SEMA 2022 Preview: Retrax EV and IX Retractable Truck Bed Covers

With the SEMA Show just about eight weeks away, there’s great anticipation and excitement to see the latest product drops and product demos from the biggest and best in the aftermarket. Last year brought in an estimated 51,000 buyers with more than 1,000 exhibitors — and this year is expected to be just as big, if not bigger. To help temper your anticipation for the show, we’re looking at some exciting product debuts.

Two big standouts for 2022 are the Retrax EV and Retrax IX. Part of the RealTruck family of brands (formerly Truck Hero—the company changed its name earlier this summer), Retrax specializes in top-quality tonneau covers. These two products offer plenty of convenient features for truck owners who want a little extra security and bed production for their ride.

Retrax EV

If you attended SEMA 2021 or followed some of the product demos, you might be getting some déjà vu with the Retrax EV. The company initially previewed the rolling cover at last year’s show with a projected release date of mid-2022. But, like countless other products, the cover suffered the effects of ongoing supply chain snarls. Thankfully, it looks like this year, the Retrax EV will get a new preview at SEMA 2022 with a release date of January 2023.

What makes it different?

Another rolling cover; what’s the big deal, right? Well, for the Retrax EV, there are a few essential standout qualities. For starters, the “EV” part of the product name refers to the electrical component of the cover. The aluminum-based EV replaces the Retrax Powertrax, and its electrical design is just the tip of the iceberg.

Here are some big takeaways we’ve learned so far:

• Control flexibility: The cover is controlled by three options; your OEM keyfob, a keypad on the side of the truck cab, or Retrax’s cellphone app. And with the app, you can drop and raise the tailgate, lock and unlock your truck, and open and close the cover.
• Upgraded lighting: The Retrax EV has two seven-inch LED strips mounted on both sides of the cover’s interior, so you’ll always have ample lighting.
• More fitments: The cover features a T-slot design that makes it compatible with most major brands like Rhino-Rack, Thule, and Yakima.
• Sleek design and fit: The slats on the Retrax EV are narrower, requiring a smaller canister to store the rolled-up cover. That gives you more bedspace without sacrificing security or quality. And the sleek design is coupled with a lower-noise motor which isn’t necessarily a deal breaker but a nice-to-have. Especially if you’re taking that truck into the great outdoors and want as little noise as possible.

The cover maintains the 500-pound weight capacity like previous versions and has a quick-release function in the unlikely event that the electronics fail (or, more likely, your cellphone battery dies). Retrax also bumped up coverage on the EV to a 5-year from a 3-year warranty on previous models.

Retrax IX

While the Retrax IX isn’t a brand-new product, it’s been a Canada-only product until recently. Retrax plans to give the IX a full U.S. preview at the 2022 show since the product also holds quite a few benefits for truck owners on this side of the border.

Like the Retrax EV, the IX also boasts a rugged aluminum construction. Bolstering this structure is a powder-coated matte black finish, built to stand up against the elements.

Other standout features

The Retrax IX boasts an easy, no-drill installation which the manufacturer says can be performed in a half hour. A set of bolt-on clamps secure the cover in place, which means if you ever upgrade trucks, or just want to swap it out to one of your other rides, you’ll be able to do so relatively quickly. Also worth noting:

• Upgraded canister: The Retrax IX’s cover canister has a customized spiral design to reduce wear and tear on the cover when rolled up. The canister also has a flush-mounted design to prevent water and dirt from getting inside.
• Quick-release handle: Drivers just pull the quick-release handle on the driver’s side of the truck to open the cover, and it glides smoothly over a set of roller bearings that reduce binding and the need for extra maintenance. Plus, that single-hand, easy release makes everything more convenient if you need to open the bed cover while your hands are full with a 50-pound bag of cement mix or topsoil.
• Customizable locking positions: The cover has three different positions, so you can adjust the cover based on your needs and load configuration. And there are moveable latch stops, so you can customize your locking positions based on your preference.

That’s a quick snapshot of some exciting product releases slotted for SEMA 2022. We’ll have more exciting news soon!

The Retrax Difference

Founded in 1996, Retrax has been in the truck accessories game long enough to learn a thing or two. For almost 25 years, the company has maintained a stellar reputation for not just high-quality truck bed covers, but high-end truck bed covers, as well. Striving for excellence and unique innovations in design, development, and manufacturing, Retrax products are like the Dream Team of tonneaus. And really, when you’re venturing down paths-less-traveled, you want the Dream Team on your side.