Types and Benefits of Truck Bed Liners
If you’re a truck owner, you’ve likely asked yourself one too many times, “Should I or should I not get a truck bed liner?” It’s often – or always – a yes. Before you head out shopping though, get to know the various types available out there.
Spray-On
Spray-on liners are literally that – liners that you spray onto your truck with an applicator provided by the manufacturer. This gives your truck bed a nice airtight seal, which means it will be spared from loose materials like dirt, water, salt, and the like. Spray-on liners are also very effective against abrasion, rusting and other types of damage.
Drop-In
The concept behind drop-in liners is as easy that for spray-ons. A drop-in liner is a form-fitted plastic sheet that you just drop into the bed and bolt into place. One problem with drop-in liners though is that loose material can still get through the gaps, and of course, the bolts will usually loosen up after a while. Their advantage though is that they’re cheaper than spray-on liners.
Spray-on Against Drop-In
Here’s the deal: spray-on bed liners are the best ones to get.
Compared to drop-in truck bed liners, spray-ons are far better and for several reasons.
Versatility is number one. After all, you just spray it on, and everything will be covered! There will be no issues regarding sizing and ensuring that the liner fits. Provided you spray the entire surface that you want to protect, it will work all the way. You save time as well as effort.
In addition, spray-on liners don’t dislodge or shift positions since they are stuck to the truck bed’s metal. They’re unmovable! Drop-in liners may crack or rip, on the other hand, which is bad because moisture will be able to sneak in and rusk can develop unless the metal is treated right away. Finally, spray-on liners are the cheapest in terms of maintenance when compared to other types of truck bed liners available these days. This makes them incredibly popular too. While spray-ons may be more expensive upfront, they always turn out to be more cost-effective overall.
Other Liner Types
A carpet can be adhered to the truck bed’s metal portion, making a partly protective surface that will do well for moving sensitive stuff. Rubber can also be an option but hardly as effective as hard plastic or spray-ons. Lastly, you might consider wood, but do remember that this material is going to rot after some time, so don’t expect it to be as effective as spray-ons or plastic.