Retrax XR vs Roll-n-lock XT Best of All Bed Covers, Review 

What if any, are the differences on the warranties between the two ?

I too had problems with the drain holes clogging with debris on my roll n lock, it was easy to remove the cover and clean it. After a couple years of doing that, I just decided to enlarged the tiny drain hole to 1 1/4" and did away with the drain tubing. It's been about 2 years now that I haven't opened the cover. After seeing this video, I took off the cover and looked inside. The bottom just had a thin layer of dust/dirt and some leaves. There was also a twig, have no idea how it got in there! Great video.

For anyone debating on this or the Roll N Lock electric power cover, get the Retrax. I had (3) covers installed as "warranty replacements". The paint kept coming off, the motor would wear out, and the cover wouldn't close without me pulling it while it was closing. I live in CA so the weather is not extreme. I lube the rolling mechanism every few months but the product is crap for almost $3k. Their warranty is great but it's a pain to install a new cover every year. I bought it in 2019 and recently put the 3rd one one. For this reason, I may even move away from any power cover and just stick with the Retrax XR.

I like your comparison and I can see your point with bed space since you have a little truck, however with a big truck like a HD or Super Duty I don’t think that it is as much of an issue. The handle issue is annoying but livable. Both covers have good and I wouldn’t say “bad” things but issues the owner needs to think about. Both covers are top grade and the price reflects that but you definitely get what you pay for. Personally I like the ball bearings over the sliding metal on metal but what pushed me to Retrax was the absence of a clock spring. Roll-n-Locks have clock springs and clock springs ALWAYS break given enough time and then you might as well buy a new cover. Retrax also has a lifetime warranty on the complete unit. I just have always believed that simpler is better.

Now we just need a Pace Edwards review to round it all out!

I have had RollnLock since 2021 on my 2020 RAM diesel 2500 which we mostly use to pull our travel trailer. On one trip in a driving rain, the kind where you drive at about 20 mph with flashers behind 18 wheelers doing the same, I did get a bit of rain inside at the tailgate, because a cardboard box back there was damp the next morning. But the cardboard boxes near the cab were bone dry. I like the RnL because of the security, water-tightness, and 1/3 & 2/3 locking positions. When I have to fill the bigger 30 lb propane tanks for our trailer, the 2/3 closed locking position holds them in place nicely, since they are taller than the fully closed RnL.

I have had so many issues with having Roll-n-lock on my 8' bed on my past 2017/2018 F-450's. Those problems varies from massive water leaking in damage lock cover, rollers seizing up, and rails starts to shift and get loose. I switched for my 2020/2021 F-450's to Retrax and have zero issues since then. I also love the Retrax because if I have overside coolers like my Yeti's I can close the cover right against it just like other cargo of different sizes. As for the rails zero issue and don't care that the Retrax lock is in the way. I use different accessories on the rails. Plus Retrax is the only brand I can use the Yakima OverHaul HD Tonneau Set Towers.

I have actually owed both these covers. Hands down the Roll-N-Lock is better for security because of the exact issues and concerns you pointed out with locking piece for the Retrax. The Roll-N-Lock takes up much less space while driving a Tundra Crewmax, you need all you can get. They both are very durable however, they both leak around the trail gate when it rains. If you are looking for security these two are the best. If you want your cargo to stay dry, you might consider another cover. I have yet to find to best of both worlds.

The main reason the Retrax can is bigger is because the slats never tough each other when rolled up like others do. That's a big deal in long term reliability and looks. No springs to break or dirty slats rubbing on each other. Kinda a 101 thing you completely missed.

Have the same cover. I was going to mention on your other video about the latch and strap. The strap being nice. I’m not a fan of the latch either but to get that to bite down it’s just an Allen key and drive the screw up, really easy. Nice break down of the covers.

Im up in Canada. My old truck had the roll and lock. It would freeze shut once in got cold engouh out. Both the lock system and the rail slides. I now have the Retrax on my latest truck, no problems with winter snow and ice. I got same rino rack set and the contact is minimal. Being able to lock the cover in any position is much more convenient than you think.

I’ve owned a roll n lock for almost 4 years. Great product until after u open/close so many times. If not closed from the tailgate, the main side rails start to get out of alignment. When that eventually happens, it starts to jam up to a point where one side would properly close. I’m literally on my way to buy a retrax xr…. Let’s see what happens!

The retrax build quality is better and you can always get a different rack by a different manufacturer to add 1” more. You can’t change the build quality of the actual item. For me it’s Retrax. Thanks for the video.

Roll-N-Lock for me. I have had Roll-N-Lock on my last three trucks. The extra "cubic feet" space is the main reason I initially chose Rock-N-Lock. Great product.

