Pickup Truck Bed Liners
The following information provides detailed descriptions including the positive and negative aspects of several different types of pickup truck bed liners. This information will help you make a well-informed decision before buying a liner to protect your pickup truck.
Considerations Before Choosing a Bed Liner
Before deciding on a bed liner for your pickup truck, you need to think about how often you plan on actually using your pickup truck for hauling and what you plan on hauling in your pickup truck. A simple mat might be all you need to line the bed of your pickup truck, or you might want to consider a heavy-duty spray-on liner.
Quality First
No matter what type of liner you choose for your pickup truck, make sure the one you choose is high quality. There’s no sense in investing in a product if you’re going to buy something that won’t last as long as you own your truck. Low-quality products could peel, chip, fade, or crack. If water becomes trapped beneath a bed liner, the truck could rust beyond repair.
Spray-On Bed Liners
Spray-on liners take a lot of abuse, and the spray-on variety is a great choice if the bed of your truck is already damaged. This type of product protects the metal considerably, and it is the best choice if you plan on doing a lot of hauling. With a spray-on liner you can use a truck the way it was meant to be used with no worry of causing dents and scratches.
Spray-on bed liners are the most expensive, but this type is a good investment because a high-quality spray-on liner will actually outlive the truck. Also, spray-on products are available in colors other than black, and it might be possible to match the color of your truck.
Drop-In Bed Liners
Drop-in bed liners are reasonably priced, and are generally around $200 less than the spray-on variety. This is a good investment if you don’t plan on keeping your truck for more than four or five years. Many drop-in bed liners exposed to the elements eventually crack.
Usage and exposure are two main points to consider when deciding on the type to buy. A bed liner that’s exposed to the elements won’t last as long as one that’s covered, nor will a liner that’s used for hauling stones, bricks, construction equipment, or other heavy items.
Years ago, drop-in bed liners were known for warping and leaking. A leaking bed liner will eventually cause the bed of the truck to rust. Although they have greatly improved over the years, this type still isn’t as sturdy as the spray-on variety.
Bed Mats
Bed mats are by far the cheapest types of bed liners, and they are great for light-duty hauling. When buying a bed mat, pay careful attention to the thickness of the mat you’re considering. Bed mats that seem like a real bargain might not be if they’re not thick enough to lay flat in your truck let alone protect it.
Another great thing about a mat is the fact that you can roll it up and remove it whenever you want. Your investment can go with you when you sell your truck.
Material Bed Liners
Bed liners made of material are exceptionally soft and extremely thick, but don’t let the softness of these bed liners fool you into thinking they aren’t strong. The material is extra strong, waterproof, and remarkably stain-resistant. A truck bed lined with material is great for hauling items that need to stay in place, and this is a great product to consider if you’re in the market for a bed liner.
On the downside, this type is one of the most expensive types available, but if you’ve already invested thousands of dollars in a new truck, this type is worth a second look. Check out material bed liners at your local dealer so you can see if this kind meets your specific needs.
