Are you scratching your head, trying to figure out what parts make up your Roll-N-Lock tonneau cover?
Or maybe you’re in the market for a new cover and want to know what you’re getting into?
Well, buckle up, because I’m about to take you on a wild ride through the world of Roll-N-Lock tonneau cover parts.
Trust me, by the end of this article, you’ll be the go-to expert in your truck-loving circle. So, let’s pop the hood (or in this case, the cover) and dive right in!

The Main Components of a Roll-N-Lock Tonneau Cover

Let’s start with the big pieces – the main components that make up your Roll-N-Lock tonneau cover. These are the parts you’ll see every time you look at your truck.
1. The Canister Assembly
Think of the canister as the home base for your cover. It’s that cylindrical thing at the front of your truck bed, right behind the cab.
When you’re not using the cover, all those aluminum slats roll up and tuck themselves neatly into this canister. It’s like a sleeping bag for your tonneau cover.
The canister isn’t just a simple tube, though. It’s got some fancy innards, including a spring-loaded mechanism that helps the cover roll up smoothly.
It’s also where the locking mechanism lives, keeping your cargo safe from prying eyes.
2. The Slats or Panels
Next up, we’ve got the slats. These are the stars of the show – the actual “cover” part of your tonneau cover.
They’re made of sturdy aluminum and link together to form a solid barrier over your truck bed.
When you look at your Roll-N-Lock cover, these slats are what you see.
They’re designed to be strong enough to support snow loads and resist denting, but light enough to roll up easily.
It’s like having armor for your truck bed that can disappear when you don’t need it.
3. The Side Rails
Now, let’s talk about the side rails. These are the long pieces that run along each side of your truck bed. They serve a couple of important purposes:
- They guide the slats as they roll in and out of the canister.
- They create a watertight seal along the sides of your truck bed.
Think of the side rails as the train tracks for your tonneau cover. They keep everything aligned and moving smoothly.
Plus, they’re usually the parts that attach the whole system to your truck, so they’re pretty important!
4. The Tailgate Extrusion
The tailgate extrusion is like the caboose of your tonneau cover train. It’s the part that seals up the rear of the cover when it’s closed.
This piece usually has a latch that connects to the side rails, creating a secure closure at the tailgate end of your truck bed.
When you’re closing up your truck bed, the tailgate extrusion is the last piece of the puzzle. It clicks into place, and voila! Your truck bed is sealed up tight.
5. The Front Header Seal
Last but not least in our main components list is the front header seal. This rubber seal sits at the front of your truck bed, right where the canister meets the bed.
Its job is to keep water and dust from sneaking in between the canister and your truck.
It might not be the most exciting part, but trust me, you’ll appreciate it when you’re driving through a rainstorm and your cargo stays dry!
The Hardware: Small Parts, Big Impact

Now that we’ve covered the big pieces, let’s zoom in on some of the smaller parts. These might be little, but they play a huge role in keeping your Roll-N-Lock cover working smoothly.
1. Clamps
Clamps are the unsung heroes of your tonneau cover. They’re what hold the side rails to your truck bed.
Roll-N-Lock uses different sizes to fit various truck models, so if you ever need to replace them, make sure you get the right size for your ride.
2. Mounting Brackets
These brackets work with the clamps to secure your tonneau cover to your truck.
They’re usually made of sturdy steel and are designed to distribute the weight of the cover evenly.
3. Screws and Bolts Kit
Every Roll-N-Lock cover comes with a kit of screws and bolts. These aren’t just any old hardware store finds – they’re specifically designed to work with your cover.
If you ever lose one, it’s best to get a replacement from Roll-N-Lock to ensure a perfect fit.
4. Weather Stripping
This is the unsung hero of keeping your truck bed dry. Weather stripping runs along the edges of your cover, creating a tight seal against water and dust.
Over time, it might wear down, but it’s usually easy to replace.
The Locking Mechanism: Keeping Your Cargo Safe

Now, let’s talk security. After all, one of the main reasons you got a tonneau cover was to keep your stuff safe, right? Here’s what makes up the locking system:
1. Lock Assembly
This is the brain of your security system. It’s usually located in the canister and connects to the latches that secure your cover.
2. Keys
Pretty self-explanatory, right? But here’s a pro tip: As soon as you get your Roll-N-Lock cover, make a spare key and keep it somewhere safe. Trust me, future you will thank present you for this foresight.
3. Lock Cylinders
These are the parts of the lock that the key fits into. They’re designed to be tough and resist picking, keeping your cargo secure.
The Drainage System: Keeping Your Bed Dry

Water is the enemy of cargo, so Roll-N-Lock has a built-in drainage system to keep your truck bed dry. Here’s what it includes:
1. Drain Tubes
These small tubes run from the canister to the underside of your truck. They’re like little waterslides for any moisture that might sneak past your weather stripping.
2. Drain Fittings
These connect the drain tubes to your canister and guide the water out. They’re small but mighty in the fight against moisture.
Replacement Parts: Because Stuff Happens

Even the best-made tonneau covers might need a replacement part now and then. Here are some common ones:
1. Pull Strap
This is what you grab to pull your cover closed. If it wears out or breaks, it’s usually a quick and easy fix.
2. End Caps
These cap off the ends of your side rails. They can sometimes come loose or get damaged, but they’re easy to replace.
3. Sliding Latch
This is part of the locking mechanism on your tailgate extrusion. If it gets sticky or breaks, you’ll want to replace it to keep your cover secure.
4. Tension Spring Assembly
This lives in your canister and helps your cover roll up smoothly. If your cover starts to sag or won’t roll up properly, this might be the culprit.
Accessories: Pimp Your Cover

Roll-N-Lock offers some cool accessories to make your tonneau cover even more useful:
1. Cargo Cleats
These let you tie down cargo on top of your closed cover. Pretty handy for those oddly shaped loads!
2. Cargo Divider
This slides along your side rails, letting you section off parts of your truck bed. It’s great for organizing your cargo.
3. Bedliner Adapter Kit
If you’ve got a bedliner, you’ll need this kit to make sure your Roll-N-Lock cover fits properly.
For the Tech Lovers: Powered Model Parts

If you’ve got a powered Roll-N-Lock cover, you’ve got a few extra parts to know about:
1. Motor Assembly
This is the muscle behind your powered cover. It does all the heavy lifting (or rolling, in this case) for you.
2. Remote Control
Because who doesn’t love a good remote control? This lets you open and close your cover with the push of a button.
3. Control Module
Think of this as the brain of your powered system. It takes the signal from your remote and tells the motor what to do.
4. Wiring Harness
This connects all the electrical components of your powered cover. It’s designed to stand up to the tough conditions in your truck bed.
Final Thoughts
Whew! We’ve covered a lot of ground, haven’t we? From the big pieces like the canister and slats to the little guys like drain fittings and cargo cleats.
You’re now an expert on Roll-N-Lock tonneau cover parts.
Remember, knowing your parts isn’t just about being the smartest person at the tailgate party (although that’s a nice perk).
It’s about understanding how your cover works so you can keep it in tip-top shape.
Regular maintenance, like lubricating moving parts and checking your weather stripping, can go a long way in extending the life of your cover.
And here’s a final pro tip: If you ever need to replace a part, always go for genuine Roll-N-Lock components.
They’re designed specifically for your cover and will ensure everything keeps working smoothly.