Head to head · different types
Access Original Roll-Up vs Retrax PRO XR
Security, weather sealing, bed access, material, weight and warranty — side by side, then a straight verdict on who each one suits.
Access Original Roll-Up
A well-built soft roll-up with AutoLatch one-handed operation and Hook & Loop rails that let you set it at any position, not just fully open or closed.
Best for: Refined soft roll-up
Retrax PRO XR
A flagship retractable: aluminium slats that retract into a sealed canister and lock at any point, with a reinforced top rated to carry crossbars and gear.
Best for: Best premium retractable
Side by side
Ratings are ours, on a three-point scale, and comparable across every cover in the database. Specs are as published by the manufacturer and vary by truck and bed length.
| Access Original Roll-Up | Retrax PRO XR | |
|---|---|---|
| Security | Low | High |
| Weather | Medium | High |
| Bed access | High | High |
| Type | Soft roll-up | Retractable |
| Brand | Access | Retrax |
| Material | Vinyl over aluminium bows | Aluminium slats |
| Weight | ~23 lb (5.5 ft) | ~75 lb (5.5 ft) |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime | Limited lifetime |
| Install | Clamp-on, no drilling | Clamp-on, no drilling |
| Price | $$ | $$$ |
What each one gets right and wrong
Access Original Roll-Up
Strengths
- Adjustable open positions
- Quality build and seals
Trade-offs
- Low security
- Costs more than basic roll-ups
Retrax PRO XR
Strengths
- Top security and weather sealing
- Stop-anywhere access
- Carries roof-style crossbars
Trade-offs
- Premium price
- Canister takes ~6" of bed length
- Heavy
The verdict
Pick the Access Original Roll-Up if…
Its balance of security, weather protection and access matches how you use the bed, and it is the cheaper option.
Refined soft roll-up
Pick the Retrax PRO XR if…
You want the stronger security and weather of the two.
Best premium retractable
Both are sold per truck and bed length. Confirm fitment for your exact year and bed before ordering either — the comparison above is about the cover, not about whether it fits you.
Other comparisons
Still shortlisting? These involve one of the two covers above.
Access Original Roll-Up vs Retrax PRO XR — frequently asked
Access Original Roll-Up or Retrax PRO XR — which should I buy?
Buy the Access Original Roll-Up if its balance suits how you use the bed, and it is the cheaper of the two. Buy the Retrax PRO XR if you care most about security and weather. They are different cover types, so decide the type first — that choice matters more than the badge.
Is the Access Original Roll-Up more secure than the Retrax PRO XR?
On our rating the Access Original Roll-Up scores Low for security and the Retrax PRO XR scores High. Treat that as resistance to an opportunist rather than as a safe — no tonneau cover stops someone determined with tools and time.
Will either of these fit my truck?
Both are sold per truck and bed length rather than as one universal part, so the answer depends on your year, model and bed. Most full-size & mid-size beds — confirm your year and bed length. Check your exact fitment before ordering either.
Do either need drilling to install?
Access Original Roll-Up: Clamp-on, no drilling. Retrax PRO XR: Clamp-on, no drilling. Mainstream covers clamp to the bed rails and need no drilling, which keeps them removable and the truck's finish intact.