A truck is a versatile vehicle. It can be a utility vehicle, a temporary home, or just good transportation. Truck owners decorate their vehicles with different amenities and accessories to suit their needs. However, it won’t be of service if it isn’t properly maintained. It requires regular maintenance and protection, and truck bed plastic liners are the most recommended form of protection.
Are Truck Bed Liners Necessary?
If you own a new truck, a bed liner can be a necessary accessory. It will save your new investment from various types of damage. They provide a protective layer between your truck bed and other outside elements. Therefore, you can prevent rusting, scratches, and other scraps and damage from cargo transport.
If you wish to maintain this new truck and keep it safe from different types of damage, get the best available bed liners on the market. You can choose from four different types of bed liners:
- Drop-in: These are also known as plastic liners that mold to fit in the bed of a truck securely and fastened using bolts. They are the most famous bed liners for trucks.
- Spray-on: They are the most durable and expensive option. It starts off as liquid and rolls onto the bed of the truck. When it dries, it becomes a solid liner that can protect your truck from damage.
- Bedrug: They are usually made of plastic or rubber and finished off as polyester fibers. They are secured tightly to the top to stay in place.
- Bed mats: They are the simplest truck bed liners on the market; they can roll in and out of the truck without a hassle, making them popular among different truck owners.
What to Consider When Shopping For a Pickup Truck Plastic Bed Liner
A plastic bed liner for your pickup truck will be protective and provide a sleek finish as well. When you decide to buy one for your new truck, you should consider some questions before making your investment.
Do You Want a Permanent Liner?
One of the most important questions to ask yourself when buying a bed liner is if you want a permanent liner or not. If you want a more permanent solution, then you should opt for a spray-on. They aren’t removed and are a lasting liner. If not, you should choose a plastic drop-in liner; they are not permanent and provide significant protection.
Bed mats are easy to install, unlike other options. However, if stretched, they are difficult to remove. By far, the most straightforward liner is a bed mat, but they don’t provide a lasting solution. They are more of a temporary fix.
What Do You Need to Protect it From?
Since a pickup truck bed liner is usually used to protect the bed of your truck, it’s important to determine what you need to protect it from. Plastic drop-in liners are an excellent choice if you’re constantly sliding tools or other materials in and out of your truck bed since they have a smoother surface.
However, if you deal with harsh chemicals, cleaning supplies, paints, or thinners, you should opt for a spray-on liner seeing as they are more secure and none of the substance will leak onto the truck itself.
How Do You Utilize Your Truck Bed?
This is another important thing to question when deciding on a bed liner, especially because of its texture or smoothness. Smooth liners are for people who often slide things around; they provide incredible mobility. However, if you don’t want your items to move you should choose a bed liner that has texture and keeps things in place.
Do You Need Weather Protection?
If you don’t have a roof over your truck, then a bed liner is a great way to prevent damage from outside elements. Spray-on is the best option because of its extreme security. Others aren’t as reliable, and plastic bed liners especially aren’t. They aren’t built for extreme weather conditions, and if your area frequently sees frequent rainfalls or heat waves, then mats and rugs aren’t recommended either.
However, if you live in a relatively gentle climate, then you can get a plastic bed liner for your truck since it’s cheaper and easier to handle.
Tips on How to Buy the Right One
Generally, you should consider many aspects when buying a bed liner. When you’re in the process of buying it, you should keep these tips in mind. Here are some tips on how to buy the right bed liner.
Consider Surface Texture
Four types of liners are usually used: rubber mats, plywood, rubber mats, and rug mats. All these liners have their own texture, reflecting their durability. For instance, plastic liners are a better option if you slide things frequently. And if you don’t want things to move around, then the texture of a rough spray-on would be better.
Choose Material Based on its Advantages
Every material comes with its own advantages, and it’s important that you remember what material best suits your needs. Primarily, five types of material are used for bed lining a truck.
- Rubber: Rubber is excellent for absorbing any impact when you drop something.
- Wood: Wood provides more structure and is the cheapest out of all of them.
- Plastic: Plastic liners are best for protecting a truck from dents.
- Carpet: These are great for truck camping.
- Spray-on: These increase the look of your truck and are the most durable.
Consider the Bed Liner to be a Long-Term Investment
It’s common for truck owners to purchase a bed liner that has the lowest up-front cost. However, up-front prices often reflect the long-term value that you get from bed liners. For instance, a spray-on liner is sure to add 100 to 300 dollars to your truck when you sell or trade it off. In contrast, a rubber mat will significantly hurt the value of your truck if there rust gathers underneath.
Talk to Your Auto Dealer
When you consult with your auto dealer, you may get a deal on a bed liner, especially on a spray-on. When you contact your local dealer, you can ask them about what they recommend, and they might even offer you a discount or offer a deal.
Wrapping Up
You can’t go wrong with a bed liner in your truck, whichever one it might be. A new truck needs its protection and security, and with the right liner, the value of your truck also increases.
There’s much to cover when discussing making the right bed liner purchase. The easiest option to go for is a truck bed plastic liner since they are good with dents and dealing with other bumps on the road. However, if you have face more serious climate conditions or just have rough use, then you can choose a spray-on.