With the ReTrax system, it would seem like IF YOU WANTED TO you could configure a strap on the left side of the cover (so its out of the way) and it would still pull from the left side (drivers side) and you would be able to close the cover from the back of the truck as well. It seems like on the ReTrax system while you have the racks on top, it would be harder to close the cover because you have to move your hands up and over the rack system to close the cover. A simple strap on the side would allow you to close it like the RNL does and would be always out of the way to the side instead of in the middle like the RNL.

I've had my RETRAX ONE Bed Cover for 8 years, (a different model but still has the exact roller and lock system) and NEVER had any issues with leaves or debris getting inside the roller housing. As for locking in any position NEVER had any issues with the cover moving once locked in position. I think your being nit-picky for no reason. I just upgraded to the model in this video and have it installed on my Toyota Tacoma.

The other thing to consider is the cargo manager that you can get for the roll n lock. If you go electric I think the roll n lock would probably be the way to go. I had a pace edwards electric bedlocker that worked for 7 years and it ran on plastic rails inside aluminum.

Clearance on that rack system with the latch doesn’t seem to be an issue. It barely hit, and it probably would just bounce down with zero damage. Splitting hairs if ya ask me. Rollnlocks annoying strap is what sells me on retrax. I hate tag ends not secured anywhere on my rig. If you are looking for neat and tidy rig system, I think we know who the winner is. I hate losing bed space, but that’s going to happen with any cover you choose. Good video, thanks for the insight.

The retrax can support about 200 pounds of distributed weight on top of the slats. How much can the RollnLock support?

Can you make a spacer to fit in between the legs and the top portion of rack to make a little more clearnce for handles ?

I like better the Roll-n-Lock, is stronger and takes less space of the truck bed, the lock is more reliable.

Retrax all the way. Ive only owned Roll n Lock myself, but comparing how my cover has held up over the years in comparison to my friends' Retrax, Retrax build quality is way superior. Hence, Roll n Lock essentially tried to copy the Retrax in order to stay in the game.

I like the Roll-n-lock. I need the space in my truck bed so the smaller cannister suits me fine. Plus the Retrax is 200.00 bucks more then the Roll-n-lock.

Love all the details you covered here. All the little gotchas that prospective buyers of any roller wouldn't be aware of. Thank you!

Couldn’t you just get the strap shortened so it goes straight to your corner without the slack? It probably can be cut and a simple stitch to add a loop for your carabiner would solve that issue without needing to wrap it on the rack.

I have the same set up and all i did was dremel of the metal from the locking system and your good to go.

Awesome dude I will say Retrax is awesome I had a damaged product from the seller and the seller wouldn’t help and I contacted Retrax and they are handling it as we speak they said they would get me a new cover out as soon as possible they are awesome and Bridget was great but CARDid said they wouldn’t help since I installed and you can’t extract the thing until it’s installed in the vehicle cause you gotta measure it and lock it in then extract to remove plastic and when I did that there was a gash in the cover about three feet down and CARDid said you installed before inspecting it and you can’t unroll it until installed they suck I hope Retrax takes care of it.

I think you could make something either out of wood or metal 1 x 4 blocks to solve your clearing problem.

owned both and roll n lock is the winner for sure.

What is the distance from bed floor to underside of cover?

This video has been satisfying!

Just bought a F150 Powerboost and the Retrax was my choice. Being able to run my powercord from my RV to the truck's generator and being able to lock the Retrax cover with a one inch opening sold me.

Great video! I’ve had retrax with no issues and was wondering about the differences. You answered them all and I might get a rail system now too lol! Thanks man!

I've had my Roll-N-Lock on my Ram 1500 for about 8 years now. It's okay. Still functions well enough, and I like the fact that it locks into the tailgate when fully closed. On the down side, I constantly have to open it up to clean out tiny debris that blocks the drains. Some kind of mesh filter over the drain opening or something would cure this issue, but they haven't done anything to correct this on later models that I know of. Additionally, the drains are located directly under the drum, so if you've got big hands it can be tough to get in there and clear the debris to let the thing drain. There have been many times I've opened the Roll-N-Lock to use the bed, only to have 20 gallons of water (now displaced by the cover retracting) splash out of the top of the drum housing and into the front of the bed, all because the tiny drains got clogged. I like the almost completely flush look of the Retrax, but if it suffers from the same issue with debris blocking the drains and it's a pain in the butt to remove the top part of the drum housing to get to it, then the Roll-N-Lock wins on that point alone. If those issues don't exist with the Retrax, then I'd prefer it to the Roll-N-Lock on that point alone.

I went with the Retrax, love it. I also have the same Rhino Velocity bars with low profile mounts, the clearance thing is no big deal as you’re always going to be walking along with the latch anyway. Worth noting when deciding which bike rack and basket combo to get.. there is another version of the mid-size Rhino basket with front fork clamps.

