Retrax ProMX drain tube locations

[bndawgs]

Guys, I'm looking for opinions on what I should do with the drain tubes from my Retrax. Simplest option is to just route the driver's side down into the large factory drain hole and then use a reducer on the other side.

 

However, that would limit my ability to slide anything all the way to the front of the bed underneath the canister, ie plywood, drywall, etc.

 

So I was thinking about drilling some holes about 4"-5" up from the bottom and routing the drain tubes out them in between the cab and the bed. Obviously some are opposed to drilling the bed, but if you drill, then use rust inhibitor and painting immediately, is there really much danger? I'd ad some rubber grommets to the holes as well.

 

Thoughts?

[Sierra706]

Guys, I'm looking for opinions on what I should do with the drain tubes from my Retrax. Simplest option is to just route the driver's side down into the large factory drain hole and then use a reducer on the other side.

 

However, that would limit my ability to slide anything all the way to the front of the bed underneath the canister, ie plywood, drywall, etc.

 

So I was thinking about drilling some holes about 4"-5" up from the bottom and routing the drain tubes out them in between the cab and the bed. Obviously some are opposed to drilling the bed, but if you drill, then use rust inhibitor and painting immediately, is there really much danger? I'd ad some rubber grommets to the holes as well.

 

Thoughts?

There are plugs you can remove to open up a gap. Or if you have a drop in Berliner you'll have to find the exact spot and drill through the liner to find the hole in the sheet metal

 

 

 

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[bndawgs]

There are plugs you can remove to open up a gap. Or if you have a drop in Berliner you'll have to find the exact spot and drill through the liner to find the hole in the sheet metal

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The retrax canister sits down below the factory cargo tie down holes. So I can't use those.

[Sierra706]

The retrax canister sits down below the factory cargo tie down holes. So I can't use those.

Ahh I see. Should have associated retrax with retractable.

 

 

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[bndawgs]

I'll get some pics up tonight to show what I'm talking about.

[bndawgs]

Here's my current drain tube set up I will probably end up drilling new holes out the back of the bed eventually.

 

[polarisnchevy]

Before I had my linex installed I drilled two new holes in the bed in the corner. They are outside the area a sheet of plywood would slide up so no worries about that. Was pretty hard drilling two holes in the bed of a new truck though.

[SierraOnTheRoad]

On 4/8/2017 at 9:20 PM, bndawgs said:

Here's my current drain tube set up I will probably end up drilling new holes out the back of the bed eventually.

 

About to install a RetraxPro cover and have been hesitant to drill out the passenger side far right drain hole for the OD of the drain tube.

 

Is that a brass reducer in the last photo for the passenger side drain tube?

 

If so... what size reducer if you recall?

[bndawgs]

24 minutes ago, SierraOnTheRoad said:

About to install a RetraxPro cover and have been hesitant to drill out the passenger side far right drain hole for the OD of the drain tube.

 

Is that a brass reducer in the last photo for the passenger side drain tube?

 

If so... what size reducer if you recall?

Here it is I believe.  Or something very similar.  After going with it for awhile, I ended up just drilling out the other side hole to fit the tube as I found out that the brass adapter would get clogged with dirt or other debris and it would leak out from the gasket.    I almost drilled holes out the back of the bed towards the cab, so I could slide stuff all the way to the back but never did. 

 

I'm interested to see how your cover does.  Mine is coming up on 3 yrs old and it's leaking from in between the panels and also from the drain tube gaskets.  Not too happy about that.  

Edited May 6, 2019 by bndawgs
added link

[SierraOnTheRoad]

3 minutes ago, bndawgs said:

Pretty sure I got it at Home Depot and I got the idea from a thread on here I believe.  I'm trying to find out what it was called.  I want to say the end into the bed was 1/8" and the other side screwed into the drain tube.  I ended up just drilling out the other side hole to fit the tube as I found out that the brass adapter would get clogged with dirt or other debris and it would leak out from the gasket.    I almost drilled holes out the back of the bed towards the cab, so I could slide stuff all the way to the back but never did. 

 

I'm interested to see how your cover does.  Mine is coming up on 3 yrs old and it's leaking from in between the panels and also from the drain tube gaskets.  Not too happy about that.  

Yep... that original small weep hole on the far right side can't be more than an 1/8" in OD... which could easily cause any decent amount of water to back up right to the canister should any small item clog it.

 

Like so many... looking for a reasonable option before drilling.

 

As far as leaking between the metal slats (assuming that is where you're referring to)... I've seen videos of such and it was a concern... but also know of owners of the RetraxPro who say they haven't seen that happen... just water near the tailgate.

 

How long did it take for those leaks to appear?... since you've had it for 3 years.

[bndawgs]

1 minute ago, SierraOnTheRoad said:

Yep... that original small weep hole on the far right side can't be more than an 1/8" in OD... which could easily cause any decent amount of water to back up right to the canister should any small item clog it.

 

Like so many... looking for a reasonable option before drilling.

 

As far as leaking between the metal slats (assuming that is where you're referring to)... I've seen videos of such and it was a concern... but also know of owners of the RetraxPro who say they haven't seen that happen... just water near the tailgate.

 

How long did it take for those leaks to appear?... since you've had it for 3 years.

I'm actually on my 2nd one.  I showed them a video of it leaking after about 2 months and they sent me a new canister.  i think the first canister was old stock because the sides of it were clear as opposed to black on the current one.   I'm not sure when this 2nd one started to leak between the slats as I learned to just deal with it.  But I'm going to video it leaking again and send it to them to see if they'll warranty this one as well.   I love the cover, but hate that so much water gets in the bed now between the slats and also the drain plug gaskets.   

[SierraOnTheRoad]

1 minute ago, bndawgs said:

I'm actually on my 2nd one.  I showed them a video of it leaking after about 2 months and they sent me a new canister.  i think the first canister was old stock because the sides of it were clear as opposed to black on the current one.   I'm not sure when this 2nd one started to leak between the slats as I learned to just deal with it.  But I'm going to video it leaking again and send it to them to see if they'll warranty this one as well.   I love the cover, but hate that so much water gets in the bed now between the slats and also the drain plug gaskets.   

On a positive note... great to hear of that customer service... but disappointing to hear the leaking with the second canister.

 

Love the look of the cover too... picked up the XR since they were running a promotion for the last 2 weeks of April. 

 

XR is the RetraxPro MX with the T-Slots... mail in promotion gets a set of Yakima cross bars (Short Rack Package) incl. Towers, Pads, and Locks. Promotion ended 4/30

 

 

[bndawgs]

That XR looks pretty sweet.  good luck with the install and enjoy the cover

[SierraOnTheRoad]

Currently installing the Retrax Pro XR and have a question for those with any Retrax cover.... as I think this question would pertain to all of them.

 

The weather seal for the canister's top plate that sits on the bed near the cab window... it extends past the Retrax rails by a small amount on each side. I see their installation manual references that it should be trimmed to NOT extend past the bed rail caps.

 

Currently there is a small gap as it rises over the bed rail cap and under the Retrax rail... I see this as a possible water entrance if not trimmed.

 

Can anyone offer any insight on this matter?

 

So many videos I've seen from resellers showing the installation do not mention trimming it and show it extending past the Retrax rails.

 

See note on page 3 of their PDF

https://truck-hero.com/images/Install_Guides/RetraxRetractableBedCoverInstallInstructionsRev73018.pdf