Pickup Bed Liner

EastTexFrank · Mar 27, 2005

I have a drop in liner in the F150 and a Rhino spray in liner with rubber mat in the F350. I think that there is no question that the spray in with mat is far superior for most things.

I happened to talk to the guy who runs a small truck customization shop in town a few months ago. He said that he's moved away from spray in liners because they can fade, dent and chip and be gouged and now recommends a material that he said was somewhat similar marine grade, indoor/outdoor carpet. It came in just about any color, helped to cushion the bed from heavy objects thrown into it, things didn't slide around as much and was real easy to keep clean and looking good. I didn't pursue it so I don't know much else about it or the cost difference but it may be another option to look into.

8561 · Mar 27, 2005

I've had a spray-in Line-X in my 2003 GMC Sierra for two years. I will never own another truck without a Line-x. I paid about $350 for mine, I had it done before I ever took delivery of the truck. I looked at it like if the sticker on my truck is $37,000, how can I not spend $350 on the bedliner. I haul lumber, cinder blocks, mulch, tractor implements, etc in it all the time. I also have hauled my snowmobile in it a few times. If any of you have seen what ski carbides do to pavement, you appreciate how sharp they are and how deep they cut black-top. My bedliner looks just like it did (although dirtier) the day I bought it. I usually have a tonneau cover over mine, so it never gets sun, which may contribute to the fact it looks as good as it does.

Personally, I like the appearance of the Line-X much better than the Rhino, but I'm sure they are both good products. Someone posted a cost of $600. I paid about $350 two years ago. I'm sure the price is up since, but it doesn't seem like it would be that much. I believe you would recover the vast majority of the cost of the liner in re-sale as the truck won't look abused if the bed is nice and clean, no scrapes.

Boondox · Mar 28, 2005

( You say the spray on liner is soft? )

No, read it again. The spray in is hard, so I added a rubber bed mat so the sheep didn't slip and fall. As for durability, the bed of my Dakota took some hard hits from stone...and while the bed was dented, the liner never separated. The Line-X liner in the Silverado was torn when a heavy salt spreader was slid in, but the repairs were done quickly and free.

Pete

Boondox · Mar 28, 2005

( "both brands are within 25$"

Since when did folks start putting the dollar sign behind the amount? That may be common in Europe with the euro, but I think it's supposed to be $25.

Or...am I just that much out of touch with the rest of the world? )

LOL, I never noticed since it's pronounced just the way he wrote it! Please let's not get started on typos and punctuation if the intent is clear!!! /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

Pete

Gomez · Mar 28, 2005

Thanks for all the replies.

I was quoted $525 from my local Line-X dealer for my 8ft. bed to have the application under the rails. I also have a $20 coupon. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

The dealer only sprays on Saturdays. Is that the way most of the franchises are set up?

Egon · Mar 28, 2005

Means he probably has a regular job during the week.

Can't add anything to the bed liner type as I have never used one. Just spray the inside of the box with paint when required.

But do make sure all heavy items are strapped in or prevented from sliding. I know of one short fat fellow who just can't seem to remember this and has dents in the front of the box and back of the cab. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Egon /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Boondox · Mar 28, 2005

( Thanks for all the replies.

I was quoted $525 from my local Line-X dealer for my 8ft. bed to have the application under the rails. I also have a $20 coupon. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

The dealer only sprays on Saturdays. Is that the way most of the franchises are set up?

)

I think a lot depends on the size of the shop. Big shops have a dedicated Line-X application area so other work can be done simultaneously. Small shops have to clear the decks for action, so tend to do their applications on specific days.

Pete

bgott · Mar 29, 2005

The front of pickup beds ain't what they used to be. I hauled a lot of diesel rig tire casings to the recappers in my '66 Ford and my '73 Chevy trucks, among others, and the bar built into the top of the front of the box never bent from rolling a tire into it. Right after I bought my '98 Dodge one of my tenants left me 14 casings ( unrecappable, I had to pay to get rid of them rather than sell them! /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif) and I humped them into the back of the truck and bent the hay out of the front of the bed. There isn't much metal there at all and what is there is poorly engineered. I looked at it and cussed at it for a week, then I got into the bed and yanked it back straight by hand. Now, that's some chintzy crap! /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif If I hadn't stuck a toolbox back there I would have had to move the bed back and bolt a length of conduit under the "U" to stiffen it up.