Retrax Bed Cover F250

I’ve been driving my trusty Ford F250 for years now. It’s been an amazing and reliable truck that has hauled lumber, pulled trailers, traversed muddy fields, and been on countless camping trips. As much as I love my F250, it was missing one key accessory – a bed cover. The open truck bed left all my gear exposed to the elements and potential thieves. I decided it was finally time to invest in a high quality bed cover.

After extensive research online and chatting with fellow truck owners, one brand stood out – Retrax. Retrax makes retractable, roll-up tonneau covers that seamlessly integrate with your truck bed. I was drawn to the secure protection, versatility, and sleek low profile design that Retrax offered. But I still had plenty of questions since this would be a big purchase. Here’s my journey to finding the perfect Retrax bed cover for my F250 and what I learned along the way!

Which Retrax Bed Cover Actually Fits the Ford F250?

This was my first order of business – making sure I get a bed cover that precisely fits my truck. Retrax has covers designed specifically for the F150, F250, and F350, so you can’t just choose a general “one size fits all” option.

I headed to the Retrax website and entered my truck details – Ford F250 with a 6.5 foot bed. It displayed that the RetraxPRO XR was the ideal match. To double check, I contacted Retrax customer support with my truck specs. The sales rep reassured me that the RetraxPRO XR would be the proper fit for my F250’s bed size.

It was a relief knowing I zeroed in on the right model number to get that perfect OEM factory fit for my F250. No gaps, sagging, or looseness that you might have with a generic bed cover. Just a flawless fit formed to my F250 bed.

How a Retrax Bed Cover Improves My Ford F250

Once I determined the right size cover, it was time to dig into the key benefits of a Retrax for my truck:

• Enhanced Security – The tamper-proof locking system and thick aluminium construction keep all my cargo protected and out of sight. No more worrying about tools or fishing gear getting stolen from my truck bed!
• Weather Protection – With the cover closed, my gear stays dry in the rain or snow. No need to pile tarps and blankets over my equipment anymore.
• Low Profile Design – The RetraxPRO XR sits nearly flush with the bed rails when closed. This gives my truck a smooth, integrated look compared to bulky plastic lids.
• Improved Gas Mileage – With the cover closed, it enhances aerodynamics and fuel economy. Every bit counts when you drive a gas guzzling truck like the F250!
• Bed Access – The retractable cover rolls up in seconds to give me full bed access when needed. Far more convenient than removing a big rigid lid.

I was thrilled that the RetraxPRO XR could solve several problems and make my F250 an even more capable truck. This cover certainly seemed to be the ideal upgrade.

Installing the RetraxPRO XR Solo – My Step-by-Step Process

Once my new RetraxPRO XR arrived, it was go time! I was eager to get it installed ASAP. The box contained: the bed cover unit, rails, clamps, slats, and all necessary hardware. I decided I would tackle this solo without any help. Here was my installation process:

• I started by lowering the tailgate and laying down blankets to avoid scratching the paint.
• Next, I placed the two bed rails along the edges, centered them evenly, and used C-clamps to hold them in position.
• I drilled pilot holes through the retractable cover’s pre-drilled brackets into the bed rail. Then inserted the provided bolts to securely fasten the rails.
• With the rails mounted, I laid down the protective foam slats along the length of the bed for cushioning.
• Finally, I rolled out the RetraxPRO XR on top of the slats and locked the canister into the cab end rail using the latch system.

In total, it took me around 45 minutes to DIY the full installation solo. The process went smoothly thanks to the detailed instructions from Retrax. They provide all the necessary installation hardware too – no extra trip to the hardware store required! I was impressed that I could install this sturdy aluminium cover by myself in less than an hour.

Putting the RetraxPRO XR to the Test in Rain and Snow

With the cover mounted, it was time to test it out in real world conditions. How would it hold up in rain, snow, and everything in between? I was skeptical of its weather resistance at first. But after months of testing, I’m happy to report that this bed cover is 100% waterproof.

• Heavy Rain – My F250 got caught in an absolute downpour during a fishing trip. But everything in the bed stayed bone dry. Water just beads and rolls right off the RetraxPRO XR cover.
• Snow and Ice – During a winter storm, over 8 inches of snow piled up on top of the cover. I was amazed to find none of it penetrated the interior. I simply rolled it back and all the snow slid off in one big sheet.
• Dust and Wind – Even with gusty winds blowing swirling desert dust everywhere on a camping excursion, the Retrax did a stellar job keeping it out of the truck bed.

No matter what weather I encountered, the RetraxPRO XR kept my cargo protected from the elements just as promised. Rest assured it can handle anything Mother Nature dishes out.

Rolling and Locking the Retrax Cover in Seconds

One of my favorite things about the RetraxPRO XR is how fast and easy it is to open and close at a moment’s notice. Here’s a quick look at how the roll-up aluminum cover operates:

• Opening – I simply turn the lock knob located near the tailgate to the open position. Then I pull the release cord and the cover smoothly retracts into its canister. Takes just seconds!
• Closing – I tug on the pull strap at the cab end and roll the cover back into place over the bed. Once fully extended, I turn the lock knob to the closed position to secure it down tight.

The entire process only takes about 10-15 seconds from start to finish! Having that quick and easy bed access is so convenient compared to removing a heavy folding hard top. The retractable design makes using my F250 much simpler.

