Here you are admiring your new truck that’s beautiful and shiny. You think about how rugged, durable, and functional it looks and how it could carry heavy loads without any hitch until you tried loading heavy stuff that rolled around when you’re on the road. You realized that the bed of your truck needs more protection if you want it to last longer.
Protecting the truck bed
There are several ways you can protect the bed of your truck, but the two most popular options are a spray-in or a drop-in bedliner. Each type has its set of pros and cons, and both can give ample protection.
Difference between a spray-in and a drop in truck bedliner
The primary difference is in the material. A drop-in bedliner is a molded hard plastic or rubber shell. It is made to fit the bed of your truck. A spray-in bedliner is a thick rubber-like compound that you either roll onto or spray on the truck bed.
Pros and cons of the two types
Each type has its advantages and disadvantages. Your choice will depend on your budget and the type of materials you usually load onto your truck. Durability is also another factor you should consider.
Advantages of a drop-in bedliner:
- A drop-in bedliner is removable. It is molded to fit your truck’s bed, so you can remove it whenever you want. You can easily replace it or remove it when you do not need it.
- It is cheaper. You can go to a shop that makes them and find one that fits your truck model or have it custom made. It is cheaper because you do not need special equipment to install it. You can even install it by yourself.
Disadvantages of a drop-in bedliner:
- It does not add an aesthetic feel to your truck. Many people think that a drop-in bedliner does not please the eye, although this factor is subjective.
- It can trap water and dirt. If the drop-in bedliner does not fit your truck bed snugly, dirt and water can lodge into the gaps between the shell and the truck bed. Because you don’t often notice it, the trapped water and dirt can cause rust to develop.
- Smooth surface. Usually, the surface of a drop-in bed liner is smooth. This means that the items you put into the truck can slide or roll around while you are moving.
Advantages of a spray-in bedliner:
- Extremely durable. The material is made of a polyurethane mixture, making the spray in bedliner tough and durable. Moreover, the material is permanent.
- Reduces sliding. The spray-in bedliner’s texture is rubber-like and rough, which prevents items loaded on the truck from sliding and rolling around.
- Snug fit. Since the bedliner is sprayed or rolled directly onto the truck bed’s surface like paint, it fits the space snugly, preventing dirt and water from collecting underneath the surface.
Disadvantages of a spray-in bedliner:
- Requires expert installer. The installation of a spray-in bedliner involves several processes and specific equipment. Thus, it needs an expert to apply it.
- It is pricey. A spray-in bedliner is a premium option. It is more expensive, but it is long-lasting to pay for itself in the long run.
The choice of which one to use depends on your budget and your requirements. Choose the one with the highest qualities that fit your preferences.
