Roll-n-lock cover product test

After installing my Bedrug I was after a new tonneau cover. Wanting to be able to carry valuables in the ute, but still lock it and use it at the drop of a hat, I ruled out any sort of soft or one-piece hard covers.

I was surprised at how limited the options are for this kind of thing – basically I had two. The first option was more than $2000 and needed a professional to install it (they wouldn’t sell me the kit), the second option was the Roll-N-Lock you see here.

Luckily, Ash at Wolf 4x4 came to the rescue with a user-friendly kit to suit my Hilux SR5 dual cab.

The design utilises Roll-N-Lock’s patented clamp-on track design, which greatly simplifies the installation process and minimises the need for drilling holes on most tubs.

Following the instructions, installation was fairly straightforward and took me about three hours. It can be done on your own, but it’s easier with a friend.

“What sets Roll-N-Lock’s tonneau cover construction apart from others is not just the superior quality of the vinyl surface material, but also the design of the slatted aluminium substrate which supports the vinyl,” Roll-N-Lock said in a statement.

“It is the geometry of this uniquely contoured hinge that gives the tonneau cover its strength, its quiet, smooth, non-binding movement and its roll compactness.”

Close examination of the Roll-N-Lock hinge, in the flat position, reveals that each slat is inseparably locked together, yet when rotated no metal-to-metal contact occurs. Also, the housing for the cover, made of aluminium, is very compact and doesn’t waste ute space.

There are multiple latching positions. With just a turn of the lock-lever the Roll-N-Lock tonneau cover slides open. As the cover is pulled back, using the convenient built-in pull strap, the patented ratchet-style locking mechanism latches in place at quarter, half, three-quarter or fully-closed positions. A nice bonus is that the cover also locks the tailgate closed.

As far as being weatherproof, I have had the ute parked outside during recent storms and thanks to the supplied drain pipes, everything in the ute stayed dry.

Overall, I’m very happy with the Roll-N-Lock unit. What I really like is the flexibility of being able to roll back the lid and carry whatever I want.

The only downside (with the Hilux anyway) is that the factory sports bar won’t go back on. They do make an adaptor called “QwikFoot” but it isn’t available in Australia just yet.

Now, I wonder how a rooftop tent would go over the top?

RATED
We say: By far the most intelligent and versatile tonneau cover available.
RRP: $1795
Info: www.wolf4x4.com.au.