Retrax vs DiamondBack bed cover

[Iowagon]

Hey guys, spring is coming and I'm in the paralysis by over analysis phase on pulling the trigger on one of these two bed covers. I know they've been discussed in this forum before because that's how I discovered them but looking for help in me making a decision.

I've got a 2021 Power Wagon WITH Ramboxes.

On one hand, I think Retrax will look better with Ramboxes. I think the flush look will look better than the terraced look of the DiamondBack. I think the Retrax will give me a little bit better bed access but I qualify that in that I'm not tall enough to reach far into the bed from the sides.

I like the load bearing weight of the DiamondBack. I can see using it as a photography platform for my daughter's soccer games, sitting on it with lawn chairs, using it like scaffolding for hanging Christmas lights, even fishing from it. I don't have ATVs do that use is lost upon me.

My number one reason for either of these covers is security. I want a secure place to keep stuff when traveling. I'm not sure which is better. I suspect the DiamondBack but I don't know that for sure.

Weather resistance would be a nice to have. Not sure which is more water resistant. Maybe neither.

So any input from you guys which would help nudge me one way or the other would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

-AJ

 

[Pronto]

I've never figured out how people access the front of the bed with the diamondback.

 

[time2kyl]

I've never figured out how people access the front of the bed with the diamondback.

Open the front hatch.

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

Its just a tonneau cover just pick one at random and spend the time analyzing something important lol, my take on it.... but i dont care about details like that aslong as it keeps the majority of the snow out im happy

 

[pdavey]

Hey guys, spring is coming and I'm in the paralysis by over analysis phase on pulling the trigger on one of these two bed covers. I know they've been discussed in this forum before because that's how I discovered them but looking for help in me making a decision.

I've got a 2021 Power Wagon WITH Ramboxes.

On one hand, I think Retrax will look better with Ramboxes. I think the flush look will look better than the terraced look of the DiamondBack. I think the Retrax will give me a little bit better bed access but I qualify that in that I'm not tall enough to reach far into the bed from the sides.

I like the load bearing weight of the DiamondBack. I can see using it as a photography platform for my daughter's soccer games, sitting on it with lawn chairs, using it like scaffolding for hanging Christmas lights, even fishing from it. I don't have ATVs do that use is lost upon me.

My number one reason for either of these covers is security. I want a secure place to keep stuff when traveling. I'm not sure which is better. I suspect the DiamondBack but I don't know that for sure.

Weather resistance would be a nice to have. Not sure which is more water resistant. Maybe neither.

So any input from you guys which would help nudge me one way or the other would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

-AJ

I love the Diamond Back. It looks rugged, is strong as hell and very versatile. Easy to take off panels If you need to carry something tall.

Or easy to load stuff on top of it.

Works well with the ramboxes.

I also installed tracks on it so I can load up to 4 bikes, kayaks or whatever else you want.

BTW welcome to the PW family. I have a 2005 and 2019 Power Wagon.

Sent from my SM-G998U using Tapatalk

 

[Pronto]

Open the front hatch.

Yeah and then what?

 

[time2kyl]

Yeah and then what?

Grab what you need. I have an Amp side step easy enough.

 

[Pronto]

Ok, so the answer to my original question is to get an Amp side step. I understand now.

 

[Iowagon]

Grab what you need. I have an Amp side step easy enough.

I didn't know those exist. Thanks! Adding to my wish list.

 

[pdavey]

Or if you have a power wagon I would suggest white knuckle sliders

Sent from my SM-G998U using Tapatalk

 

[Epsilon Plus]

I'm getting a Retrax for my diesel family hauler but if I had a PW I would get the Diamondback style. It fits the trucks purpose better and would be a better overlanding accessory platform.

 

[mcspeed]

My old truck with BakFlip F1 lid. I bought it for security and strength. I could walk on top. Added yakima rails on bed rails and cross bars for kayaks and rack. Also hauled tandem bike up top.

Overall it was good but not enough space under cover. 5.5’ bed is part of the problem. With cross bars mounted I couldn’t open lid. Fairly quick to remove but just another hassle.

Decided on a fiberglass topper for new truck. It has drawbacks too but like to have more space under cover. With rails up top the kayaks are easy to mount as well.

I would think long and hard about how you wish to use your bed cover. Maybe even write down the pros and cons of the different options. Only you can decide on what will meet your needs.

Sharing what I found in hopes of you getting some ideas on what may or may not work for you.

 

[Iowagon]

Thanks McSpeed. I may be overanalyzing my pros and cons list.

One concern I have with the Retrax is there are so many moving parts and that equates to a greater risk of failure. I can envision alignment issues.

My Dad has a BakFlip and loves it. But prior to that he had soft covers. I'm not sure the BakFlip has as much security as the Retrax or DiamondBack. I like the look of yours in the picture.

I don't think I've heard anyone who owned a DiamondBack cover regret it, even with basically splitting the bed into halves.

 

[Stojanowski]

Thanks McSpeed. I may be overanalyzing my pros and cons list.

One concern I have with the Retrax is there are so many moving parts and that equates to a greater risk of failure. I can envision alignment issues.

My Dad has a BakFlip and loves it. But prior to that he had soft covers. I'm not sure the BakFlip has as much security as the Retrax or DiamondBack. I like the look of yours in the picture.

I don't think I've heard anyone who owned a DiamondBack cover regret it, even with basically splitting the bed into halves.

I have the bakflip and love it. That being said I took a hatchet to the sheet of ice on it and dinged the hell out of it. Still functional but don't think it will hold up to your needs.

Next on my wishlist is to replace the rock sliders with power steps

 

[KnuckleHead]

Funny, just saw this and went through the same thing. I have a 2014 1500 right now with a retrax. Love it. 7 1/2 years old and still working well. The only con is that it has lost the ability to lock mid bed, but I suspect if I put some time into it I could fix it.

I seriously considered the Diamond back for the new PW (still being shipped), but ultimately ordered another Retrax yesterday. The main reason was simply the way I use the truck. I do have ATVs and Snowmobiles that I carry in the bed, but I wouldnt feel right about loading them (especially a snowmobile) on top without the headache rack to stop me from running a ski into the cab. And the headache racks with ramboxes look goofy as **** IMO. So anyway, retrax for me. Also, they say the aluminum Retrax can take 500 lbs, although I have never had the need to sit or stand on it.

As for security, the Retrax is very good. I feel like whatever is in the bed is just as secure as what's in the cab, but looking at the Diamondback, it is probably more secure than a retrax if that is your main concern.

 

[Epsilon Plus]

I have the bakflip and love it. That being said I took a hatchet to the sheet of ice on it and dinged the hell out of it. Still functional but don't think it will hold up to your needs.

Next on my wishlist is to replace the rock sliders with power steps

Light hail dimpled my last one like crazy.

 

[Iowagon]

Light hail dimpled my last one like crazy.

Oooh, this is good to know. Because we do get hail. I suspect the Retrax is more susceptible o hail damage than the DiamondBack.

Thanks!

 

[John Jensen]

My neighbor puta DiamondBack on his 2019 3500 and I have to say it is very impressive for strenght and security. He added a sliding tray for easy access to his loaded item.

 

[time2kyl]

Oooh, this is good to know. Because we do get hail. I suspect the Retrax is more susceptible o hail damage than the DiamondBack.

Thanks!

I think the truck is more susceptible to hail damage than the diamondback...

 

[Iowagon]

I think the truck is more susceptible to hail damage than the diamondback...

LOL, true, true!