Whether you drive a Cannon, Triton, Ford Ranger, or Amarok, your ute isn’t just transport — it’s a mobile tool shed, a weekender’s escape vehicle, or a worksite warrior. Which begs the question:

How secure is the cover on your ute tub?

If you’re still running a standard soft tonneau cover, you might be exposing your tools and gear to serious risk. Let’s break down how different ute tray covers stack up in real-world lockability — and why the Roll Mate from HSP is redefining what a secure hard tonneau cover should be.

The Security Gaps in Soft Ute Tonneau Covers

Soft tonneau covers are light, affordable, and quick to install. But when it comes to keeping your gear secure, they have some major vulnerabilities:

1. They’re Easily Cut Open

Soft covers are typically made from vinyl or canvas. With a knife or even scissors, thieves can silently slice into your cover and access your ute tray in seconds.

2. Minimal or No Locking Mechanism

Most soft covers rely on basic bungee cords, Velcro strips, or press studs — offering no real lock. Even if your ute lid is closed, it’s not locked in any meaningful way.

3. No Structural Barrier

Unlike hard tonneau covers, soft covers offer zero resistance to forced entry. A determined thief won’t need more than a few moments to bypass it.

The Roll Mate: A Lockable Ute Lid That Works with Your Tailgate

HSP’s Roll Mate hard tonneau cover is a flat top ute lid that combines strength, flexibility, and fast access — all without a canister or complex install. But most importantly: it’s actually secure.

Let’s explore how the Roll Mate provides lockability where soft covers simply can’t compete:

Vinyl-Bonded Aluminium Slats = Cut-Proof

This isn’t your average ute bed cover. The Roll Mate uses interlocking aluminium slats wrapped in heavy-duty bonded vinyl — making it resistant to knives, tools, and brute force.

Dual Rail Quick Lock = Integrated Security

Once your tailgate is locked, the Roll Mate’s hard lid is locked. Its side rails feature a dual-locking system that can’t be peeled back or popped open.

No External Latches = No Weak Points

Where soft covers have exposed hooks or snaps, the Roll Mate conceals all its locking points internally. Thieves don’t have anything to exploit.

Quick Release Curtain = Easy for You, Not Them

The cover can be removed in seconds — but only from inside the tub. That means unless your tailgate is open, the Roll Mate isn’t going anywhere. Find out how it’s removed through our operating the Roll Mate page.

Security Showdown: Roll Mate vs Soft Tonneau Covers

Feature	Soft Tonneau Cover	Roll Mate (HSP Roll-Up Lid)
Cut Resistance	None	Vinyl-Bonded Aluminium
Locking System	Velcro/Buttons	Dual Lock Side Rails
Tailgate Integrated	No	Yes
Can Be Peeled Back	Easily	Cannot be accessed externally
Tool Protection	Minimal	High

What About Other Hard Lids?

We often get asked how the Roll Mate compares to other ute hard lids like the ARB hard lid, EGR hard lid, or Amarok/Ford Ranger hard lids. While those are solid options, most rely on canisters, electronic wiring, or aren’t DIY-friendly.

The Roll Mate delivers:

• Manual operation (less to go wrong in harsh 4WD conditions)
  
• Can Remove Easily for full tub access
  
• Canisterless operation allowing for no canister taking up tub space
  
• DIY ready — install in under 1 hour
  

If you’re setting up your Hilux, Amarok or Navara with a tough cover — this cover should be heavily considered.

Why Lockability Matters More Than Ever

Whether you’re hauling:

• Job site tools
  
• Camping gear for a long weekend
  
• Expensive recovery kits or drawer systems
  
• Photography or tech gear
  

…you’re a target if your ute tub cover isn’t up to scratch.

Thieves know what to look for — and they know soft tonneau covers won’t stop them. Upgrading to a hard tonneau cover like the Roll Mate isn’t just about looks or offroad use — it’s about peace of mind.

Final Word: The Smart Way to Lock Down Your Ute

A ute hard lid should do more than just cover your tub — it should protect it. The Roll Mate delivers lockable, cut-proof security without sacrificing flexibility or looks. It’s built for work. Built for weekends. Built for Australia.

If you’re ready to ditch your soft cover and upgrade to a secure hard bed cover, talk to the team at HSP or check out the full product breakdown of the Roll Mate hard roll-up tonneau cover. Or if you’re looking for an electric option, check our the Roll R Cover.

Shop for the Roll Mate on our Website Now
🛠 Got questions? Contact HSP’s team for fitment help across Ranger, Hilux, Navara, Amarok, and more.