A quality bedliner is durable and long lasting. They are difficult to uninstall and for this reason you want to get it right the first time. So how do you decide if a roll-on bedliner or a slide-in bedliner is right for you? We’ve taken the guess work out of it and laid out the benefits and downfalls for your comparison.
Roll-On Bedliner
A truck bed is highly abused. Designed to haul pretty much anything it needs some extra care and attention to protect against scratches, dings, and rust. A roll-on bedliner bonds to the paint and metal creating a protective permanent layer that protects the truck bed. These liners are simple to apply in three steps: prep the surface, roll-on with one or two coats and let dry. To learn more about roll-on options and how to install visit Durabak. These bedliners are waterproof (even resistant to saltwater), extreme impact and abrasion resistant, anti-corrosive, as well as chip, peel and rust-proof. The roll-on bedliner lasts for years.
Slide-In Bedliner
If your truck is more for show and not often volunteered in hauling or projects, then a slide-in bedliner may be just what you are looking for. Thick rubber mats can protect the bottom of the bed from damage. There are slide in plastic bedliners though these can cause damage by scratching the paint and giving a place for rust to begin forming. These liners, just as the name implies, slide into place. Be careful not to scratch the surface of the bed as you install them and make sure they provide a snug fit, the last thing you want is for them to continue to slide around on their own while driving. Even a little bit of friction over time can lead to a nasty scratch. If you are looking at a slide-in for your option, it is best to get it directly from the manufacturer to ensure an exact fit. Magnum points out that one of the benefits of a slide-in is they are easy to replace when necessary, of course over time this will become necessary as the fit loosens due to wear and tear.
Which is best?
Consider the following: What is the purpose of your truck? What elements is your truck bed exposed to regularly? A roll-on bedliner is a permanent solution that protects against rust, it is a commitment and can not be easily removed and is not the cause of any damage. Roll-on liners are fade resistant and last for years. On the other hand, a slide-in bedliner is a temporary fix, can be easily removed, and can damage the bed with scratches that lead to rust.
Whether you go with a roll-on or a slide-in, according to autotrader.com, “this seemingly small decision will determine how your truck ages, how you are able to use the bed and how the vehicle will look for years to come.” Carefully consider the environment in which you live and the durability of the product prior to installing your bedliner. Is it more cost effective to go with a cheap liner you will need to replace over and over again or to purchase an affordable durable liner that will last for years?
