Pickup trucks and 4X4s that are routinely utilized in the field soon see lots of wear and tear, both in their cargo beds and their entire bodies in general. If your vehicle is not protected with a heavy-duty spray on coating or a pre-made drop-in liner, chances are its lifespan as a useful tool or source of enjoyment on the weekend while motoring through the woods will be short-lived.
Spray-on bedliners have taken a giant leap forward over the past decade now that many truck owners see the potential not only of protecting their beds but also the entire truck, much like a suit of armor. Says the professionals at MilSpec Liner, truck spray-on bedliner dealer, bedliners are no longer simply for truck beds anymore. Over the course of the last several years, it’s not uncommon to install bedliners on complete vehicle exteriors, trailers, work vans and trucks, off-road rigs, Jeeps, overland commercial trucks, and even boats.
It’s with that protective promise in mind, you need to ask yourself, what’s the better choice for your vehicle? A spray-on bedliner or the more traditional drop-in liner? According to a recent report by Motor Biscuit, drivers naturally want their trucks to last for many, many miles. If there exists a good way to protect their vehicle for the short and long-term, they will want to be on board with it.
Protective bed liners are an important accessory that’s become important to truck owners over the years, since they prolong the life of the bed. Protecting the back of the truck where you store your cargo and equipment is paramount. To offer you and your truck the sort of protection you need in the field, you have a couple of very good options.
The first option is a special custom spray-on coating that becomes your heavy-duty liner. The second option is a simpler, prefabricated accessory that you install by hand into your truck’s cargo bay. As you might expect, both items have good points and negative points when it comes to the overall protection of your vehicle so that it stays on the road and works for you for as long as possible. Here’s a look at both.
The Spray-On Liner
Vehicle operators and drivers purchase pickup trucks for the most part due to their hauling and transporting capabilities. They do this for personal and professional reasons. The overriding problem that comes from hauling goods and equipment out the back of your truck is that dents, gouges, and even severe scratches can occur even on a daily basis. One very good method to avoid these issues is for owners to invest in a type of protective liner for their truck bed. The custom spray-on liner is one such protective liner that’s growing in popularity.
In essence, a spray-on liner is a “painted truck bed.” The existing paint from your cargo bed is stripped down to the original bare metal. The new surface is then prepared and painted with a new protective coating. The coating contains a textured surface that assists with protecting the cargo walls and floor from scuffs and scratches from cargo and equipment that moves around during transport. Because it causes friction, the coating can also help with keeping these items from sliding around.
Keep in mind, however, that spray-on truck bedliners require highly specialized technicians to correctly apply it. Someone who is lacking in the proper knowledge about the specialized coating can easily perform a bad job which would leave you with a botched bedliner. Since spray-on liners generally run a little more money, it’s said to be a best practice to research a certified bedliner company so you don’t waste your money.
It’s also important to remember that if your new truck or 4X4 comes with a corrosion warranty, the spray-on liner will probably invalidate it since the original paint must be removed.
The Drop-In Liner
Says Motor Biscuit, the drop-in liner is a rubber or hard-plastic lining that can be dropped into your truck bed. It’s said to be more affordable since, technically speaking, it’s likely you can install it by yourself.
Like the spray-on version, its purpose is to prevent the truck bed from dings and dents since the tough liner will take the brunt of the collisions that truck walls would normally take from shifting cargo. Plus, you can transfer your drop-in liner from one truck to another so long as they are the same size.
The main issue with drop-in liners? They rarely fit snugly enough. If you should choose to purchase one that claims to offer a universal fit, you will risk the liner not fitting correctly. If it’s not big enough, it will slide around the back along with the cargo, thus causing dents and other issues to the truck walls.
The drop-in liners are usually smooth and do not provide the friction required to keep cargo from shifting. If you want a top-notch drop-in liner, you need to do your proper research and find one that will work correctly for you. This can take some time.
In the end, the best protective liner for you depends on your budget and the research you do seeking out the perfect solution for you and your truck. Both items have their good points and no so good points.
