Is A Bed Liner Necessary For A New Truck?

If you recently bought a new truck, one of the first things that come to your mind is protection. You want to protect your investment and ensure that it will serve your needs for a long time. On average, a pickup truck will last for 15 years or about 200,000 miles. But if you can make it last longer than average, why not?

One of the more vulnerable parts of the truck is the truck bed because it will bear the brunt of the items you will load into it. You want to ensure that the truck bed is free from damage; thus, installing a truck bed liner is a priority.

Reasons to install a bed liner on your new truck.

You bought a new truck to haul things. But this means that the truck bed will be subject to some damage if left without protection.

The truck bed will take all the bumps and dings that can chip the paint off the bed or dent and scratch its surface even with a powerful engine.

Unless you do not care if your new truck looks battered and old before its time, opt to invest in a good bed liner that will suit your purpose and budget. Considering the amount of protection bed liners provide, they are cost-effective.

Options for truck bed liners

There are relatively cheap truck bed mats, carpets, and rugs, but they are not very durable and will not last long. In addition, most of them only cover the flat surface of the bed, leaving the sides and the tailgate exposed.

Drop-in bed liners

One of the sturdier and longer-lasting bed liners you can choose is the drop-in type. However, it must be custom-fitted to your truck’s brand and model. It comes in two parts, one for the truck bed and the tailgate. The material is molded to fit the size and shape of the truck bed and protect the bed and the tailgate. The drop-in bed liner is bolted into place to prevent it from banging into the sides of the truck bed.

While it gives adequate protection, there will be slight gaps between the bed liner and the truck walls, which can trap dust, debris, sand, and water. Since the liner is bolted, removing and cleaning are not as easy. In addition, the trapped collection of small items and water can lead to corrosion over time.

Spray-on bed liner

Your other option is to use a spray-on bed liner. This product is pricier than other bed liners, but it will provide permanent protection when properly applied. It covers the entire truck bed surface, including hard-to-reach corners, seams, and joints, and gives it a cushiony, non-slip surface.

Spray-on bed liner provides UV protection and renders the truck bed weatherproof and waterproof. It will effectively prevent damage to the truck bed, walls, and tailgate. Likewise, it is easy to clean, maintain, and repair (if needed).

When choosing the bed liner, think of the items you will frequently haul. For heavier and sharp objects, choose a drop-in liner. On the other hand, if you are moving construction materials, containers of chemicals, and other liquids, such as pool cleaners, and other items, choose the spray-on bed liner.