Which of the Four Common Truck Bed Liners Should You Opt For?

Did you recently purchase a pickup truck? If so, congratulations! We’re sure you’re already appreciating all of the capabilities that the vehicle delivers.

Of course, by now, you’ve recognized that your pickup truck isn’t complete. Rather, it’s in your best interest to pursue a truck bed liner, which will maintain the cosmetic integrity of your vehicle’s exterior. These specific parts will prevent your bed from getting scratched and dinged up, and some liners are even intended to keep your cargo in place (preventing it from sliding around out back).

If you’re worried that weather or work-site aggregate will start reducing the beauty of your pickup truck, then it might be in your best interest to pursue a truck bed liner. Of course, before you do that, it’s important to understand the major differences between the various offerings. Thanks to some help from Tom Moor of AngiesList.com, we’ve provided you with some of the most common bed liners below, meaning you’ll have plenty of clarity when it’s time to go out shopping for that necessary product…

Drop-in Bed Liner

If you’ve found that your recently-purchased pickup truck is already equipped with some type of liner, there’s a good chance that it’s a standard drop-in bed version. This specific type of liner is intended to maintain the integrity of your vehicle’s bed, promising that it won’t be compromised due to weather or debris. These molded coverings are also secured into the bed of your pickup with bolts, assuring that it will consistently stay attached.

“They’re by far and away our best seller,” said Steve L. Humphries, the owner of a truck dealership in Florida. “They protect the bed well from bricks, wood and debris because they absorb the shock. They’re good for anyone in construction.”

These types of liners tend to be the most inexpensive, so you’ll find that many truck owners will ultimately opt for this specific offering. In fact, many pickup owners will replace their current drop-in bed liner with a newer version when it’s time to trade-in the vehicle, thus allowing the dealership or prospective buyers to not be distracted by any random cosmetic issues.

Bed Rugs

As a truck owner, perhaps you’re apprehensive about having holes drilled into your truck bed as technicians are installing your new drop-in bed liner. In this case, you might want to opt for a product that won’t compromise any aspect of your truck’s exterior, in which case a bed rug is the way to go. Made of a polypropylene and polyester fiber, these types of liners will stretch the entirety of your truck bed, fitting snug into the dimensions. No drilling is necessary, as the liner should be completely secured.

“They’re a great option and becoming more and more popular,” said John Losen, the owner of a vehicle outfitter in Michigan. “They look nice, and they’re easy on the knees if you’re up in the bed crawling around a lot. It’s good to take the dogs hunting with.”

This option is significantly pricier than the drop-in counterpart, although it does provide additional versatility. The part is obviously intended to prevent any scratches or cosmetic indiscretions, but the “rug” can also easily be cleaned. If your truck bed is littered with dust and other work-site aggregate, you’ll certainly appreciate the ability to take a hose to the rug and remove any grime.

Bed Mat

Perhaps you like the idea of a bed rug but you’re not willing to commit that type of money to a car liner. In that case, you might want to consider the cheaper alternative, as bed mats often come in at less than $100. The part is made of recycled rubber, meaning you certainly won’t find a more rugged product on the market.

“It’s a basic liner that’s made from recycles tires,” Humphries says. “You can roll it in and out of the truck.”

While this liner might not be as sophisticated as the alternative options, the rubber will certainly prevent the truck bed from getting dirtied by unsightly scratches. Furthermore, the rubber surface will prevent your cargo from sliding around the bed, which will be particularly useful if you often find yourself traveling with loads of equipment. Plus, as Humphries noted, the part is incredibly easy to install and remove, leading to more convenience than the alternative bed liners.

Spray-on Bed Liner

Similar to how spray-on tans are more expensive than lying on the beach (sorry, I couldn’t resist), a spray-on bed liner is more expensive than the standard liner that’s lying in your truck bed. While a traditional drop-in bed liner will cost a truck owner around $100 to $200, the spray-on alternative can cost anywhere from $400 to $800.

Of course, the benefits are obvious. These types of liners tend to be permanent, meaning you won’t have to replace the part every couple of years. While the “installation” process takes a relatively long time (around five to six hours), owners will quickly appreciate all of the advantages that accompany this option. The special material is intended to repel any rocks or sticks, assuring that they won’t scratch your truck’s paint. Furthermore, these types of liners could be especially useful to specific industries, as Humphries cleverly notes.

“Spray-on is good because you can change the color,” Humphries says. “It’s good for people who work with chemicals from pools [because they can be washed away without getting underneath a drop-in bed liner].”

Of course, it’s important that you don’t attempt to install this specific part yourself. While a do-it-yourself project might sound like a good idea, there’s a better chance that you’ll end up compromising the exterior of your truck.

What bed liner are you going to opt for? There are clearly an assortment of logical options, providing truck owners with plenty of flexibility as they’re shopping around for the ideal part