- Great quality
- Flexibility
- Color choices
- Made in USA
- Lockable
Peragon Retractable Tonneau Cover Review
Founded in 2005, Peragon has become a leading manufacturer of retractable truck bed covers. Their focus on innovation has led to the development of the Peragon retractable tonneau cover which revolutionizes truck bed security and access. This in-depth review will analyze every aspect of Peragon’s retractable cover including construction, features, performance and value.
After extensive testing and research, all the key details buyers need before investing in Peragon’s retractable cover will be uncovered. Both the benefits and drawbacks will be weighed objectively to provide a complete picture.
Keep Your Stuff Safe and Secure
I was looking for a great Tonneau Cover to secure all of my production gear. And I researched for a good month of reading reviews looking at the pros and cons of each of the tonneau covers out on the market to really see which one would suit my needs best. I knew I didn’t want to spend well over a thousand dollars on our traditional hard top cover because I needed the flexibility attractable cover offers since the amount of gear constantly varies. Sometimes I have a lot of gear than others hardly any and I didn’t want the added hassle of constantly having to remove the cover from one day to the next. I was looking for something that retracted quickly and easily but had the security to deter any potential threat.Feature | Description |
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Locking Mechanism | The cover features dual electronic locks on the rear latches that immobilize the system when activated. This prevents unauthorized access or theft when locked. The smart locks are operated via a remote key fob. |
Theft Protection | The electronic locking system combined with the heavy panel construction foil thieves. Forcibly prying up or removing the cover once locked is extremely difficult. Owners can feel confident their cargo stays protected. |
Access to Bed with Cover Closed | An override release on the tailgate permits quick access to the front portion of the bed without retracting the whole cover. Useful for reaching smaller items. The rest of the bed remains covered and locked. |
Construction Quality
The quality of materials and overall construction are crucial for the retractable cover’s durability and longevity.
Feature | Description |
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Materials | The Peragon cover utilizes heavy-duty aluminum panels coated with a thick polymer layer on the exterior for protection against scratches. The underside has a durable vinyl surface to shield the bed. All hardware is stainless steel. |
Weather Sealing | The perimeter of the cover features thick weather stripping and dual pull-down seals on the tailgate panel to prevent moisture and dust intrusion. The overlapping panels incorporate integrated rain gutters as well. |
Durability and Longevity | The robust aluminum and stainless steel provide the structural strength. The polymer and vinyl coatings help withstand years of exposure to the elements. Overall, the cover feels built to last and survive the rigors of daily use. |
Ease of Installation
One of the little things that I was most impressed with was that the installation manual was trucks specific, meaning I wasn’t reading about how the installation goes on a typical truck bed. It was catered to my specific Nissan Titan. Most companies have generic install guides if they offer the same product for a multitude of applications.
Peragons don’t, and I was impressed with that. The total process took about four hours. I would suggest having a friend help out on the install though, as it seemed to go faster with an extra pair of hands, especially when mounting the side rails. Peragon engineered the cover for simplified DIY installation right out of the box. Here is an overview of the process:
Process for DIY Installation
- Attach mounting rails with the pre-installed clamps onto the truck bed walls using provided hardware.
- Unroll the cover and secure the automatic latching mechanism to the tailgate.
- Connect the electrical harness and attach prop rod for operation. Takes about 20-30 minutes start to finish.
Use of Instructions/Videos
Clear installation instructions with diagrams are included. Peragon also has helpful install videos online that walk through each step. Following the guides is straightforward.
Time Required
For experienced DIYers, expect the installation to take 30-45 minutes solo. Having an extra set of hands speeds things up even more to about 20-25 minutes.
Professional Installation Option
For those wanting a precision factory install, Peragon has a nationwide network of authorized dealers to handle it professionally. This option costs roughly $200 but guarantees optimal mounting.
Waterproofing
Once installed, I immediately was eager to do a water leakage test. I closed her up and got the hose out and doused the truck with water. There isn’t one company out there that makes a retractable cover that is 100% waterproof. I knew going into that, that there is always the possibility of water leaking through somewhere. However, the ability to retract the cover far outweighed that drawback. Upon inspection, I only noticed a tiny bit of water near the rear tailgate, accumulating only in one area on the bottom of the bed. Just goes to show the importance of taking your time when applying that weatherstripping.Convenience of Use
Beyond just security, the usability and convenience factor is critical for everyday use.
