Roller Shutter vs. Hard Lid: What’s the Best Ute Cover in 2025?
Whether you’re protecting tools on the job or keeping camping gear dry on a weekend escape, your ute tub cover is one of the most important accessory decisions you’ll make.
Choosing the Right Ute Cover for Aussie Conditions
Whether you’re protecting tools on the job or keeping camping gear dry on a weekend escape, your ute tub cover is one of the most important accessory decisions you’ll make. Today we’re going to compare our HSP Ute Electric Roller Shutter with popular Ute Hard lid variants like:
- 🔩 Metal Hard Lids (e.g., Utemaster Load-Lid)
- ⚪ Fibreglass Hard Lids (e.g., 1-piece & 3-piece hard lids)
Let’s break it all down 👇
HSP Ute Electric Roller Shutter: Aussie-Made Innovation
The Roll R Cover by HSP is a fully electric ute roller shutter system designed to seamlessly integrate with your ute. Built in Australia, it provides a secure, stylish, and tech-forward solution that suits both tradies and lifestyle users.
🔑 Key Benefits
- 5 Modes of operation, Smart remote + app operation and no external locks
- Central locking integration with Ute interior locking buttons
- Load Bar, Ladder & Ute Tub Rack compatible
- Weatherproof & dust-sealed, with drainage points for water filtration
- Smallest Shutter Canister on the market allowing for full retraction
- Supports partial opening (great for odd-sized loads)
📌 Explore the HSP Electric Ute Roller Cover
Utemaster Load-Lid: Rugged Metal Security
The Utemaster Load-Lid is a metal hard lid made from lightweight aluminium. It’s popular for its high load-carrying capacity (up to 200kg), security, and ability to integrate with roof racks and accessories.
🔩 Key Features
- Heavy-duty aluminium construction
- 200kg dynamic load rating
- Gas-assisted lift for easy opening
- Compatible with racks and toolboxes
- Full bed access when open
- Manual locking (central locking optional)
Ute Hard Lids: Sleek Fibreglass Style
Ute hard lids are available in 1-piece and 3-piece fibreglass configurations, with a smooth paint-matched finish. These lids offer great security and a sleek look but are less adaptable than roller or metal options.
⚪ Key Features
- Paint-matched fibreglass finish
- Twin gas struts for lifting
- Lockable (remote locking optional)
- Compatible with Genuine ute sports bars
- Requires full lift to access tub
📌 View HSP Ute Hard Lids
Comparison Table
| Feature | HSP Electric Roller Shutter | Utemaster Load-Lid | Ute Fibreglass Lid |
| Price | $3150-3400 | $3800 | $2199 |
| Material | Powder-coated aluminium | Heavy-duty aluminium | Fibreglass |
| Opening Type | Electric, remote-controlled | Manual lift, gas strut-assisted | Manual lift, gas strut-assisted |
| Load Capacity (on lid) | Not designed for top load | Up to 200kg | Not designed for load carrying |
| Tub Access | Partial or full (sliding) | Full when open | Full when open |
| Accessory Compatibility | ✅ Load Bars, Ladder Racks, Tub Racks, Genuine Sports Bars & HSP Sports Bars | ✅ Racks, Bars, Toolboxes | ❌ Limited to Sports bars |
| Water/Dust Resistance | Excellent (drainage points) | Very good | Very good |
| Central Locking | ✅ Included | Optional upgrade | Optional upgrade |
| Electric Smart Features | ✅ App + Remote + Tailgate Sync | ❌ None | ❌ None |
| Weight | Lightweight (70kg) | Heavier due to steel structure | Medium |
| Maintenance | Low, needs cleaning every now and then | Low | Medium (paint scuffs, fading) |
The Verdict on Ute Lids?
✅ Choose HSP Electric Roller Shutter:
- Seamless remote access to your tub
- Tech-forward convenience
- Modular accessory integration (Load Bar, Tub Rack & Ladder Rack)
- A clean, flush look without lifting a thing
- Superior Security
📌 Shop the HSP Electric Roller Shutter here
Why A Ute Roller Shutter?
Choosing between these ute cover solutions depends on how you use your ute, and the roller shutter is undeniably the more versatile option.
- 🛠️ Tradies or 4×4 explorers – HSP Ute Roller Cover offers modularity & electric convenience with Ladder Rack & Tub Rack compatibility.
- 🏕️ Overlanders or heavy duty 4×4’s – HSP Ute Roller Cover is weatherproof with superior drainage solutions.
- 🧼 Urban drivers after style – HSP Ute Roller Cover also delivers convenience and slim siderails for superior styling options with sports bars, genuine or aftermarket.
All three are Aussie-made and engineered for tough Australian conditions. But for modern convenience, secure automation, and seamless integration, the HSP Electric Roller Shutter stands a class above.
Related Reading
- Load Rack JNR vs Load Bar: What’s the Right Ute Tub Rack?
- How to Accessorise Your HSP Electric Ute Roller Cover
Need help deciding? Call 1300 441 498 or request a callback