When examining the different options for bed liners, the first one to consider is a mat. These mats are comprised of rubber or carpet and lay across the bed’s floor. You’ll want to purchase one created specifically for your truck so it fits snugly around the wheel wells. The advantage of the mat bed liner is its lower cost, with options under $100, ease of removal, and ability to prevent cargo from sliding around. However, not all mats protect your tailgate, and the side walls of your truck bed remain vulnerable.
Drop-in liners are made from either rubber or rugged plastic and consist of two pieces: one for the tailgate and the other for the entirety of the bed. You can purchase a drop-in specifically molded to your truck model or utilize a universal version that fits most truck beds. Drop-in liners provide complete protection, including the side walls, from getting damaged during hauling, but the plastic material can cause items to slide during transport. This type of liner is more expensive than the mats, with options in the $200 to $300 range depending on features such as cutouts for lights and under vs. over-the-rail variations.
Spray-on liners are a more permanent solution that usually involves removing the original layers of paint from the bed and then coating the bed with a thick and coarse material designed to safeguard it. The spray-on layer is an excellent way to help prevent scratches, rust, and other surface damage from deteriorating the back of your truck. However, it is by far the costliest, coming in anywhere from the mid $300s to over $700, depending on your vehicle and the crew installing it.