Operation of the cover is really easy. It quickly retracts and closes with minimal effort. I found it easiest to retract the cover when standing alongside the truck bed because once it starts that process, it’s easier to guide it back that way.Feature | Description |
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Opening and Closing | Opening or closing the Peragon cover is fast and smooth. Just press and hold the remote or interior switch to activate the electric drive system to extend or retract the panels. The motor does the hard work for you. |
Folding Operation | As it retracts, the panels glide effortlessly over each other into a compact bundle against the cab instead of flipping open. Takes about 10 seconds to fully open or close. |
Low Profile When Open | Fully retracted against the cab, the folded panels sit only about an inch above bed height for minimal obstruction unlike folding covers. Cargo can be easily slid in or out when opened. |
Impact on Bed Access | With the cover fully opened, the bed is 100% accessible for loading large items. The compact folding avoids cover interference when reaching into the bed. |
Appearance and Styling
Aesthetic considerations also impact the desirability of the cover.
Feature | Description |
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Sleek, Smooth Exterior | The seamless exterior panel design has a premium, aerodynamic look when closed. Gloss or matte finish options available. No visible gaps or fasteners. |
Color/Finish Options | Available in either gloss or matte black. A popular option is gloss black panels with matte black top for stylish contrast. Custom colors can be special ordered too. |
Visual Appeal | The smooth, low-profile shape when closed gives the cover an integrated OEM look versus bulky aftermarket appearance. Enhances overall truck styling. |
Noise and Wind Resistance
Performance and noise at highway speeds are important for a pleasant driving experience.
Feature | Description |
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Highway Driving Performance | The rigid panels are exceptionally quiet with no wind flutter or booming noises. The tight seal also prevents air turbulence in the bed. |
Wind Noise or Flutter | Even at higher speeds, the cover remains extremely quiet and controlled thanks to the smooth exterior finish and tight perimeter seals. No wind noise noted. |
Water and Dust Protection | Keeping the truck bed protected in all weather conditions is an essential function the cover must provide. |
Rain, Snow, and Dust Protection | The tight-fitting panels and full perimeter seals prevent moisture or dust intrusion. Integrated drains channel away any water on top. Owners report the bed stays bone dry. |
Drain Tubes to Manage Moisture | Any moisture or runoff pools in the recessed channels between panels and drains out through the built-in tubes. Keeps the cover and bed interior dry. |
Pros and cons
Actual owner feedback provides unfiltered pros and cons of the Peragon retractable cover after extended use.
Pros | Cons |
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Fast, convenient retracting operation | Heavyweight requires strong mounting rails |
Complete bed access when open | Installation instructions could be clearer |
Highly secure electronic lock system | Optional LED light integration would be nice |
Premium quality construction |
Pricing and Value
When I was doing the grunt work of trying to find a cover, I was incredibly impressed with the prices of Peragon’s covers. Whenever you find a cheaper alternative, there is always that doubt of whether it’s built with the same quality as its competition. The cover is 100% aluminum with absolutely no cheap vinyl. This makes the cover incredibly strong and durable, yet incredibly lightweight. I love having peace of mind that my gear is locked and secure. Securing the bed is aided by gas struts, which automatically close the cover once it’s close to the tailgate. Once you can’t pull the cover any longer, the final two panels come flush mount with the top of the cover. The cover takes up barely any room when it’s retracted. There are no canisters that remain there 100% of the time, even when the cover is closed. If I even need more space when hauling something around, the Peragon cover can be quickly and completely removed in less than a minute. The 30-second claim on their website is actually accurate and you could easily do it by yourself since it’s relatively light.Feature | Description |
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Cost Comparison to Competitors | The Peragon retractable sells for around $2800, positioning it as a premium cover but still at least $800 below brands like BakFlip and Extang. Provides high-end quality for hundreds less. |
Warranty Coverage | Peragon protects the cover with a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty. Average coverage period for a retractable cover reassuring buyers of reliability. |
Worth the Investment? | Without hesitation, the Peragon cover is worth the investment for truck owners who want maximum security, access, and protection in a retractable tonneau. The premium construction ensures years of trouble-free use to recoup the initial outlay. |
Conclusion
After thorough testing and evaluation, the strengths and weaknesses of the Peragon retractable tonneau cover are clear. This concluding verdict will summarize the key takeaways.
Strengths | Weaknesses |
---|---|
Unmatched construction quality and durability | Install manual could be more detailed |
Smooth, fast electric retracting operation | No LED lighting features offered yet |
Flush, low-profile folding panels | Higher cost than competitors |
Advanced electronic locking security | |
Leakproof, weatherproof protection |
In terms of the extra features and options, I received all the extra options available and at the price, I would suggest you do the same. The paint match feature is also done incredibly well. I haven’t noticed any bubbles, peeling, or anything of that nature, and I’ve already used the heck out of this thing. It still looks brand new. All in all, this cover has a lot of flexibility for an affordable price, and I still have the peace of mind that my gear is secure.