The ultimate guide to pickup truck bed liners

The Ultimate Guide to Pickup Truck Bed Liners

Finding the right Truck Liner is a matter of use as much as taste.

When it comes to protecting your truck, investing in high-quality liners can make a significant difference. Whether you drive a work truck or an off-road beast, bed liners, tech liners, and impact liners provide crucial protection against damage, spills, and wear over time. But what’s the difference between these liners, and which one is best for your needs? In this guide, we’ll explore the distinctions between these types of liners, their use cases, and compare top brands like WeatherTech, BedRug, Line-X, and Husky Liners to help you make an informed decision.

1. Pickup Truck Bed Liners

Truck bed liners are designed to protect the bed of a pickup truck from damage caused by heavy cargo, moisture, and corrosion. There are several types of truck bed liners, each with unique advantages and disadvantages.

Types of Pickup Truck Bed Liners

  • Drop-In Bed Liners: These are moulded plastic liners that fit directly into the truck bed. They are easy to install and remove but may trap moisture underneath.
  • Spray-On Bed Liners: A permanent solution that adheres to the truck bed, providing excellent protection from rust and impact damage.
  • Bed Mats: A removable rubber or carpeted mat that offers decent protection but lacks the full coverage of other liners.

Top Brands & Comparisons

  • WeatherTech TechLiner: A flexible, non-skid bed liner that offers easy installation and removal. It provides moderate impact protection but may not be as durable as spray-on options.
  • BedRug: Made from durable polypropylene fibre, it offers a carpet-like feel while being waterproof and stain-resistant.
  • Line-X: A spray-on liner that forms a permanent, high-strength coating resistant to scratches, dents, and chemicals.
  • Husky Liners Heavy-Duty Bed Mat: A thick rubberised mat that provides good protection but doesn’t cover the entire truck bed like spray-on or drop-in liners.

Pros & Cons of Pickup Truck Bed Liners

Type

Pros

Cons

Drop-In

Easy installation, affordable

Can trap moisture, may shift over time

Spray-On

Permanent protection, highly durable

More expensive, professional installation required

Bed Mat

Affordable, removable

Limited coverage, may shift under load


2. Tech Liners

Tech liners are a more advanced form of bed liner, often featuring multi-layer designs for enhanced durability, impact absorption, and resistance to chemicals.

Top Tech Liners

  • WeatherTech TechLiner: Offers flexibility and superior protection against UV rays and moisture.
  • Rugged Liner Premium Bed Liner: Designed for heavy-duty use, featuring a slip-resistant coating.
  • DualLiner: A hybrid liner with separate panels that fit snugly and offer excellent protection.

Pros & Cons of Tech Liners

Feature

Pros

Cons

Multi-Layer Design

Enhanced durability and impact absorption

Can be pricier than standard liners

Chemical Resistance

Protects against spills and corrosive substances

Some models may have a more rigid feel

UV Protection

Prevents fading and cracking over time

May require professional installation


3. Impact Liners

Impact liners are specifically designed to handle heavy-duty applications where maximum shock absorption and damage prevention are necessary.

Best Impact Liners

  • Line-X Xtra Coating: A spray-on liner that provides superior impact resistance.

  • BedTred Impact Liner by BedRug: Offers a cushioned surface with high-impact absorption, great for protecting delicate cargo.

  • Husky Liners X-act Contour: Combines flexibility with durability for effective shock absorption.

Pros & Cons of Impact Liners

Feature

Pros

Cons

Extreme Durability

Protects against heavy impact

Typically more expensive

Cushioned Options

Provides shock absorption for delicate cargo

May not be ideal for all truck owners

Permanent Coating

Long-lasting protection

Professional installation often required


Final Thoughts

Choosing the right liner for your truck depends on your specific needs. Truck owners looking for permanent protection might prefer spray-on bed liners like Line-X, while those who want a removable option may lean towards drop-in bed liners like WeatherTech TechLiner. Tech liners and impact liners are best suited for those requiring high-end durability and protection.

Investing in a quality liner not only extends the life of your truck but also enhances its functionality. No matter your truck type, there’s a liner that meets your needs.

What’s your go-to liner choice? Let us know in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Are spray-on bed liners better than drop-in liners?

Spray-on bed liners offer more durable, long-lasting protection compared to drop-in liners. However, they are more expensive and require professional installation.

2. Can I install a bed mat myself?

Yes, most bed mats are designed for easy DIY installation and can be placed directly in the truck bed without special tools.

3. Do tech liners protect against chemical spills?

Yes, tech liners are often designed with chemical-resistant materials to prevent damage from oil, fuel, and other corrosive substances.

4. How long does a spray-on bed liner last?

With proper care, a professionally installed spray-on bed liner can last the lifetime of your truck.

5. Which liner is best for hauling delicate cargo?

Impact liners, such as the BedTred Impact Liner by BedRug, offer cushioned protection for delicate items. However if you have sensory issues related to certain textures such as carpeting this may not be a good choice for you.

Lastly here's some links to the more popular trucks and vendors

Husky Liners Heavy Duty Bed Mat Ford F-150

MaxLIner Mitsubishi L200 D/C 2020+

WeatherTech ImpactLiner - Jeep Gladiator