I am considering buying a rectractable cover, most likely a retrax, but I was wondering if it gets in the way when you haul ATVs? I currently have a regular tonneau cover and I hate it. I want to get the retractable one but I am not sure how well it works when you haul and ATV. Thanks for any info.

 

The only problems you would run into is spacing issues. I forget how much space the Retrax takes up in the front of your bed, but once you find that out, your plan of action is pretty simple.

Measure your ATV from front to back and compare that to your bed minus the Retrax. If you have enough room, you're good to go, if not, your SOL.

 

Thanks for the reply Todd, I should have been more specific about what I was asking. What I was wanting to know if that while you had your ATV in the back, if it did any kind of damadge to the cover.

 

I haul a Polaris 500 in the back of my 04 screw. I utilize a block of wood that sticks out a few inches from where my panels lay from my retractable cover. Then I load the atv and have the front tire(s) but up against the wood block, I cinch down the straps and attach my bed extender and away I go. No problems at all even traveling over rough dirt roads.

 

How do they work with dirtbikes?

 

Jackal
I would have to think the same technique would apply. Just make a stopping point of the front tire before the panels or whatever your retractable cover has and you should be all good. Especially if you have several tow straps that have both rear and forward tension points that would prevent forward or rear movement of the bike or ATV.

Personally, I have a love hate relationship with my Peragon cover because covers tend to be in the way 70% of the time in which you need to utilize a pick up for. If not needing the lockable hidden storage for Mexico fishing trips, I would do without

 

Mexican fishing trips? ...and they say not to drink the water? Hahaha...how far do the retractable systems "stick-out" past the edge of the bed? Work with bedliners? I have a Flareside. I tie strap two dirtbikes in side by side. Straps go from right side handlebars on each to right side lower mount in bed, and same for the left side. Straps run through front wheel of each other. Thanks!!!

 

Jackal
I do not know to much about the water since I tend to live on a diet of Dos XX

I can only speak of my peragon cover. It sticks out a good 8 inches or so from the front of the bed. However, there is a cross member brace towards the bottom that sticks out 10" - 12" and runs the entire width of the bed. It cuts my space considerably and since I have a short enough bed already, the extra space it takes up sucks. However, it does seem to give me enough room for what I need it for so I can not complain to much. Another concern may be with 2 dirt bikes. There are railings that overhang inside the bed that takes up an inch or so on each side which reduces you cargo area a few inches. Yhey do not appear to be very heavy duty. I do not think a bed liner should cause any problems.

 

Thanks man.

 

I'm looking into getting a slide cover, has anyone got the Roll-n-Lock or the PE models and if so how do you like it, any problems?

 

Even if the ATV does fit, I wouldn't want the ATV bumper pushing on the box of the retractable cover. Make sure you have plenty of clearance (dunno what bed or ATV you have) and can strap it down against the tailgate.

 

^^^ Thats why I started this thread, should have been more clear. I really like the covers but I don't want it to put pressure on it while I have the ATV in the back, since I have a crewcab and the short bed. I like what az04 said about the block and would probably do that if I get the bed cover.

 

Duh! (looks at your name)

My guess is that no ATV will fit with the tailgate up and a retractable cover's box in the front of the bed. I have a 2003 Supercrew, so your bed is different, but the length is similar. My Honda 300EX fits with the front bumper fitting the front wall of the bed and the tailgate pushing on the rear tires. My 400EX does not fit with the tailgate closed. That is without any cover on the bed. 9-12" for the canister means only kiddie quads will fit with the gate up.

How about a cheap trailer?

I have the Access Cover. it's a love/hate relationship. It leaks, but works so easily and doesn't have the cold weather shrinkage problem, at least as bad as an old Extang I had.

 

I have a trailer already, my trailer ,but I will be picking up my ATV that I left back home in West Virginia and was not wanting to pull the trailer for that trip to Louisiana. It looks like I will be doing the trailer, it will be easier.

 

My trailer is almost the the same, but a different brand. 6.5x12" with 4' gate/ramp. You can always leave the tailgate down and strap it in place. That will save you towing the trailer that far. Or, remove the bed cover before the trip.