RTL two weeks ago, and this is the kind of information I really appreciate. I've searched the forum over and over trying to decide on the best tonneau cover to get. I've read dozens of posts, and I'd pretty much decided on the Retrax. Your info and review is a great help in confirming my decision. Thanks very much for the data.
Tom

[twincam]

I just received my FMJ yesterday and plan on installing it tomorrow. I was like you and searched all the threads and comments and finally just decided to buy one and see how it works. I will post something here when I get it installed. Good luck with your choice!

[twincam]

I installed the FMJ on Saturday and only had a couple of problems. One, they cut the seal too short on the cover where it meets up with the tailgate, and two, the trunk lid is hitting the attachment screw on the right rail. I emailed Pace Edwards this morning and just received a call from them. They are sending out a new seal to fix problem one, but problem two is an issue with the trunk lid as I suspected. I will need to look and see if there is any adjustment in the trunk lid and if not, then I will have to look for a smaller head screw. The trunk lid only needs to move to the left about 1/16" to clear.
The service from Pace Edwards was outstanding though and so far I am happy with the product. For what I was looking for, I think it is going to work fine. It is a very clean install and I really like the look.

[breakfastchef]

Clearances and trunk openings are pretty much standard on most tonneau covers. Since the will all need a front-to-back support structure to house the track, you can generally assume that there will be limitations to the trunk opening and limitations to the hieght of cargo you can carry with the top closed. It reaqlly depends on your preference for retractable or roll down. One is possibly more secure than the other. Add a Dynalock (or other tailgate locking mechanism) and you have a fairly securable bed. Either the RETRAX or FMJ are likely equal additions to the Ridgeline. I own a RETRAX and would, of courxe, recommend this ti anyone who asks.