Generic truck bed protection question

[captainhero]

Hi

I'm considering getting a new truck and i was wondering what is the best (or rather most appropriate for me) option for bed protection.
My current Ranger has what i think is a molded drop in liner, but with the new england climate and winter salt, the bed is all rotten underneath the liner. I'm thinking a spray-on option might be a better choice, but obviously provides a bit less impact protection ?

I'm not planning a heavy usage of the bed, mostly for DIY enthusiast projects in the weekend. Definitely not heavy duty daily abuse.

Also ,would you go with factory options, or do this aftermarket ?
For the record, I think i'll get a GM truck (colorado/canyon)- not a ford one (sorry ). Just saying in case different manufacturers offer different options etc... not to start a manufacturer war haha

Any input appreciated !

Thanks

 

[Dirtman]

A properly installed drop in liner should not cause the bed to rust underneath. My factory bed liner has been in for 11 years and the bed underneath looks brand new (I also live in the northeast). Before the liner is installed the seams of the bed need to be cleaned and sealed and all the "rub points" need to be protected with rubber tape. The type of drop in liner matters too. A good quality drop in liner will fully tuck under the side rails and wrap over the headboard so no water or debris can get under it. Cheap liners often have gaps that let that happen. You should also pop the liner out every couple years and wash the bed just in case anything does find its way under there.

 

[Blmpkn]

The whole reason the aftermarket exists is because the factory option usually isn't good enough.

Personally, I'd just use a well reviewed roll on liner. More than sufficient for enthusiast grade use.

I live in maine, so I know how bad the salt beats up vehicles. I'm having to replace the bed on my '10 because of rust. Mine started underneath though, where no amount of bedliner could of saved it.

You should consider fluid film, or another similar product for the underside of your new truck. Even better would be clean the frame, paint it with chassis saver, THEN fluid film.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

My F-150 has a spray in, had it when I got the truck in 2005.

Starting last year I have rust holes above the wheel wells inside the bed...

 

[97RangerXLT]

My 97 has had a drop in liner since new. I pulled it in 2012 and the bed was pristine underneath

AJ

 

[sgtsandman]

Things tend to slide around less with a spray-in liner than a drop in. I prefer the spray-in option but there isn't anything wrong with a good drop in. As far as things sliding around, not that you asked, you have the choice of tying it down, using a load bar/bed extender, or getting a rubber bed mat.

 

[JohnnyO]

A quality spray-in is the best but I've always gotten by just fine with a bed mat. Had a mat in my two Rangers, none in my first Sport Trac since the beds are plastic, got a mat for my second Sport Trac because the bed is different and very slippery.

 

[bobbywalter]

I would just put a rubber mat in