Bed Cover Opinions? Roll-N-Lock or Retrax?

[mooch]

What are yalls favorite bed covers? Im currently back and forth between the Roll-N-Lock M series (aluminum covered in vinyl) or the RetraxOne MX (polycarbonate) mostly due to their price points. I like that the Roll-N-Lock has a slightly smaller canister but not too thrilled about the vinyl covering which I'd think would deteriorate over time. The RetraxOne MX seems nice but im not sure how durable that polycarbonate is and it also has a slightly larger canister. Any opinions on these?

And what are yall doing for tool storage underneath? I currently have a weatherguard toolbox that will eventually be in the classifieds and would like to still keep some stuff in the bed. Im thinking heavy duty plastic tubs that can be moved around and just strap them in to place so they dont slide.

Im sure this topic has been discussed before but I wasnt able to find anything in the currently limited search function.

[BowhunterB]

A buddy of mine has a Weathertech cover and it looks great and seems to function really well, he seems to love it.

[mooch]

The weathertec trifold looks nice but Im wanting to go with a roll up style so I dont have anything sticking up if I need to travel with it open. Weathertec's roll up also looks nice but looks like its just the vinyl covering and Im wanting something with a little more security. Seems like a pocket knife could make quick work of the covers that are just vinyl with no aluminum underneath

[BowhunterB]

The weathertec trifold looks nice but Im wanting to go with a roll up style so I dont have anything sticking up if I need to travel with it open. Weathertec's roll up also looks nice but looks like its just the vinyl covering and Im wanting something with a little more security. Seems like a pocket knife could make quick work of the covers that are just vinyl with no aluminum underneath

The Weathertech tri fold is pretty slim, I don;t think there is much sticking up when folded. There are some nice roll ups too though.

[Lampasas]

I have used the Pace Edwards covers and the Roll-N-Lock E series. They are both pretty similar is appearance. I have had Roll-N-Lock on my last few trucks because they seem easier to source than the pace edwards.

I would never own a truck without an electric cover, everything stays dry, clean, and secure. I put my essential tools, straps etc. in a dewalt plastic tool box and I generally strap it to the side of the bed.

[mooch]

I have used the Pace Edwards covers and the Roll-N-Lock E series. They are both pretty similar is appearance. I have had Roll-N-Lock on my last few trucks because they seem easier to source than the pace edwards.

I would never own a truck without an electric cover, everything stays dry, clean, and secure. I put my essential tools, straps etc. in a dewalt plastic tool box and I generally strap it to the side of the bed.

Is the electric option worth the extra cost? I ruled out them out due to cost and also because it seems like one more thing to break

[Lampasas]

I think they are. The remotes work great, I Velcro one under the center console and control it from there. You never have to fumble with keys, and you never have to open and close the hot/wet/dirty cover.

You’re also able to close the cover up against or next to whatever you have in the back which I don’t think you can with the manual ones. You can leave some items secured and out of the elements and have your larger items stick out above bed height.

[Chase4556]

I put a Bakflip MX4 on my f150 back in April. I love it. Can put all our luggage plus baby stuff in the bed and roll out not worrying about weather or anything else.

I went with the bakflip over something like the Retrax mainly due to that last space in the bed for the canister. The beds on F150s aren’t that big, so space is still a little tight when we are loaded down and I can’t stack it as high as I used to. With a longer bed this may not be an issue for you.

[mooch]

I think they are. The remotes work great, I Velcro one under the center console and control it from there. You never have to fumble with keys, and you never have to open and close the hot/wet/dirty cover.

You’re also able to close the cover up against or next to whatever you have in the back which I don’t think you can with the manual ones. You can leave some items secured and out of the elements and have your larger items stick out above bed height.

Makes sense! I think my dad’s is electric so I’ll have to pay more attention to it next time

[mooch]

I put a Bakflip MX4 on my f150 back in April. I love it. Can put all our luggage plus baby stuff in the bed and roll out not worrying about weather or anything else.

I went with the bakflip over something like the Retrax mainly due to that last space in the bed for the canister. The beds on F150s aren’t that big, so space is still a little tight when we are loaded down and I can’t stack it as high as I used to. With a longer bed this may not be an issue for you.

This is exactly why I’m moving from a toolbox to a bed cover. We have 3 kids and live across the state from family/ranches now so it makes it really hard to travel with my truck. Hoping the bed cover makes it easier to haul all of our stuff. I’m going to miss my big tool box though!

[jlinville]

I put a roll-n-lock on my truck in 2013. It's been used and abused (kids walking all over it while closed) and although a few components have come up missing or worn out (pull strap and end caps) it still functions as it should. My truck has been in some extremely heavy rains and there's rarely any water on the inside. Overall, I've been very pleased with it for over 10 years.

I chose the R-n-L for the same reason you mentioned... the canister was smaller than the Retrax

[Southbound 85]

Just installed this one. My favorite so far.

[PYBUCK]

Had a roll N lock and a Retrax. hands down Retrax is better.

[Patton]

One difference not yet mentioned is the retrax can stop and lock in at any point on the bed; the roll-n-lock has only 3 spots it can stop and lock. Have a retrax on my AT4, canister is a little big but no other complaints.

[Duane]

Question for those with an electric version. Can you also operate the cover manually, in case you lose power to the canister or the remote fails?