Retrax Drain Tube

Everything You Need to Know Before Getting a Drain Tube for Your Tonneau Cover

As a truck owner, protecting your truck bed from water damage is crucial. Even small amounts of standing water can lead to rust, mildew and long-term corrosion. Retrax drain tubes are an easy way to prevent this damage by providing proper drainage from your tonneau cover. But with so many options and variables, choosing the right drain tube can get confusing.

This comprehensive buying guide will walk you through everything you need to know before purchasing a Retrax drain tube. I’ll cover what drain tubes are, why you need one, different types, installation, maintenance and common issues to be aware of. By the end, you’ll be fully prepared to select the perfect drain tube for your specific truck and tonneau cover.

What Exactly Is a Retrax Drain Tube?

A Retrax drain tube is a simple device that sits under your tonneau cover and funnels water away safely. It consists of a PVC or aluminum tube with a small spout on one end. The spout slips through a small hole in your tonneau cover to the outside. The other end sits on the floor of your truck bed.

As water accumulates on top of the tonneau cover, it slides down through the drain spout and tube. From there it exits the truck bed, preventing any interior water damage or corrosion.

Drain tubes are compatible with most Retrax tonneau covers including the RetraxPRO XR, RetraxONE XR, RetraxPRO MX and more. They can be purchased separately as an add-on accessory.

Why Do You Need a Drain Tube for Your Tonneau?

Tonneau covers are excellent for weather protection, security and improved gas mileage. However, the sleek waterproof surface also leads to standing water accumulation. Over time, this water can take its toll on your truck bed if proper drainage isn’t in place.

Retrax drain tubes solve this problem by providing an escape path for water. The benefits include:

• Preventing rust – Standing water causes rust, corrosion and oxidation. Drain tubes eliminate pooling moisture.
• Avoiding mildew – Wet truck beds can easily grow mildew, mold and bacteria. Proper drainage stops moisture from sticking around.
• Reducing weight – Water adds unnecessary weight in your truck bed. Drain tubes keep things lightweight for better gas mileage.
• Keeping cargo dry – Any tools or cargo in your truck bed will stay dry and protected without rainfall accumulation.
• Extending truck life – Draining water properly will keep your entire truck bed in better condition for more years of use.

If you plan on using a tonneau cover for your Ram, GMC, Ford or other truck, a drain tube is highly recommended. It preserves the life of your truck bed by funneling water safely out of the way.

Where to Purchase a Retrax Drain Tube

Retrax drain tubes can be purchased from multiple retailers online and in-store. Here are some of the best places to buy:

• Direct from Retrax – Ordering directly from the Retrax website ensures you’re getting an authentic product designed specifically for Retrax tonneau covers.
• Auto Parts Stores – Stores like AutoZone, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Napa Auto Parts and Advance Auto Parts often carry Retrax drain tubes. Call ahead to check inventory.
• 4 Wheel Parts – For specialty off-road parts stores, 4 Wheel Parts is a great option and stocks most Retrax accessories.
• Amazon – Search for Retrax drain tubes on Amazon to likely find the lowest prices, often with free Prime shipping. Verify the seller before purchasing.
• eBay – Search eBay for new and used OEM Retrax drain tubes at discounted prices. Make sure to review the listing closely.
• Truck Bed Accessory Sites – RetraxPro, RealTruck and other truck accessory sites have large Retrax tonneau and drain tube selections.

For the best fit, compatibility and warranty coverage, I recommend purchasing directly from Retrax if possible. But great deals can also be found through third party sellers if you just need a basic drain tube.

How to Install a Retrax Drain Tube

Here are the basic steps involved in properly installing a Retrax drain tube:

1. Lower or remove your tonneau cover – This provides open access to the truck bed floor.
2. Choose drain location – Select a spot at the front or back of bed near the cab. Avoid wheel wells or close to the tailgate.
3. Mark and cut small hole – Use a 1 1/8” hole saw to cut hole in tonneau cover. Clean up any loose edges.
4. Pass drain tube through – Insert the drain tube spout up from under the tonneau and through the drain hole.
5. Position tube in bed – Place the open end of the drain tube on the floor where water collects.
6. Secure as needed – Use provided velcro strips or small screws to hold the drain tube firmly in place.
7. Reinstall tonneau – Carefully put the tonneau cover back and test for proper water drainage.
8. Adjust if needed – Make any adjustments to the drain tube position or size of the hole as needed.

