Finding a tonneau cover that does more than just sit there covering your truck bed can be tough.
The Pace Edwards UltraGroove Manual Retractable isn’t your basic soft cover that flaps around in the wind.
It’s a retractable aluminum cover with built-in rack compatibility that lets you haul gear on top while keeping your bed secure below.
What makes this cover special is how it combines American-made quality with real versatility.
Built by Pace Edwards right here in the USA, it’s designed to handle whatever you throw at it.
We’ll break down everything you need to know about this cover, from its rack system to how well it keeps the rain out.
Pace Edwards UltraGroove Manual Retractable Tonneau Cover Specifications
- Brand: Pace Edwards
- Material: Aluminum with ArmorTek Vinyl Overlay
- Finish: Vinyl Grain
- Opening Style: Manual Retractable
- Warranty: 5 Year Limited Warranty
- Installation: No-Drill (most applications)
- Made In: USA
- Special Features: Rail Expansion System, Intermittent Locking
- Best For: Truck owners who want rack compatibility and secure bed access
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Built-in Rail Expansion System works with Pace Edwards, Thule, and Yakima racks
- Locks every 12 inches so you can haul tall cargo with partial bed access
- ArmorTek overlay gives you extra protection and a smooth, soft finish
- Pull strap lets you close the cover from the tailgate – no walking around the truck
- Improved seals and drain tubes keep water out better than older models
- No-drill installation with simple turn-knob clamps on most trucks
Cons
- Manual operation means no remote control convenience
- Some trucks may require drilling for drain tube installation
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Turn Your Truck Into a Gear-Hauling Machine
The Rail Expansion System is what sets this cover apart from the crowd. Instead of just covering your bed, you can mount Pace Edwards, Thule, or Yakima racks right on top.
This means you can haul kayaks, surfboards, skis, or cargo baskets up top while still using your truck bed below. Going to the lake? Mount your kayak rack and pack all your camping gear in the bed.
The rails are built into the cover itself, so they’re not some flimsy add-on. They’re designed to handle real weight without wobbling or coming loose on the highway.
You get the best of both worlds – a secure bed cover and a roof rack system all in one package.
Lock It Down Exactly Where You Need It
The intermittent locking system lets you secure the cover every 12 inches along the bed. This isn’t just about security – it’s about flexibility.
Need to haul something tall like a toolbox or cooler? Lock the cover partway open and you’ve got partial bed access while keeping the rest covered and secure.
This beats having to choose between fully open or fully closed like most covers force you to do. You can customize how much bed space you need for each job.
The locking mechanism is solid and gives you real peace of mind that your gear stays put.
Built Tougher Than It Needs to Be
The aluminum slats get an extra layer of protection with Pace’s ArmorTek overlay. This isn’t just about looks – it’s a padded polymer that adds real protection against dings and scratches.
The ArmorTek gives you a smooth, soft finish that won’t scratch your gear when you’re loading and unloading. It also helps the cover resist weather damage better than plain aluminum.
This is the kind of construction that lasts for years, not months. The materials are chosen to handle everything from desert heat to winter ice storms.
When you’re investing in a tonneau cover, you want something that’ll still look good and work right after years of hard use.
Close It From the Tailgate Like a Pro
The pull strap means you never have to walk around to the side of your truck to close the cover. Just grab the strap from the tailgate and pull – that’s it.
The Continuous Tension Spring does most of the work for you, helping pull the cover back into the canister smoothly. No fighting with a stubborn cover or straining your back.
This makes the cover way more convenient for daily use. When you’re in a hurry or dealing with bad weather, being able to close it quickly from one spot is huge.
The retraction action is smooth and consistent, not jerky or unpredictable like some cheaper covers.
Keeps Everything Bone-Dry, Rain or Shine
Pace Edwards upgraded the weather sealing with improved end caps that seal the rear corners better than before. The tailgate seal covers the full width, so there are no gaps for water to sneak through.
You get drain tubes for both front and rear of the bed to channel any water that does get in. Most trucks won’t need drilling for these, but some models might require it.
The weather protection is designed for real-world conditions, not just light drizzle. Heavy rain, snow, and road spray don’t stand a chance against these seals.
Your tools, equipment, and cargo stay dry even when Mother Nature isn’t cooperating.
Set It Up Yourself Without Breaking a Sweat
The no-drill installation uses simple turn-knob clamps that work on most trucks. No need for wrenches, drill bits, or complicated hardware.
The clamps are designed to grip securely without damaging your truck’s bed rails. They’re the kind of hardware that stays tight but comes off clean if you ever need to remove the cover.
Most truck owners can get this installed in their driveway without calling in favors or hiring help. The instructions are straightforward and the hardware makes sense.
Being able to install it yourself saves money and means you can get it set up on your schedule, not someone else’s.
How We Rate the Pace Edwards UltraGroove Manual Retractable Tonneau Cover
Versatility & Rack Compatibility: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Rail Expansion System is a game-changer that works with major rack brands. Being able to haul gear on top while keeping your bed secure below gives you way more options than a basic cover. This is exactly what truck owners need for real versatility.
Build Quality & Durability: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The aluminum construction with ArmorTek overlay is solid and built to last. The materials and finish are clearly designed for long-term use, and being made in America shows in the quality. It’s not the absolute heaviest-duty cover out there, but it’s built right.
Weather Protection: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The improved seals and drain tubes do a good job keeping water out in normal conditions. The full-width tailgate seal and corner caps are well-designed. Some users might want even more aggressive weather sealing for extreme conditions, but this handles typical weather just fine.
Ease of Use: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The pull strap and tension spring make daily operation smooth and convenient. The intermittent locking every 12 inches gives you flexibility most covers don’t offer. Manual operation means no remote convenience, but the mechanical system is reliable and simple.
Installation Ease: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
No-drill installation with turn-knob clamps makes this accessible for most DIY truck owners. The hardware is well-designed and the process is straightforward. Some trucks might need drilling for drain tubes, which keeps it from being perfect, but most installations are hassle-free.
Value for Money: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
You’re paying for American-made quality and the unique rail system, which justifies the price point. The versatility and build quality deliver good value for truck owners who need more than basic bed coverage. It’s not the cheapest option, but you get what you pay for.
Overall Rating: 4.2/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is an excellent choice for truck owners who want rack compatibility without sacrificing bed security. The combination of American-made quality, versatile rail system, and solid weather protection makes it stand out from basic covers. Skip it only if you need remote operation or want the absolute cheapest option available.
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Final Thoughts
The UltraGroove delivers real value if you need more than just basic bed coverage. The rail system and build quality justify the investment for truck owners who actually use their trucks for work and play.
It’s perfect for anyone who hauls recreational gear, needs flexible bed access, or wants American-made quality that lasts. The rack compatibility alone makes it worth considering if you’re tired of choosing between bed security and hauling gear up top.
Skip it if you just want the cheapest cover possible or need remote operation. But if you want a cover that grows with your needs and handles serious daily use, this one delivers.
Your truck deserves gear that works as hard as you do, and the UltraGroove is built to earn its keep every single day.