I have had the Retrax on my 2020 2500HD. I love the security but it always freezes up in Winter and will not open. I decided to take it off and go with the Revolver X4s.

Nice honest review. Even though they gave you the cover. I appreciate it thanks. I never owned a retractable cover but I'm in the market now

Having a tough time deciding between the mx and xr rails on the retrax. For only roughly $120 more should I just get the xr rails and have em in case I wanna add on later? I just prefer the flushed look of the mx rails more.

Thanks for pointing out the front gap on the Retrax (when it is open). Any problems with debris? I have alot of trees which drop stuff almost year round. But I would have the cover closed 98% of the time, so maybe it's a non-issue.

Straight out of Lockport lol. Totes give it away lol

Retrax, hands down. Having had both, that is the way to go.

i really like the rail system having a 5.7 foot bed i would like to use it to hold a 6foot ladder instead of putting it in diagonally.

Like your presentation. Honest and eyes opening. Thank you!

greta video. Rool n lock is cheaper to. Bed looked very dry. i here in oregon and it rains. what has been your experience with the water leakage if any with roll n lock and PRO XR?

I've been looking at the retractable covers, I believe I'm going with the Retrax. Believe built better, no maintenance, like locking feature better etc. Not worried about the box being a little bigger worth the trade off for maintenance free and (5 year with) limited life time warranty. Retrax also has a powered model that has lights on canister that can be turned on with the open/ close remote. Also there is the Retrax EQ which can be opened with blue tooth, cab mounted keypad or remote ( don't believe but could be wrong it doesn't have the lock that would hit the rack added on top).

My roll and lock required a 1/2 lip to be installed on the tailgate to lock the device. That is a fail. Another fail is the strap length. The strap should be an extra 3-4 feet so I can tuck it in the side and out of the way. Other than that I found this system to be pretty good.

I’ve got the rollnlock…to help with the loading and the strap annoyance, I pull it tight toward the back window and pinch the strap between the lip and the lid of the rollnlock. It holds it perfectly out of the way. And often forgetting about it, it will still hold in place with the wind.

With the roll n lock couldn’t you not have the strap unattached at the tailgate end and just lay it on top of the canister while you load up. Then grab it and close the cover. Similar principle to having to walk the retrax cover back along the side of the truck to close it. I know it is a work around but looks like from your review the roll n lock wins in most categories.

Retax sounds like democrats--changing definitions to align with their agenda.

Well explained. After viewing this video, I ordered Reatrax. It is a little bit bulky, but it's OK.

Roll cover is pricey. There are similar cover’s alot cheaper.

This is the first video I've found which directly addresses the canister size, which is my main concern. I only have a 5' bed and when I go on camping trips, I always end up having to put a few things in the cab because the bed is full. My whole reason for looking at retractables instead of a trifold like I previously had is so that I can carry additional cargo on the rail system, which is counterproductive if the canister takes up a quarter of the bed. Thanks for giving actual measurements and a side by side comparison view.

I bought a Retrax about nine years ago and they have replaced it twice since then. I don’t remember why for the first one. The second one quit rolling into the canister. I guess the lifetime warranty makes it worth the price. Make sure you read the warranty and maintenance instructions. You’re not supposed to lubricate anything.

Can you say "satisfying" more?

Could this cover be modified to lock with a mt bike tailgate pad? (These pads can be a little bulky) Possibly cut 1/4 inch off of the rails that attach to the canister???

Since this video is over two years old, has anytthing changed about your opinion on these two bed covers? Or are there others you would consider know, two years later? Thanks.

Great comparison Loved It! BTW you can purchase Rhino-Rack spacers that will raise the height of the crossbars so the pop-up latch will clear underneath no problem.

That rectangular plastic cover over the lock/handle looks a bit flimsy. It looks like it could shear off at some point after use.

Looks like a lot of plastic on the container. I’ve seen the actual container crack and they won’t warranty it. I’m very hesitant buying that again.

Clicking on your links and I want to confirm. Those mounts and cross bars seem to be made to clamp on top of cars and dont mention the t-slot. I am assuming they all work with the t-slot system as well? Can someone help me understand, I cant find any mounts that say they work with the t-slot rails?

I would appreciate it if the music is about the same volume as your discussion; a sudden blast of noise is a pain if using ear buds or near other people.

who wants to deal with the center strap that hooks around everything in your bed when using the roll n lock ? seems like retrax is the better option for me

I have heard with the roll n lock since it is spring loaded with due time, it will wear out. Has anyone experienced anything like this? With the retrax being ball bearing I don’t see any issues coming from it. Any input would be appreciated.