Take your time during the cutting and positioning steps to ensure the tube will drain well. I also recommend running a bead of silicone sealant around the underside of the hole to prevent leaking. Enjoy the peace of mind of protected truck bed!

Choosing the Right Drain Tube Size

Retrax offers drain tubes in two main size options:

• Standard 6′ Length – Designed to fit most 5-6 foot truck beds. Works with RetraxPRO XR, RetraxONE XR, RetraxPRO MX and others.
• Long 9′ Length – Made for bigger 7-9 foot long truck beds. Compatible with the RetraxPRO XR Long Bed model.

Measure the length of your truck bed before ordering to determine which size you need. The drain tube should be just a few inches shy of fully extending the bed length. This allows water to funnel down into the tube from all corners.

You also have a choice between PVC and aluminum for the drain tube material:

• PVC – More affordable option. Lighter weight but can be prone to cracking over time.
• Aluminum – More durable and long-lasting. Heavier than PVC but can outlive your truck bed.

Think about your budget and needs. Aluminum is best for harsh climates and heavy use. But for most needs, the standard 6’ PVC Retrax drain tube gets the job done perfectly.

Can You Use a Universal Drain Tube?

You’ll also find universal or generic drain tubes for sale that claim compatibility with any tonneau cover. The question is – can you substitute a universal drain tube instead of the official Retrax one?

The answer is…maybe. Universal drain tubes are designed to work with all tonneau brands using a one-size-fits-all approach. However, Retrax drain tubes are custom made specifically for Retrax covers.

Here are the pros and cons of using a universal drain tube:

Pros:

• Cheaper than the OEM Retrax version
• Can work decently well for basic drainage
• Easy to find at auto parts stores

Cons:

• Not guaranteed to perfectly fit Retrax covers
• Spout may not seal well in drain hole
• Could lead to leaking around holes
• Won’t integrate as seamlessly as the Retrax version

If on a tight budget, a universal drain tube can work in a pinch. But for full compatibility and zero leaks, the official Retrax drain tube is worth the extra investment in my opinion.

Maintaining and Cleaning Your Drain Tube

Once installed, Retrax drain tubes are fairly maintenance free. But I recommend inspecting it occasionally to ensure no clogs or damage have occurred.

Here are some drain tube care tips:

• Check after heavy rains or off-roading for clogs
• Clear any packed dirt or debris from the tube ends
• Rinse with a garden hose if large sediment builds up
• Watch for cracks or holes in PVC versions
• Replace the tube immediately if any major cracks appear
• Apply silicone sealant if small leaks are noticed
• Drain any standing water in winter to prevent ice damage
• Consider removing the tube in very cold climates when not using the tonneau

Also monitor the drain hole in your tonneau cover closely. Reapply weatherstripping if any gaps form that could lead to leaking around the hole. With occasional inspection and cleaning, your Retrax drain tube should last for years of reliable service.

Will a Retrax Drain Tube Work With Any Tonneau Cover?

Retrax drain tubes are engineered specifically for use with Retrax tonneau covers. This includes the RetraxPRO XR, RetraxPRO MX, RetraxONE XR and other Retrax models.

But can you use a Retrax tube with a different brand of cover like BakFlip, Extang or Truxedo? Possibly, but with some caveats:

• The drain spout may not fit properly through drain holes in other covers. Leaking could occur.
• Placement and positioning could be more difficult without Retrax’s custom designs.
• You’ll have no warranty coverage from issues that arise.
• Other tonneau cover brands sell their own drain tubes that are guaranteed to work.

Your best bet is to use the drain tube made for your exact tonneau cover brand and model. Mixing and matching can lead to less than ideal results. Stick with the matching Retrax version for hassle-free installation.

Connecting the Drain Tube to Your Truck Bed

For proper drainage, you need to make sure the bottom of the Retrax drain tube rests at the lowest point of your truck bed. This allows gravity to pull water down into the mouth of the tube.

Here are some tips for optimal truck bed connection:

• Position near the front if the bed tilts downward toward cabin.
• For level beds, place at very rear so water runs back.
• Use tube to bridge any gaps or holes in bed floor.
• Elevate on a flat object if bed has no low points.
• Confirm the tailgate closes cleanly without pinching the tube.
• Attach securely with velcro strips or silicone to avoid shifting.

Take your time sliding the drain tube around to find the optimum drainage angle. A few test runs with water will confirm whether placement is ideal. Adjust as needed until the tube drains the bed efficiently.

