Choosing Truck Bed Liner That Will Last a Lifetime
On average, Americans are paying more than $30,000 to purchase new pickup trucks these days. And that figure is expected to grow in the coming years as pickup trucks continue to soar in popularity.
One of the great things about pickup trucks is that they’re usually well worth the cost associated with buying one. They’re designed to be incredibly durable and will stand up to just about anything you throw at them.
But you can actually make them even more durable by adding a truck bed liner to them that will protect your truck when you put things into the back of it. The right bed liner will also offer up protection for the items that you transport around on a regular basis.
You should take your time when choosing a bed liner and make sure that you install the right one. Here are some tips for doing it.
Come Up With a Budget for Your Truck Bed Liner
Before you start shopping around for different bed liners for your truck, you should come up with a budget for yourself.
There are some bed liners that will cost less than $100. There are others that could cost upwards of $1,000 when everything is all said and done. It really all depends on how much you want to spend.
While the idea of spending hundreds of dollars on a bed liner might sound crazy at first, you should consider how much it will help your truck over the years. You might even make your truck more valuable down the line by having a high-quality truck bed liner installed.
Learn About the Different Types of Bed Liners for Trucks
There are a number of different bed liners available for trucks. You should learn about each one before taking the plunge and splurging on one.
Drop-in bed liners are probably the most common type of bed liner. Many trucks come standard with these bed liners. They’re made out of plastic and are molded to fit the bed liner before being fastened to it with bolts.
Spray-on bed liners like the ones made by Industrial Polymers are also a pretty popular option even though they’re often the most expensive. They are sprayed directly on to the bed liner and are considered permanent. They offer the most protection overall.
Bed rugs are ideal for those who spend a lot of time moving fragile items or climbing around inside the back of their truck. They’re made out of polypropylene and stretch across a bed liner tightly.
And finally, bed mats are the most affordable of the bed liner types. They’re typically made out of recycled tires and slide in and out of trucks easily. You can find them for about $100.
Consider the Pros and Cons of Each Bed Liner
All of the different types of truck bed liners offer pros and cons. You should carefully consider each of them before you make your final decision.
For example, drop-in bed liners are a great choice because they come pre-installed on many trucks, which is a big pro. But the disadvantage of using them is that dirt, water, and more can sometimes manage to get underneath of them.
Spray-in bed liners, on the other hand, form a tight seal and won’t let anything get underneath of them. But you will need to hire a professional to install them right, and you’ll also need to make a hefty investment in one.
You should write down a list of pros and cons for the different bed liners and see which of them you can live with. You will be able to narrow down your choices easily when you take this approach.
Think About What You’ll Be Carrying Around in Your Truck
What are you planning on putting into the back of your pickup truck on a regular basis? This is a question you’re going to want to ask yourself before choosing a truck bed liner.
If you’re going to have tools, lawn equipment, and other basic gear, a drop-in bed liner might be just fine for you. It’ll hold up to the wear and tear you’ll put on it nicely.
But if, on the other hand, you’re going to have potentially dangerous pool chemicals in your truck every day, a spray-in bed liner will work better. It’ll be easier to clean up and will prevent chemicals from seeping down under your bed liner.
Your bed liner will last a lifetime when you choose the right one. But you’re going to want to be careful about what you place into the back of your truck if you have certain liners.
Determine How Important the Resale Value of Your Truck Is
One of the final things to consider when looking for the right bed liner is the resale value of your truck. How important is it to you?
If you plan on keeping your truck until the wheels fall off, you might not be all that concerned about selling it.
However, if you’re only going to have it for a few years, an option like a spray-on bed liner can help you keep the value of your truck high. Additionally, truck buyers are usually intrigued by vehicles with spray-on bed liners. They’re seen as a huge positive.
You might want to consider going with a spray-on liner if your plan is to sell your truck one day.
Choose the Right Bed Liner for Your Truck
After you have thought long and hard about the different bed liners, the pros and cons of each, what you’re going to use your truck for, and the potential resale value of it, you can make your final decision.
While it might not necessarily feel like it in the grand scheme of things, choosing the right truck bed liner is very important. It will help you get the most out of your truck and keep it in good condition for a long time.
Shop Around for Different Truck Bed Liners Today
As soon as you buy a new truck, you should start shopping around for the right truck bed liner right away. The quicker you do it, the quicker you can give your truck the protection it needs.
You should also maintain your vehicle properly to keep it running and make it look its best at all times.
Read our blog for more tips on taking care of your truck.