I bought the RnL XT this past summer for my 2021 GMC AT4 and I'm still not sure if I made the right decision. Part of me wishes I had bought the Retrax Pro you just installed. While I really like the small size of the RnL cannister, the strap drives me absolutely crazy. It gets in the way all the time whenever I am loading and unloading stuff in my truck. Plus the RnL leaks like a sieve. I realize these covers aren't 100% waterproof, but this thing leaks all over the place. At one point water was dripping down all 4 corners of the bed and all across the length of the slats front to back. Everything in the back of my truck got soaked! I would be interested to hear how well the Retrax protects the truck bed from the elements for you. Even though the Retrax has a substantially bigger cannister, it might be worth it if it does a good job of protecting the bed from the weather.

Thanks for reviewing these two! Do you suppose one could DIY a more solid mount for the RnL? I think I’m more torn now knowing those details…RnL seemed like a win until you mentioned the metal on metal (👋🏼 from Montana) and longevity, but the RTP’s maintenance, or lack thereof easy cleaning access, is concerning. I don’t need the rail system, maybe I should just tick to my original plan and save a lot of money with a tri-fold. 🤔

I have the Retrax on my 2016 Ram 1500 Rebel,,, love that it is powered open and close with key fob. ABSOLUTELY HATE that it doesnt keep water out. The gap at the tailgate allows water and debris inside. Reached out to Retrax and got no where. Scrounged Amazon and found gasket type thing to fill the 1/2 inch gap. Works a little better but still get water in at the rail ends. Again reached out to Retrax and got horrible customer Service. Sucks that an expensive cover allows water to get your gear or anything carried soaking wet. Have to lay everything on a tarp,,pull up edges and them wrap the top with a tarp all under a bed cover. All in all great idea but poor planning.

Solution, file the handle down enough to clear. Done. Takes less time then the phone call.

No way the Decked drawer is fitting under a Retrex I guess?

I mean is there anything that's high security and actually water tight?

Regarding the Retrax and your comment "Stabs and bites into the rail", couldn't you drill some holes in the rails at locations you might want to partially open the cover to more securely "lock" the cover?

Great video --

Do they rattle driving down the road?

Great review. Question: that flap that covers the lock on the Re-Trax, is it just bendable or soft plastic that can dry and ware out?

Just sub'd...enjoying your reviews. I'm not a "truck-guy" as much I am a "princess and the pea" kinda guy when it comes to functionality, looks, and price, haha. I may get Yakima roof towers with HD bars, and may get one of these retractable dilleos...main question is, Are they more rain-proof than the less expensive roll-by-hand styles like Truxedo makes? Thanks for any help you can offer.

I wish the RNL canister against the cab was flush with the actual cover like the Retrax, flush is a much better look.

Do you know of a bed divider that is compatible with retrax? I really like the divider that roll n lock offers but I believe it is not compatible with retrax. Hate the rope on the roll n lock so leaning towards retrax but I need a divider. Thank you for any help.

What do you do for the tonneau covers you take off? Giveaways?

Have you ever had issues with the freezing in the winter? Always liked the idea of these covers but NY winters and no garage have made me think twice.

Thanks

After owning a R &L and cleaning it out easily the other one is a no go for me.

Great video mate, best review I've seen. I think I'll get the RetraxOne XR. Is it possible to get slightly higher rack bars to clear the cover handle?

I’m consider one of these two covers for my Ram TRX. Wondering which one you prefer/recommend?

Nice video. I ended up getting the Retrax XR. Quick question for you, what size basket is that on your truck? Also, Rhino Rack makes spacers to help with the latch hitting.

I am considering both covers and thought maybe if you look at alternative t-sloted rack feet manufactures, there may be one that has higher clearance for the Retrax than the Rhino-rack.

Hey what do you think about Paragon tonneau cover? That's the one I've been leaning to

Did you include the part that attaches to the retrax cover

Thank you so much. A great video

is there a way to install the roll and lock without drilling into my bed ?

Great review! What is model of roll n lock please. I like it.

Both are made by the same company.

Can you remove the rack system

Great video. I needed to see this

Cost for these?

Hmm I'm Still Down With The Roll And Lock.

as far as stopping at any point and it is not secure from moving, just decide where you regularly like it to stop at the partial open and drill a locking hole just like at the full closed position. Done!

I have a truck bed tent. Looking at these 2 covers and a roll up knowing I'd have to take the canister out when I go camping. Would you still reccomend one of these?

I like the second one better. My only thing is I’m trying to find one compatible with an over landing type bed rack. Those bolt to the bed and not int a t-track.

which is better waterproofed

Reading reviews seems like most people have issues with covers being weather tight. What's your experience been like with these two designs?

Hey Spencer, I live in a cold climate like you and we get a lot of snow. I have been looking at the Retrax, how does it hold up in the snow? Is it a pain to deal with? Thanks