Available Drain Tube Materials

As mentioned previously, Retrax drain tubes come in either PVC or aluminum builds. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of each material type:

PVC

Pros

• Very affordable purchase price
• Lightweight for easy handling
• Can be cut if needed for custom sizing

Cons

• Not as durable or rugged as aluminum
• Can become brittle and crack over time
• Not recommended for harsh weather or off-roading

Aluminum

Pros

• Very strong, durable and dent/crack resistant
• Can outlast the lifetime of your truck
• Handles all weather conditions and use cases

Cons

• More expensive upfront cost
• Significant weight if handling large size
• Not easily customized or modified

For most standard truck beds, the PVC drain tube offers the best value for the money. But serious off-road enthusiasts or anyone wanting the ultimate heavy duty protection should choose aluminum.

Maximizing the Lifespan of Your Drain Tube

Like any truck bed component, taking care of your Retrax drain tube is key to maximizing lifespan. Here are my top tips:

• Clean regularly – Frequently clear any collected dirt, leaves or debris from the tube.
• Protect from damage – Avoid stepping on or placing heavy objects on the drain tube.
• Inspect for cracks – Periodically check PVC tubes for any small cracks starting. Replace when damage is noticed.
• Keep connections tight – Snug up any loosening velcro strips or silicone that anchors the tube.
• Consider weather removal – For extreme winters, removing the tube when not using the tonneau prevents ice damage.
• Use grommets – Adding rubber grommets around the drain hole edges protects against wear.
• Keep spout clear – Make sure the drain tube spout has no blockage or impediments to water flow.

With occasional maintenance and staying on top of wear, you can get 5+ years from a quality PVC drain tube. Or even decades from the nearly indestructible aluminum versions.

Can You Cut Retrax Drain Tubes to Fit?

If your truck bed is an odd size or the stock Retrax drain tube doesn’t quite fit, you may be wondering – can I simply cut the tube to the correct length?

The good news is yes, Retrax drain tubes can be trimmed using a few simple tools:

• Use a miter saw, hacksaw or tube cutter for clean cuts
• Measure twice to ensure you cut the proper tube length
• File down any rough edges left after cutting
• Consider adding an end cap to the cut tube end
• Confirm water still flows smoothly after cutting

One caveat – you cannot cut aluminum Retrax tubes down to size. Only the more malleable PVC material can be safely modified and trimmed to your exact truck bed length.

But for most needs, the stock 6’ and 9’ Retrax drain tube options should fit perfectly without any custom cutting required.

Preventing Water Damage and Rust With Drain Tubes

The number one job of any tonneau cover drain tube is protecting your truck bed from water damage. Here’s how they excel at this task:

• Remove pooling water so it can’t cause rust.
• Allow truck beds to fully dry out after rainfall.
• Acidic rainwater is drained away before it damages metal.
• Limits oxidation and corrosion of truck bed components.
• Provides an escape route for melting ice and snow.
• Keeps truck cargo and equipment safe from getting wet.
• Condensation and humidity doesn’t get trapped under the cover.

Consistent drainage preserves the structural health of your entire truck bed for years beyond when rust damage would normally occur. Just be sure to periodically inspect the drain tube for any issues preventing it from doing its job.

Alternatives to Retrax Drain Tubes

Besides a purpose built drain tube, what other options exist for draining water from your tonneau cover? Here are a few things you can try:

• Drilling weep holes – Strategically drill small holes above wheel wells to let water escape. Risky for seal integrity.
• Routing to side gaps – Carefully run a hose from under the cover out through the side fairings. Not very discrete.
• Removing plugs – Take out any factory installed drain plugs in the floor to access drain channels. Limited compatibility.
• DIY tubes – Build your own drainage system from scratch using hoses, spouts and tubes. Tedious trial and error.
• Leaving tailgate open – Keeping the tailgate cracked open can allow rain runoff. Sacrifices security and weather protection.

While these options may work, your best bet is almost always sticking with a purpose-made Retrax drain tube. The cost is low for the functionality and benefits gained. Don’t mess around trying to rig up makeshift drainage.

Potential Issues to Watch Out For

On the whole, Retrax drain tubes are simple, worry-free accessories. But occasionally issues do pop up. Here are some potential problems to look out for:

• Clogged tubes – Debris can block the tube, preventing water from draining.
• Leaking around holes – Gaps in the sealant or weather stripping around drain holes causes leaks.
• Shifting tubes – Drain tubes can slide out of place if not properly secured.
• Punctured tubes – Stepping on or piercing the tubing creates undesirable new drainage points.
• Cracked tubes – PVC can become brittle, leading to cracks that render the drain useless.
• Missing parts – Sometimes mounting hardware or other components are left out of the package.
• Incorrect sizing – Getting the wrong measurements can lead to poor fit and drainage.