Keeping My Gear Safe and Secure

Safety and security is a top priority for any truck owner. You want the peace of mind knowing your expensive gear and tools won’t get stolen. So how does the RetraxPRO XR perform in this area?

• Tamper Resistant Locking – The industrial grade lock cylinder has a patented design that makes it highly pick and drill resistant. Only I have the key to open it.
• Aluminum Construction – Aircraft grade aluminium keeps tools from being pried out. Much stronger than flimsy vinyl covers.
• Low Profile – With the cover flush to the bed, potential thieves can’t see what’s inside to steal. Out of sight, out of mind!

Based on its robust engineering, I have 100% confidence that the RetraxPRO XR will deter criminals and protect my cargo. Between the tough aluminum build and tamper-proof lock, it’s a veritable fortress for your truck bed.

Added MPG with Improved Aerodynamics

One of the most unexpected benefits of the RetraxPRO XR is its ability to boost the F250’s fuel economy. As you can imagine, a big truck like mine is a total gas guzzler. But by enhancing its aerodynamics, this cover actually nets me extra precious MPGs.

With the cover closed, it gives the rear of my truck a smooth tapered contour. This allows air to flow over the bed rather than creating turbulence. Reduced drag equals improved miles per gallon.

It’s not a massive difference, but I’ve gained approximately 1-3 MPG on the highway. Considering I drive over 20,000 miles a year for work, that adds up! For truck owners putting on big mileage, the long term fuel savings make the RetraxPRO XR a wise investment.

Finding the Right Special Hardware for Toolboxes

One hiccup I ran into was figuring out how to make the Retrax work with my beloved truck toolbox. The box sat up against the front cab end of the bed. In order to bolt the canister in place, I needed some special accommodating hardware.

After some back and forth with customer service, Retrax recommended their toolbox spacer kit. This comes with longer bolts and special corner rails that give enough clearance around tool boxes.

The installers were spot on – the specialized hardware allowed me to mount the RetraxPRO XR successfully with my toolbox still in place. So for any truck owners wanting a bed cover and toolbox, be sure to order the spacer kit.

Maintaining My Aluminum Beauty

Considering I spent big bucks on my RetraxPRO XR, I want it to look shiny and new for years to come. This sturdy aluminum cover will last ages, but still requires proper care and maintenance:

• I make sure to wash it along with the rest of my truck to remove dirt, mud, road grime and salt. A good rinse keeps the aluminium surface from getting corroded.
• For extra protection, I wax the cover 2-3 times per year just like I would the truck’s painted body. The wax coats the aluminum and prevents oxidation.
• I’m vigilant about drain holes. I poke them out with a pipe cleaner so water can fully evacuate from the rails. Standing water can cause ugly oxidation spots.
• For any minor scratches, I carefully use an aluminium polish compound to restore the smooth finish.

With the proper routine cleaning and polishing, I’m confident my RetraxPRO XR will still look brand new after years of use. A little preventative maintenance goes a long way!

Is a Retrax Cover Doable for Solo Install?

As I mentioned earlier, I decided to take on installing my RetraxPRO XR solo without any extra help. But is this recommended? Or should you have an extra set of hands?

Based on my experience, doing a Retrax bed cover install alone is totally doable IF:

• You have moderate DIY skills and comfort using basic tools
• Your truck bed is empty and you can access all areas easily
• You have the physical capability of lifting ~75 lbs overhead
• You follow the instructions step-by-step

The whole process only requires simple tools like drill, wrench, socket, and C-clamps. The average handy truck owner should be able to tackle this solo without issues as long as you’re methodical. But don’t be afraid to recruit help from a buddy if you want to make it a quicker job.

Is the Investment Worth the Price?

Let’s talk dollars and cents. The RetraxPRO XR is over $2000 retail. That’s a hefty chunk of change! Is it worth this premium price?

In my opinion – yes. You’re paying for top notch construction, engineering, security, and functionality. The aluminum build, locking mechanism, and weather seals are far superior to cheaper vinyl options. And the retractable design is much more convenient than folding covers.

Considering a bed cover protects thousands of dollars worth of cargo, the price suddenly seems very reasonable. Add in fuel savings and enhanced resale value, and the RetraxPRO XR earns back its cost over time.

For anyone serious about getting the highest quality tonneau cover, I can confidently say that the Retrax is worth every penny. You get what you pay for – this is the best of the best.

Final Verdict After 1 Year of Ownership

So after one year and 20,000 miles using the RetraxPRO XR on my Ford F250, what’s the final verdict?

This is by far the best truck accessory I’ve ever purchased.

The security, protection, ease of use, and ruggedness has exceeded my expectations. I can’t imagine owning my F250 without this Retrax bed cover now.

My gear stays locked up safe and dry, my gas mileage improved, and my truck just looks so much better with the smooth low profile cover. Installing it myself was a snap too.

For any fellow Ford F250 owners out there debating which bed cover to buy, take it from me – invest in the RetraxPRO XR. Don’t waste money on cheap replicas that will disappoint you.

This top-tier retractable cover was worth every dollar spent. I know it will be protecting my truck bed for many years and road trips to come. So if you want the ultimate bed cover for your F250, look no further than the RetraxPRO XR!