finally rec'd my roll-n-lock, and i think a couple lightning owners out there have this combo, any tricks/problems for install? instructions don't seem to be flareside specific, or ford specific for that matter

 

What is the roll and lock?

 

http://pickupspecialties.com/rollnlock.html

 

How does that work? The bed in the lightning is actually curved, with the cab end being a different width than the tailgate end. I was looking at a roll-top and they said that they didnt have an application for the current F150 flareside because of the curvature of the bedrails. I'd certainly be interested in hearing if your install works out.

 

i checked pace edwards, they didn't have one for the flareside, the roll-n-lock's rails "square" your bed, and it's more hd than the PE, although i won't try it, they say you can stand on it (250lbs)

 

Before buying a tonneau cover, I checked into the Roll-n Lok. The president of the company indicated they used "filler panels" on the Flareside application to fill in the wider middle portion of the bed. Installation required something like 22 drilled holes for mounting, including the tailgate strip and three drainage holes. The tailgate strip which the sliding portion locks to spans the width of the tailgate, and sticks up about 5/8" off the tailgates horizontal position making it difficult to slide loads over the tailgate. Also, the slat joints need periodic lubrication (twice a year I think)to retain the seals.
On the positive side, in non-Flareside form, the Roll N Lok was by far a stronger sliding cover than the Pace Edwards Edwards. I just couldn't bring myself to inflict that much perforation into my bed, and opted for another hardcover even though they are a pain in the A** to remove if you have to carry a tall load.
Good Luck on your installation MRBBQMAN, at least you don't have to worry about it freezing shut like us northerners , which was anothe reason I decided aqainst a sliding top.
Others ought to thoroughly check out installation requirement before purchasing any of the numerous covers available.

Lightning Bob

 

Hay Guys Specialty Covers makes one for the lightning and youll find a picture of it on a shortbed F150 at[www. specialtycovers.com]

 

MRBBQMAN:
Hope you received a 2 page, F150 flareside specific 2'x3' "blueprint" from roll-n-lock like I did. It fully details the install on the flareside -I taped it up on the wall next to the truck for e-z reference during the process. Went very smooth. If yours is missing, you might want to call them up. BTW, I only used the two outside drain tubes and drilled the plastic "grommets" for the flex pipes; used RTV on the middle one. Kit works & looks great.

 

MRBBQ,

I heard that the Roll-n-Lock retails for over $900. Is this true?

Mike

 

799.00+ frt cal customs, but compared to PE and electric models, worth the xtra money, "if you want a roll top model"

Bill, found the blueprints in box #4, thanks for the alert and advise