Truck Liners

Bed liner manufacturers offer many ways to protect and add value to your truck

By J. Holcomb

Truck liners provide maximum protection against scratches, dents, rust and corrosion, while providing a rugged non-slip surface to protect your cargo. If you use your truck for any type of hauling—heavy loads, light duty, furniture, valuables, recreational equipment; construction work; transporting pets or animals; or off-roading, it’s time to consider a truck bed liner.

Advances in liner technologies and the easy application of many of the newer products have also made starting a truck bed liner business easier than ever before.

Bed liners typically fall into two major categories: “drop-in” and “spray-on,” with several options under each. Drop-in liners refer to any pre-formed kits designed to fit a variety of truck models. From the traditional heavy rigid plastic truck bed liners, to plastic/rubber combinations and carpet kits, you can purchase drop-ins for a few hundred dollars and do not require professional installation. Spray-on truck bed liners, on the other hand, bond a coating permanently to the truck bed, creating a watertight and airtight layer of protection. Once you determine your needs, you can sort through your options:

1. Plastic “drop-in” truck bed liners.
2. Spray on truck bed liners.
3. Dealer accessories.
4. Truck caps and shell liners.

"Drop-in" for easy and inexpensive truck liners solutions

The convenience of "drop-in" installation is attractive and plastic liners provide excellent ding protection and a far more UV resistant than spray-on brands. However in lower end models, the fit is not custom, which could lead to vibration and rubbing that could, in turn, cause the scratching and rusting you were hoping to avoid. Drop-in liners are not available for all truck models. Plastic liners also tend to be slick and cargo can shift, so be sure to purchase a liner with a non-slip finish.
Try: Bed liner manufacturer STK offers Line-A-Bed, a superior non-slip protection for a wide range of truck models. Penda Automotive’s Pendaliner and Penda Skid Resistor are also popular drop-in options. DualLiner combines the rugged protection of plastic for the sides of your bed with a “zero-skid” rubber floor mat that won’t trap dirt or water against the bed. BedRug's marine carpet and polyethylene closed-celled foam design offers one of the best combinations of protection for your truck and your cargo. Mats and carpet kits can be found at JC Whitney and Pickup Specialties.

"Spray-on" for permanent truck liner protection

Once cured, spray in truck bed liners become part of the truck body and prevent corrosion, rust and vibration. They offer superior scratch resistance and a non-slip surface for hauling cargo. Spray-on liners can be color-matched to the factory paint, or tinted for custom jobs. But, they are also permanent and may void warranties on the vehicle, particularly if it's a lease. Though professional installation is highly recommended, several brands offer a do-it-yourself option that is fast becoming a preferred option for new bed liner businesses.
Try: Truck bed liner manufacturers Line-X, Rhino and Speedliner produce the industry’s leading products. Herculiner is the leading do-it-yourself product.

Keep your new truck new with a bed liner for your pickup

One of the best things you can do for your new truck is protect it even before it leaves the lot. Truck bed liner manufacturers and truck companies like Chevy, (with their Chevy truck bed liner), GMC and Dodge carry custom fit bed liners and mat kits for all of their truck models. A Chevy truck bed liner also features the GM logo.
Try: For a trusted source for accessories and products including bed liners custom fit to your truck, contact Chevy, Ford, Dodge, GMC, Toyota or Nissan directly.

Cap it for secure protection

Whatever you call them, truck caps shell liners (or toppers, tops and cab extenders) attach to the bed of the truck, covering it completely and creating a secure and protected cargo area. Not permanent, though not easy to remove, truck caps and shells are often paired with an additional pick up bed liner to help protect the bed itself.
Try: Snugtop, Leer and A.R.E. are all established brands with a wide variety of durable work and play options. Most companies offer carpet kits or other bed liners as an option with all of their caps.

Visit as many bed liner businesses and distributors in your area as possible and ask them questions about the different kinds of liners, to decide which is best for your truck.