PICK-UP TRUCK BED LINER 101

Which kind of bed liner works best for you and more importantly for your trusty truck?

So, you have a new truck or even a “new to you” truck and you want to make sure it’s protected from nicks, scrapes and dings; especially the bed.  You think back on all the abuse you and your buddies gave to the trucks from your high school days and a shudder runs down your spine.  Well, the good news is that you have some really solid options…and some are better than others depending on your situation.

 

First, when deciding on the type of truck bed liner, there are several factors to consider that will lead you to the right decision:

 

1. Purpose: What will you be using the truck bed for? Will you be hauling heavy loads, carrying delicate equipment, or just using the bed for everyday use? This will determine the level of protection you need.
2. Budget: Bed liners range in price from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Determine your budget and look for options within that range.
3. Durability: Some bed liners are more durable than others, so consider the type of wear and tear you expect your truck bed to endure.
4. Maintenance: Some bed liners are easier to clean and maintain than others. Consider the level of maintenance you are willing to perform.
5. Installation: Some bed liners are easy to install yourself, while others require professional installation. Consider your skills and the time you have available for installation.

 

Once you consider your general purpose, budget, durability needs, time spent on maintenance, level of appearance and color options and whether you have the ability or inclination for installation, it’s time to explore the different types of bed liner options out there.

 

Spray-On Bed Liners: This type of bed liner provides the best protection and durability. It is a permanent solution that is sprayed directly onto the truck bed and forms a seamless, watertight bond.

 

Pros:

1. Customization: Spray-on bed liners are available in a wide range of colors and textures, allowing truck owners to choose the option that best fits their needs.
2. Durability: Spray-on bed liners are the most durable option, providing the greatest protection against scratches, dents, and other types of damage to the bed of the truck.
3. Protection: Spray-on bed liners provide comprehensive protection against corrosion and rust, as well as damage caused by UV rays.
4. Aesthetics: Spray-on bed liners create a sleek, uniform appearance that enhances the overall look of the truck.

Cons:

1. Cost: Spray-on bed liners are generally the most expensive option, as they require professional installation and specialized equipment.
2. Time: Spray-on bed liners require a longer installation time than other types of bed liners, as they need to be applied in multiple layers and require time to cure.
3. Irreversibility: Once a spray-on bed liner is applied, it cannot easily be removed, which means truck owners must be committed to the choice.
4. Skill: Spray-on bed liners require a certain level of skill to apply properly, which means installation must be done by trained professionals for optimal results.

 

Overall, spray-on bed liners are a good choice for truck owners who want the most durable and comprehensive protection, as well as customization options. However, they come with a higher cost and require professional installation, which may not be suitable for those on a budget.

 

Roll-On Bed Liners: This type of bed liner is a do-it-yourself option that can provide good protection. It is a paint-on solution that is applied to the truck bed and dries to form a durable, non-slip surface. roll-on bed liners are usually made of materials like polyurethane or polyurea. Roll-on bed liners require more preparation and can take several hours to apply.

 

Pros:

1. Durability: Roll-on bed liners are typically thicker than other types of bed liners, providing protection against scratches, dents, and other types of damage to the bed of the truck.
2. Customization: Roll-on bed liners are available in a limited number of colors and textures, allowing truck owners to choose the option that best fits their needs.
3. DIY installation: Roll-on bed liners can be installed by most truck owners with a roller and a good deal of preparation, which can save on costs.
4. Affordability: Roll-on bed liners are generally more affordable than spray-on bed liners, which require professional installation and specialized equipment.

Cons:

1. Preparation: Roll-on bed liners require more preparation than other types of bed liners, including sanding, cleaning and masking the bed of the truck to ensure a good bond.
2. Longevity: While roll-on bed liners are more durable than some other types of bed liners, they may not last as long as spray-on bed liners.
3. Limited customization: Roll-on bed liners are available in a limited number of colors and textures, which may not meet the specific needs of all truck owners.
4. Limited protection: Roll-on bed liners provide basic protection against damage to the bed of the truck but may not be as comprehensive as other types of bed liners.

 

Overall, roll-on bed liners are a good choice for truck owners who want a balance of affordability and durability and are willing to do the preparation and installation themselves. However, for those who want more comprehensive protection and customization options, spray-on liners may be a better choice.

 

Drop-In Bed Liners: This type of bed liner is a less expensive option and can be easily removed if needed. It is a plastic liner that sits in the bed of the truck and is secured by hooks or other fasteners.

 

Pros:

1. Ease of installation: Drop-in bed liners are easy to install and remove, which can save on installation costs.
2. Protection: Drop-in bed liners provide comprehensive protection against scratches, dents, and other types of damage to the bed of the truck.
3. Affordability: Drop-in bed liners are generally more affordable than spray-on bed liners, which require professional installation and specialized equipment.

Cons:

1. Water and debris accumulation: Drop-in bed liners can allow water and debris to accumulate between the liner and the bed of the truck, which can result in corrosion or rust over time.
2. Bed damage: The installation process of drop-in bed liners can sometimes cause damage to the bed of the truck, especially if the liner is not a perfect fit.
3. Weight: Drop-in bed liners can be heavy, which can add weight to the load and reduce the overall hauling capacity of the truck.
4. Durability: Drop-in bed liners are less durable than spray-on bed liners and may wear down over time, which can result in the need for frequent replacement.
5. Limited Customization: Drop-in bed liners are available almost exclusively in black allowing little opportunity for customization or preference.

 

Rubber Bed Mats: This type of bed liner provides good protection and is easy to clean. Rubber mats are typically made of heavy-duty rubber that sits on top of the truck bed and can be easily removed for cleaning. Rubber mats are easy to install – simply unroll them and lay them in the bed of the truck.

 

Pros:

1. Affordability: Rubber mat bed liners are generally the most affordable option for truck owners, making them a popular choice for those on a budget.
2. Ease of installation: Rubber mat bed liners are easy to install and remove, which can save on installation costs.
3. Lightweight: Rubber mat bed liners are lightweight, which can be an advantage for truck owners who want to minimize the weight of their load.
4. Anti-slip: Rubber mat bed liners provide a non-slip surface, which can help prevent cargo from shifting during transport.

Cons:

1. Limited protection: Rubber mat bed liners provide less comprehensive protection (only on the bottom bed surface) against scratches, dents, and other types of damage to the bed of the truck.
2. Limited customization: Rubber mat bed liners are available in a limited number of colors and textures, which may not meet the specific needs of all truck owners.
3. Durability: Rubber mat bed liners are less durable than other types of bed liners and may wear down over time, which can result in the need for frequent replacement.
4. Maintenance: Rubber mat bed liners require regular cleaning and maintenance to prevent mold, mildew, and other types of damage.

 

Rubber mat bed liners are a good choice for truck owners who want a low-cost, lightweight option that provides basic protection and is easy to install.

 

Overall, if you’re looking for a more permanent and customizable solution for protecting your truck bed, a spray-on bed liner may be the best choice. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable and easy-to-install option that provides basic protection, a drop-in or rubber mat bed liner may be a good choice. Roll-on bed liners offer a balance of durability and affordability and may be a good choice for truck owners who want to install the liner themselves.  So, it might come down to just how much you love your truck!