A Truck’s Bed Liner Has to Be Tough

We want to help you find the one that works for you!

Ryan G from Mentor writes: “I am thinking about getting a new bed liner for my truck, but I don’t know what works best. My old truck bed rusted out, thanks to the Cleveland snow. I need to cover my bed, but I need some direction!”

We can help, Ryan! You are right. Without protection, a truck bed won’t last long in Cleveland. Northeast Ohio weather has numerous factors that can impact the lifespan of an auto body. Snow and ice are made up of a truck’s natural enemy: water. It’s not only that, but in Northeast Ohio, your truck is battling with salt and brine from the winter roads. You know what else is made up of water? WATER! We get a pretty decent amount of rain throughout the year too, so that is going to have its impact. We also have intense humidity, and that can have a negative impact on truck beds. Even the intense summer sun can impact the paint that helps protect the actual metal. Your truck bed is a sitting duck when left to battle the elements.

So, now it’s time to decide on a truck bed liner. As you know by now, there are so many options that your head can spin. Truck mats and truck rugs are not very sturdy. They can move and lose position in the bed, and they just aren’t great options for long-term, heavy-duty use. At D&S, we choose to focus on more long-term, permanent, and semi-permanent solutions. This simplifies things to two main choices: spray-on bed liners or drop-in bed liners.

The purpose of this guide is to help you choose between these two options. Let’s start by looking at the basic differences between the two.

1. Spray-on Bed Liners

Spray-on bed liners are a permanent solution to your needs. At D&S Automotive, we choose to use Rhino Linings spray-on bed liners. This spray-on lining solution is made of a polyurethane coating that is durable, water-tight, and airtight. It is professionally installed right here at D&S, and once your bed is coated it will remain protected for life. The installation process takes about 4-6 hours.

2. Drop-in Bed Liners

Drop-in bed liners are formed to the contours of your truck and are very durable. They can take real abuse and are made to last. They are not permanent and can be removed, should you ever decide to take one out.

So, now you know about the options we have for you, but you need help making a choice. Here are some things to consider when you are buying a bed liner for your Northeast Ohio truck:

What kind of cargo do you haul most often?

If you are hauling tools, materials, boxes, and heavy-duty items, either one of these options will be great. They are both very good at protecting your bed liner from dings, dents, and scratches. On the other hand, if there are going to be chemicals and liquids involved, you might want to consider the spray-on Rhino Lining. The liquids can seep into cracks and crevices in the drop-in liner. The spray-on liner won’t have this issue.

About that weather…

Either one of these options will protect against the elements, but as we discussed, snow, ice, and rain are all made up of water. Just like the liquid chemicals we were talking about, if water gets under the drop-in liner, it can cause rust and corrosion to the truck bed.

How long do you plan on keeping your vehicle?

Remember that the spray-on liner can’t be removed. However, it does have a lifetime warranty against defects, workmanship, or materials. The drop-in can be removed, so if you work for a company that gets you the same model of truck every few years, you might be able to drop that liner into your new vehicle rather than having it re-sprayed. Having a liner protects your investment, but doesn’t increase the value as an accessory per se.

What is your budget?

The price of Rhino Linings from D&S Automotive start around $500. Generally speaking, drop-in liners are a little more cost effective, but they are not permanent. Overall, Rhino Linings provide the best protection, but the drop-in liners are a great option that will help keep your truck bed scratch and dent proof.

We hope this helps! If you still aren’t sure which option will work best for you, that’s why we are here! Contact us today and we can talk about options and determine which product is going to match up with your needs! Request a quote from D&S Automotive and get your truck body protected today!