The Dodge we did our install...
The Dodge we did our install on had a factory under-the-lip bedliner in it. Some modifications needed to be done to the liner for installation of the Roll*N*Lock. If you have an over-the-rail bedliner, you will need to modify the liner to fit under the lip of the bed side. The unit will sit down inside the bed, and the liner will need trimmed to make room.
If you have a truck, you probably have experienced getting the stuff in the bed wet when the rains came as you drove home from the grocery store. Or you're at a swap meet, and you're tired of carrying that Road Runner quarter-panel around. If you throw it in the back of your truck, and go back to the swap meet, sorry to say, your quarter-panel may be gone when you get back to the truck.
We know there are a plethora of different makers of tonneau covers, but when we saw the Roll*N* Lock unit, we were sold. Roll*N* Lock was established in 1992, and their product is one of the best built retractable tonneau covers in America. They have been building covers for older Dodge trucks for quite some time, and recently designed and built a system to cover the bed of '02-'05 Dodge Ram pickups. As with any retractable cover, the Roll*N*Lock is not completely water tight, but with proper installation, very little water will enter the bed.
So how do you get one of these covers, and what's involved for an installation? Check out their web site, www.rollnlock.com, for a list of available dealers, and read the rest of this article to find out how to install it. Hey, if goof-offs like us can do it, anyone can, so what are you waiting for, your stuff to get wet again?
Roll*N*Lock supplies these...
Roll*N*Lock supplies these stick-on covers for your stake pockets. Since your Dodge bed is double-wall, not a lot of water can enter the bed through the pockets, but this ensures it.
Dodge pickup beds have a pronounced...
Dodge pickup beds have a pronounced taper from front to rear. To square the taper for the cover to work, you first need to install these angled spacers. They screw to the inside of the bed lip with small screws...
...butt the angled piece tight...
...butt the angled piece tight against the front of the bed and flush with the top of the bed. If you're concerned about screw holes in your truck, just ask yourself how often you'll be removing it. When it retracts, it's wide open; no need to remove the cover.
Now it's time to mount the...
Now it's time to mount the unit in the bed. Simply place the unit at the front of the bed, centered from side-to-side...
...The side gaps should be...
...The side gaps should be an equal distance from the sides of the unit to the bed. DO NOT remove the wing nut that holds the strap in place.
To install the side tracks,...
To install the side tracks, the front of the track has to interlock with the Roll*N*Lock box. Once you get the track connected, there is a small screw that holds it to the unit. It can be a little tricky to install. It helps if you loosely install the rear track clamp to hold it in place. Do not install and tighten all the clamps at this time.
Moving back to the tailgate,...
Moving back to the tailgate, we first need to center the Roll*N*Lock tailgate extrusion. Measure the gate and mark its center; then measure the extrusion and mark its center. Align your marks, and screw the extrusion to the tailgate. Make sure the extrusion is tight against the top of the tailgate. Now carefully close the tailgate, make sure the side tracks just touch the gate. You may need to jiggle the tracks to get them to move back.
Now you need to make sure...
Now you need to make sure the tracks are aligned properly. Starting on either side, make sure the side tracks barely touch the tailgate extrusion, and tighten the rear clamp...
Now move to the front clamp,...
Now move to the front clamp, and hold pressure on the side track against the bedrail. Now tighten the clamp. Move to the middle clamp, hold against the bedrail, and tighten the clamp.