Thankfully, most issues are easy fixes. Keep an eye on your drain tube during heavy rains and address any problems immediately to keep your truck bed protected.

Keeping Your Retrax Drain Tube Clear of Debris

It doesn’t take much for Retrax drain tubes to get clogged with mud, leaves, gravel and other truck bed detritus. Here are some tips for keeping your tube clear and free-flowing:

• Remove the tonneau cover fully to access the entire drain tube area.
• Wear gloves and pull out any packed material from the ends.
• Use a thin stick or pipe cleaner to loosen stuck debris.
• Flush with a garden hose stream if needed.
• Pour or siphon water through the tube to clear out gunk.
• Make sure the drain spout itself is clear of any obstructions.
• Consider adding a mesh screen of some sort to filter debris.
• Check and clean the drain tube after off-roading trips or bad storms.

Taking a few minutes whenever you notice sluggish drainage will ensure your tube keeps doing its job properly for the long run. No one likes a clogged drain!

Professional Drain Tube Installation

Installing a Retrax drain tube yourself is usually a simple 10-15 minute job. But is professional installation worth considering for some extra peace of mind?

Here are the pros and cons of paying for professional drain tube installation:

Pros

• Experts can perfectly position and secure the drain tube
• No chance of leaks from amateur holes or sealing
• Professionals have specialized tools and equipment
• You don’t have to crawl under your truck bed!

Cons

• Adds an extra upfront cost
• Simple DIY install may be sufficient
• Less control over precise placement
• Risk of paying for unneeded services

In summary:

Professional installation makes the most sense for long bed trucks where positioning the 9 foot tube can be trickier. Beyond that, DIY is usually successful as long as you carefully follow the instructions. But if in doubt, hiring a pro takes the hassle out of drain tube setup.

Making Your Drain Tube Winter-Ready

If you live in cold winter climates, your Retrax drain tube needs some special precautions to survive ice, snow and freezing temperatures. Here are my top winterization tips:

• Completely remove water from the tube when not in use. Any residual water will freeze and expand.
• Store the drain tube in a warmer location like a garage to prevent cracking.
• Use silicone or closed cell foam to seal the hole and prevent cold air intrusion.
• Monitor for ice blockages which can damage the tube if water accumulates and freezes inside.
• Consider using an aluminum drain tube rather than PVC for maximum cold weather durability.
• Make sure snow buildup on your tonneau cover can’t block the drain tube opening.
• Apply anti-icing spray to the drain spout to prevent freezing shut.

With a few cold weather accommodations, your drain tube can continue protecting your truck bed from water damage all winter long.

Using Drain Tubes With Other Truck Bed Accessories

Will adding a Retrax drain tube interfere with any other truck bed accessories you have installed?

Thankfully, drain tubes are compatible with most common truck bed add-ons including:

• Bedliners – Both spray-on and drop-in bedliners work fine with a drain tube system. Just leave access open for the tube.
• Bed rails – You can easily run drain tubes around or under bed rails.
• Bed covers – Use with soft roll-up or folding covers. Be sure to seal around the spout.
• Bed extenders – Drain tubes have no conflicts extending into the cab area.
• Cargo racks/track systems – Route the tube around or under racks and tracks.
• Lights – Interior bed lighting casts no shadows or interference.
• Storage boxes – Boxes should have cutouts or gaps for routing the drain tube through.

The only exception is storage systems or racks that fully rest on the floor. These may need slight modification or custom fabrication to integrate with a drain tube.

The Bottom Line

Hopefully this comprehensive guide has cleared up any questions surrounding Retrax tonneau cover drain tubes. The key takeaways:

• Drain tubes prevent rust, mildew and water damage
• Correct sizing and positioning are crucial for proper drainage
• Maintenance involves occasional cleaning and inspecting for damage
• Use OEM Retrax tubes for guaranteed compatibility and fit

Adding this simple accessory provides huge benefits for your truck bed’s protection and longevity. With the right drain tube in place, you can keep your gear dry and enjoy years of utility from your pickup. So don’t wait – order a Retrax drain tube today and take your tonneau cover protection to the next level!