Pace Edwards UltraGroove Metal vs. Full Metal Jackrabbit

Question:

I currently have a Pace Edwards Full Metal Jackrabbit with Explorer Rails installed on an F-150. I am upgrading to a 2021 RAM 3500 and am comparing the PE FMJ Item # 311-FED7833 with the UltraGroove Metal Retractable cover Item # 311-KMD7833. What are the key differences? It looks as thought the UltraGroove has a slightly different look, slightly better water channeling, and the handle is located underneath the cover. I am very happy with the FMJ on my F-150, but wondering if the UltraGroove is a betterinch cover.

asked by: J L

Expert Reply:

The Pace Edwards UltraGroove Metal Retractable Hard Tonneau Cover - Aluminum - Matte Black Item # Item # 311-KMD7833 and the Pace Edwards Full-Metal JackRabbit Retractable Hard Tonneau Cover w Explorer Series Rails - Aluminum Item # 311-FED7833 for the 2021 Ram 3500 are very similar in a lot of ways however; do have minor differences that would come down to personal preference.

Both are canister style, retractable, have T-slots to add ladder racks or cross bars and are durable aluminum construction. The main differences, however minor, are what I would look at when choosing. The Ultra Groove cover rails sit about 1-1/2" above the bed rail so the cover is not flush. The rails also sit 2-1/2" inside the bed rails so they are a little wider. The canister is about 12-1/2" wide so you lose a little space there. That being said this cover has a latch on the inside of the cover so it cannot be accessed if the tailgate is locked or closed. It also has front and rear drain hoses where most covers only provide front hoses at the canister so it allows for better drainage. With this cover not being a flush mounted cover it provides a little extra room for covering a fifth wheel hitch that you may want to leave in the bed of the truck.

The Full-Metal JackRabbit is a flush mounted cover. The canister is 11-1/2" wide and the rails are only 1-1/2" inside the bed rails so it offers a little extra room all around. It has a lockable outside latch that doesn't require you to have the tailgate open to access anything in the bed. The cover is an auto retract so when the latch is unlocked and twisted, a slight push on the cover and it retracts on its own. Keep in mind with a flush mounted cover you loose height if you are considering leaving a fifth wheel hitch in the bed.

In my opinion if you plan on adding a fifth wheel hitch I would go with the UltraGroove. Because it sits above the rails it allows more room to cover the hitch when not in use. Also having the drain hoses at the front and rear of the cover allows for better drainage.

expert reply by: Shane H