The Roll-N-Lock bed cover is popular because of its impressive design. Unlike hard tonneau covers, the Roll-N-Lock features a flexible design.
You can retract it whenever you need more space, and you can cover the entire bed whenever you are transporting cargo.
Because of the many features it provides, a lot of truck owners prefer bed covers made from this brand more than others.
Before you order a Roll-N-Lock bed cover for your truck, you need to familiarize yourself with some of the common issues associated with it.
Overall, it’s a great cover, but there are certain problems that Roll-N-Lock, as a brand, needs to address.
Table of Contents
1. The Cover Not Staying Latched and Closed
The role of a bed cover is to enclose the bed and shelter cargo from the elements and theft. When you go through the Roll-N-Lock bed cover description, they say it has multiple locks to ensure better security.
As great as that may sound, there have been complaints that the cover won’t stay latched and closed.
When you roll the cover over, it will fasten. But after driving for a short while, the cover opens itself. This can be pretty risky because assuming you are driving for a long distance and you happen not to check the back of the truck.
Your cargo can easily get rained on or scorched by the sun. Or, if the cover opens itself in a public parking lot, your valuables can easily be stolen.
The main reason why the Roll-N-Lock bed cover opens itself is because of faulty locking systems. The mechanism that latches the cover to the truck can get damaged with time.
It can also get damaged during installation. You must confirm if the bed cover is not faulty after being installed by the dealer.
A replacement of the locks and latches can solve this issue. At times, misaligned rails can lead to this problem. When you take it to your dealer, they can inspect and reposition the rails to ensure the cover stays closed.
Another reason your Roll-N-Roll cover is having a hard time remaining closed could be that your dealer has installed the wrong cover.
The bed covers made by Roll-N-Roll are categorized into two; those for trucks with rail caps and those without. It would be best to let the individual installing the cover know which category your vehicle falls under.
At times, we assume that the technicians at the dealership are all-knowing. But they are human and can make mistakes.
In case you install the wrong Roll-N-Lock cover. Many modifications will have to be made for the cover to remain shut.
2. Leakage
The product description of Roll-N-Roll covers states clearly that these covers are water-resistant. That’s true, but the other bit you need to know is that these covers also allow water to get in.
From most complaints, Roll-N-Lock bed covers tend to leak at the back and front. From the cover’s design, there are open spaces that can let water pass through when it’s raining or when the vehicle is being run through a car wash.
There isn’t much we can do regarding the water leakage except for you to be mindful of the cargo you are carrying and the weather. We advise that you don’t carry delicate cargo that can be damaged by water during rain.
Understandably, this can be quite inconvenient during the rainy season or if you live in an area, that experiences a lot of rainfall.
3. Shipment of Damaged Roll-N-Roll Covers
Another issue that several customers have complained of is the shipment of damaged Roll-N-Roll covers.
Regarding this issue, the covers arrive in a decent package, and when you open them for installation, you realize that the edge of the cover seems bent.
Or the rails are a bit crooked. We can’t say for sure whether Roll-N-Lock packages damaged covers knowingly. Or they get damaged during shipment.
Unlike the above issues that can’t be prevented, you can avoid finding yourself in such a situation. First, you can forget about shipping the cover directly.
It’s better to have the cover installed by your dealer. This way, you get a warranty on any damages that may occur. It may cost more, but you can avoid the process of applying for returns or refunds.
4. It Gets Stuck While Retracting
In the past, there have been complaints that these covers get stuck while retracting. They get so stuck that you have to push them away instead of the cover retracting by itself as it usually does.
There are several causes for this. For instance, there could be something blocking the movement of the cover along the rails. Inspect if there is dirt and debris on the covers and clean them.
Another handy tip is spraying a lubricant along the truck that the cover slides into. If this issue occurs on a Roll-N-Lock cover that is relatively new, you will have to take it back to the dealer because they may have installed it incorrectly.
These four are the most common problems with Roll-N-Lock bed covers. Understanding these issues and what causes them is crucial because it ensures you are ready for whatever may come. Let’s look at other things you can expect from a Roll-N-Lock cover.
Are Roll-N-Lock Bed Covers Durable?
Generally, hard tonneau covers tend to be more durable than retractable ones. However, the latter offers the benefit of flexibility.
A Roll-N-Lock bed cover can last for up to seven years.
The level of care you offer these covers determines how long they last. With proper care and maintenance. This cover can serve you for at least five years.
As the cover gets old, expect some functions not to work as perfectly as they did. For instance, the retraction may not be as smooth and require the occasional nudge.
Are Roll-N-Lock Covers Noisy?
One of the most commonly reported issues is noisy bed covers. You will be glad to know that this cover isn’t noisy when it’s both open and closed.
This is another perk that distinguishes Roll-N-Lock and other bed covers in the market. If you hear some noise, the cover may have been installed incorrectly.
And that needs to be rectified to avoid further damage. A broken bed cover can also make the bed noisy.
Does the Roll-N-Lock Fit All Truck Beds?
There is no universal size when it comes to bed covers. This is why before getting a Roll-N-Lock bed cover, you need to confirm the size of your truck.
For covers installed at the dealer, this shouldn’t be a cause for concern because the measurements will be taken there.
However, if you are ordering and installing the truck bed yourself, you need to be mindful of the size. Getting the wrong size can lead to fitting issues, and you may have to spend more money and time modifying the bed cover.
To be on the safe side, always check and confirm the measurements of your truck bed.
Roll-N-Lock Care and Maintenance
You can avoid plenty of Roll-N-Lock cover problems by taking proper care of them. These covers aren’t as tough as most people would like to think. When you fail to take appropriate care of them, they can quickly stop working or get damaged.
Here are some maintenance tips to ensure you get the most from your bed cover;
1. Clean the bed cover frequently when washing your car.
Also, every once in a while, give the cover a thorough cleanse. This entails washing the rails, lid, and other aspects of the cover.
2. It’s important to lubricate any moving parts.
This being a retractable cover, certain parts move from time to time. These need to be greased so that they can perform optimally.
3. Inspect for clutter.
With time, debris can get into the rails, and this can cause the cover to get stuck. That, too, can be avoided by checking and removing clutter inside the cover.
4. Don’t forget to apply a protectant to the cover.
Truck bed covers are exposed to a lot of things. The sun, for instance, can have a significant effect on the cover. Whenever you are done cleaning it, you should always seal it with some protectant.
Is the Roll-N-Lock Cover Worth It?
When compared to other covers, the Roll-N-Lock is quite expensive. But before you start looking at other options, you need to know that this cover does have some advantages and features that you won’t find elsewhere.
For instance, the retractable design is quite impressive and handy. This bed cover can be retracted when carrying cargo that needs more headroom.
Also, the cover’s hinges have been contoured to ensure a smooth retraction. Most users of this truck bed cover appreciate the multi-functional flange, which works perfectly when rotated.
It’s also worth mentioning that it is a very strong bed cover, and it will withstand the worst conditions out there. This cover should serve you well if you can live with these issues.