Roll-N-Lock Retractable Tonneau Cover

A lot of Toyota Tundra owners opt for a hard-shell bed cover for one simple reason: security. If you’ve got cargo to protect, then a soft top cover just isn’t going to cut it, and neither will many of the rollback tonneau covers that aren’t able to stand up to a determined attack from a tool-wielding thief.

Roll-N-Lock has been building truck accessories for close to 20 years, and their latest and greatest product is the Roll-N-Lock retractable tonneau cover. This special unit combines an aluminum structure with a vinyl laminate in order to provide the best balance between looks and protection for all of the gear that is stowed in your truck bed. Its special construction allows it to offer the versatility of a rollable cover that is stronger than most typical fiberglass options.

The Roll-N-Lock tonneau cover in action

The Roll-N-Lock cover comes in two flavors – M-Series and E-Series. Both feature the same retractable cover that automatically rolls up into a housing mounted at the front of the bed, and both feature a key lock that integrates with the tailgate to keep both the cover and the cargo bed’s rear opening secure. The housing itself is claimed to be the smallest in the industry, taking up a maximum of eight and a quarter inches of cargo bed depth on long box pickups (seven and a quarter on short beds).

Once retracted, the Roll-N-Lock Cover doesn't take up much space in the cargo bed.

The cover’s aluminum slats lock together when the cover is deployed, yet are completely hidden underneath the vinyl laminate. A system of clamps holds the cover to the truck bed, much like most other tonneau cover options, and the Roll-N-Lock can be locked in three different opening positions.

Note: There’s a quick YouTube video that demonstrates how the system works, but for some inexplicable reason we can’t embed it here.

The M-Series is the Manual edition of the Roll-N-Lock. The speed at which the housing retracts (the cover is spring loaded to aid in roll-up) can be controlled via the same strap that is used to pull the cover back into place. Simple stuff.

The E-Series is the Electric version that also adds the extra wrinkle of remote controlled access, which can be very useful when loading and unloading your truck with your arms full. The E-Series makes use of a 12-volt motor located in the housing to retract and deploy the tonneau cover as needed.

The Roll-N-Lock E-Series also comes with an automatic cargo light and an access lid so that you can get at the forward housing to clean it as needed. For those worried about being locked out of your truck bed should the motor fail, each electric Roll-N-Lock comes with a manual spring drive option for use in emergencies.

The Roll-N-Lock Cargo Manager

Roll-N-Lock also offers a product called the Cargo Manager, which is a bed divider designed to be used with its tonneau covers. The device can be moved up and down the cargo bed in three-inch increments, and can also be flipped up and out of the way to accommodate longer items.

There is no doubt that the Roll-N-Lock tonneau covers are strong. The company even features a video of someone banging on the cover with a hammer in an unsuccessful attempt to break in. That security comes with a price however, as the Roll-N-Lock retails for between $900 and $1,200 depending on the model (check both AutoAnything and StreetSideAuto for the best deal). This makes it a bit pricier than several standard fiberglass covers. The Cargo Manager comes in at around $240.

Despite its higher price, the Roll-N-Lock cover makes a strong case as a sound investment when it comes to protecting your cargo from theft. The convenience of the retractable tonneau cover is a major point in its favor, as it adds safety and security without sacrificing the versatility of your truck.