Protecting Your Truck Bed

Purchasing a new, or new-to-you truck can cost a significant amount of money. Brand new Chevy model trucks range anywhere from $20,000 to $40,000 and up. Even buying a used truck can be a hefty sum, especially if you are on a tight budget. When considering a purchase that requires such a high financial commitment, especially one that immediately begins to depreciate, it is important to ensure you are protecting the life of your investment. You may only intend to drive your truck for a few years until the latest and greatest model comes out, or you could be using it for the next 20 years. Either way, it is important to protect your truck and extend the life of the truck, and one way to do that is by using a quality truck bed liner.

Why You Need a Truck Bed Liner

You have probably seen the bed liners that can turn your truck bed into a swimming pool, but that is not the kind of bed liner that is going to shield your truck. Bed liners keep your truck and any cargo you may be hauling in better condition. They add a skid-proof layer and extra durability to the bed of the truck while preventing dents and scratches. Truck bed liners protect the metal from weather elements, like hail and rain. The skid-proof feature also keeps your cargo more secure, and acts as a shock absorber, minimizing vibrations that would cause cargo damage. Not to mention, it increases the resale value of the truck.

You may also be using your truck bed for many different purposes. For example, you may be hauling construction or gardening equipment, or you may be a weekend garage sale goer. For the outdoor enthusiasts, you may even have a camper shell over your truck bed and are using it to camp, haul your kayak, or carry your gear. No matter what you are using your truck, and truck bed, for you want to make sure you keep it in optimal condition.

Choosing the Right Type of Bed Liner

There are several options to choose from when deciding on a truck bed liner. Ultimately it will come down to personal preference and how you intend to use your truck. When selecting a truck bed liner, there are many things to keep in mind so that you get the best fit for your lifestyle and are making a wise investment. Doing some research before making a choice will ensure that you get exactly what you need and that the liner you choose is high-quality enough so that it lasts as long as your truck does.

The first thing to consider is the liner type that will best fit your needs. Will a drop-in liner or a spray-on liner work best for you? Maybe a brush on liner is better. Many professionals suggest going with a spray-on option, as it is mostly permanent and does not crack, allowing water to get underneath, which can happen with drop-in liners. While it does wear out over an extended period, it can be touched up fairly easily. Generally, the spray-on liners are tougher and more flexible. Although, a drop-in liner does make it easier to slide heavy cargo items into your truck bed if you are loading or unloading things yourself, but they can be noisy if they come loose.

Truck Bed Liner Material

Now that you’ve chosen a style of truck bed liner, you need to decide on the material and texture you want.  If you have decided to do a drop-in liner, you may have the choice of rubber, plastic, molded, etc. For a spray-on liner, you may have a variety of textures and finishes to choose from, as well as different color options. This aspect will definitely come down to personal preference, but you should think about how you will be utilizing the truck bed and if you will be selling the truck in the future.

Installation and Maintenance

The installation will also be a factor when making your truck bed liner decision. Will you be installing a spray-on or brush-on liner yourself? Sprays and paint-on varieties can easily be found in automotive stores. If you aren’t particularly DIY-inclined or would rather save time, it may be better to hire a professional. There are also drop-in options that can be applied at home, such as mats or carpet. Using a professional is typically encouraged, as you want to get a good seal to prevent any water from getting underneath the bed liner. Proper installation will better protect the truck long term.

The condition of the truck, specifically the truck bed should also be taken into consideration. A spray-on bed liner won’t look as good or protect as well on a bed that is in poor condition. For example, if there is a lot of rust and corrosion the structural integrity of the truck may be compromised. In that case, it would be better to get a drop-in liner that can provide some additional structural support. It will also slow down the corrosion, as it protects from weather elements and water damage.

Lastly, you should make sure to think about the maintenance needs of your truck bed liner. How quickly will it wear out? Spray-on liners will eventually need to be reapplied. Drop-in liners, especially mats, will need to be taken out and cleaned every so often. If the liner cracks, can it be repaired or will you have to purchase a whole new bed liner? Consider the financial aspect of maintenance as well as the time investment.

While a truck bed liner is something necessary to keep your truck in better condition, they don’t always come standard in every truck. When looking to buy a new truck, you may want to consult the dealership to see if they offer any truck bed liner packages that can be pre-installed and if the options they offer will meet your specific needs. Whether or not your new truck comes with a truck bed liner, there are a plethora of options to ensure you are protecting your truck bed.