I bought a Gator EFX (aluminum trifold bed cover) but before I install I need to decide what I am going to do for the bed.
It currently has the plastic molded factory Bedliner. The bed has zero rust dents or damage but there are some bare spots where the plastic bed liner has rubbed off the paint.
I took out the bedliner today and scrubbed the bed as it was just dusty underneath.
I coated the whole bed with Eezox before putting the plastic liner back in.
With the topper on the bed should see very little water.
I get two loads of mulch each spring shovel the mulch out and then wash out the bed after. That is pretty much the worst the bed will see.
Just trying to figure out if getting the spray liner is really necessary. My understanding is bed damage usually comes from things getting under the plastic liner and rubbing the paint then moisture causing rust.
In theory I should have neither of those.
Do I really need to spend the $450??
If so do I go with Line X or Vortex?

LineX.

The plastic liner will still vibrate and rub on the paint. Dust will still migrate under it and compound the issue.

I would either pony up for the bedliner, or ditch the plastic insert and go with a bare bed. It doesn't sound like you're going to use it hard enough for it to really need extra protection.

Sprayed my bed in 03, other than a little discoloration it looks new, never chipped cracked or came loose...

Plastic liners are crap, get it lined, Think mine was Rhino Liner... They can color match,

https://rhinolinings.com/

There are DIY products where you can roll the bed yourself and save some money.

If you're not opposed to some DIY work, this stuff gets great reviews and is about a quarter the cost of LineX. Raptor Liner Tons of YouTube videos on its application and reviews of its performance.

I've chosen LINE-X over RHINO on my trucks. LINE-X costs a little more but offered some options that RHINO didn't. Take the time to read the reviews on fading and abrasion resistance.

There is another option to consider. Vendors offer thick rubber mats which cover just the bed floor. They're relatively easy to remove to clean any accumulated debris which may induce corrosion. They offer good bed floor protection but nothing for the sides. They're inexpensive.

1. Absolutely, positively, no question get rid of the plastic liner. They are The Debbil. Slick as a smelt and hard on the paint as noted.

2. An option I've used in my last three trucks and really like is a custom fitted rubber bed mat. Protects the floor and is non-skid and not horribly expensive.

quote:

Originally posted by bigdeal:
If you're not opposed to some DIY work, this stuff gets great reviews and is about a quarter the cost of LineX. Raptor Liner Tons of YouTube videos on its application and reviews of its performance.

I just don’t have the time. Plus Vortex and Line X both have a lifetime warranty.
So if I do it I’ll have it professionally done.
Which I am leaning towards.

Another vote for Line-x. My pickup came with a plastic liner. As others have said, slippery as heck. I'll add one more negative. I had it parked outside for about a week while I was working on a project in my garage. For some reason, a frog decided to work its was up a gap or drain hole and got stuck between the liner and the bed. Good GOD the stench was awful.

If it is an under rail plastic bedliner, as long as the metal is not rusting, keep it. If you ever notice surface rust, then maybe pay to get it coated with Line-X or the like. They're gonna scuff the paint heavily anyhow.

Mine is actually very thick. Not garbage can thin. I think it would take a massive hit to dent.

Bedrug. I have two, one in the Ford and one in my Tundra.

The Ford is always garaged but the Tundra sits in the weather 24/7. Still looks good other than some rust stains that I could remove if I cared to.

They claim mulch, dirt etc. Is no problem for it. Check it out.

The DIY products were tempting but the prep work is considerable to get good adhesion.

The LINE-X guys took almost two hours on my short bed trucks just with sanding and masking. The actual spraying was quick and dry time is almost instant. Some vendors use a 'cold spray' application which takes longer. LINE-X uses a hot spray application.

Sprayed on is definitely the way to go. I got a rhino. Been perfectly happy with it for 20+ years.

My 2016 F150 had Line-x when I bought it last year.

It seems to be applied fairly thick and I have had no issues out of it so far.

Had LineX in my F150, never an issue with it.

Ive got one truck with a rubber floor liner and one with line x.

For what you're looking for the rubber liner would be cheaper and just pull it out and wash it after you unload the mulch.

Wanna break your neck? Climb up into your truck bed on a plastic liner with snow on it.
Probably a Yooper problem, though.
Ditch the plastic and go with LineX. I have used the rubber liners with good success, too.

LineX

LineX on my trucks. Hands down the best.

Andrew

Line-X is the first thing I do to a new truck.