Bed Liner Discussion

[PickUPS]

This is my report on the Rugged Liner drop-in bed liner for 2014 Silverados and Sierras.

 

Drop-in bed liners have fallen out of favor it seems. I can see some advantages to the spray-in but I still prefer a drop-in.

 

-I heat with wood. That means throwing heavy, un-split chunks of logs into the box. A plastic drop-in liner can distribute and absorb that impact. Even if a dent in the sheet metal did occur, it would never be seen as the liner would retain its original shape.

 

-I just like the feel of a drop-in. It isnt cold to the touch. It makes the bed into a just slightly cozier place to tote your items. The thick plastic is just a little less likely to cause any damage or grief in loading and unloading because it can give and objects can slide on it. The surface of my Rugged Liner is micro-roughed so cardboard is less likely to slide but I expect 100 lb+ chunks of oak logs to slide in and out with ease.

 

-The price is right. These trucks are not cheap, so I still would suggest that one should get the liner that is best for them. But if a drop-in will suit your needs, it will also save you money over the alternatives. My GMC dealer included a Rugged Liner at his dealer cost $170. (He was willing to throw it in for free, but only if I would give up $500 in above book value trade-in price for my old truck).

 

I have no worries about what affect the drop-in liner will have on the original paint or metal of my trucks box. My three previous trucks that had drop-in liners were undamaged. Paint gets scuffed or worn away but that is all. That and worse would happen with no liner. The beauty is that the liner covers all and continues to look like new for the life of the truck. At least that has been my experience.

 

I did the install myself, mostly because I was nervous about them attaching the tailgate cover-piece.

 

I cut out the holes I wanted for the upper cargo hooks. I drilled and used a knife to connect the drill-holes, finished with a file. It looks jagged but is covered by the cargo hook.

 

First you get one side of the liner under that side's bed rail edge.

 

Then you lift here to allow the other side to be pushed into place.

 

The liner goes all the way to the top, stays in place, doesn't flop, tucks under the plastic edge of the factory bed-rail cap.

 

The Rugged Liner gives some molded in features, see captions:

 

I often haul two motorcycles side-by-side, or just one on the passenger-side to not block my rear view mirror. This molded in bike-wheel alignment notch is perfect, especially combined with the center front cargo hook.

 

The tail gate hardware is the only thing about the Rugged Liner that could have been better. It is a vital mechanical component so I did not want to use the self-tapping screws that were included, as they would bore out the purpose-built sheet metal screw nut-inserts in the gate.

 

Instead, I purchased eight #8 stainless sheet metal screws 1" long and stainless "fender" washers. The original steel cover is held in place under the plastic with all eight original screw positions. I applied grease to the new screws to insure easy future access.

 

The recessed access to the lower cargo hooks can be a plus or a minus. I like these steel snap hooks because I can attach the end of a tie-down strap so it won't detach no matter how loose it may become.

 

 

For my purposes, the Rugged Liner is a good choice. I know spray-in liners have their place too. Bed mats and BedRug and the WeatherTech liner are also viable options. I don't think it is question of which one is better. I posted my experience to help people make an informed decision on which is best for them.

[krzyd]

Only problem i have with my bed rug is i get shocked everytime i crawl in and out out the bed.

 

Have seen some photos of the Bedtred. Looks like a nice alternative to a regular drop in and the spray on. Easy to install and easy to remove. However since i have a bed cap and mainly plan on hauling around groceries and luggage, its not something i really needed.

Crawling.................riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiigggggggggghhhhhhhhhttttt!

[sourdough44]

I just got a 2014 last week. I plan to get a spray in liner then a center rubber mat. I already got the rubber mat on sale for $59.99(DeeZee Heavy Duty). The spray on guy is sorta like a "line-X" operation. I'll do the spray in after a few weeks, have it done.

[Colt54qg]

Has anybody put in a bedbug and bullrings? I was wondering if you could install the bullrings over the bedbug? If you have tried it let me know please.

[chuckl1218]

Has anybody put in a bedbug and bullrings? I was wondering if you could install the bullrings over the bedbug? If you have tried it let me know please.

 

Just answered your other post about Retractable Bull Rings and Bedrug...I installed the Bull Ring first, then the bedrug. This way, it was easy to figure out where to cut a slit in the bedrug to pull thr rings through and they are properly seated and tightened. This is the same method the instructions show for the fixed hooks in each corner.

[Oldjock]

Just picked up my BedRug. No more bruised kneecaps for me.

[DrunkViking]

Has anyone had their bed Line X'd and added a rubber bed mat afterwards ? Any fit issues ?

[TightLines612]

Picked up a Dual Liner and am pleased with it. Still seems expensive but then again so were all of the alternatives.

[dobdabomb]

Does anyone have a spray in bed liner from Ultimate Linings, the Xtreme product? The dealership is putting their in house one on my new denali when it comes in. I've seen and heard all good things but it's from a small reviewing community. Saw the video on their page and it looks great. Any information or pictures from those that have it would be great. Thanks a ton guys!

[spectaculous]

Has anyone had their bed Line X'd and added a rubber bed mat afterwards ? Any fit issues ?

Shouldn't be an issue. Had that setup on my Colorado. Have the bed mat for the Silverado and just haven't gotten around to scheduling Line-X yet.

[PMattras]

Has anyone had their bed Line X'd and added a rubber bed mat afterwards ? Any fit issues ?

I have it and there are no issues. Rubber bed mat is also easy on your knees and a little sound proof as well as more protection to the bed.

[DrunkViking]

I have it and there are no issues. Rubber bed mat is also easy on your knees and a little sound proof as well as more protection to the bed. Thanks for teh feedback

Thanks for the feedback , any particular mat you recommend ?

[Silverado-Hareek]

While my 2014 currently has a drop in bed liner for free as part of my purchase negotiations, I do plan to eventually remove it and put in a spray on bed liner. My 2007 had a spray on liner from a local company that competes with Line-X and a lot of the Chevy dealers here use them. That thing lasted the full 7 years I had that truck without a single issue. I will either use that company again or go with Line-X which could only be a better product. Spray on bed liners are the ultimate protection of your bed from damage and rust and nothing can beat it. Plus you have easier access to all of your tie down loops and the holes around the top of the bed where you can mount more tie down loops. These are currently covered up by my drop in liner.

[Zigsierra]

I got my dealer to throw in a drop in liner. They did properly cut the holes for the upper tie-downs. The only think they did incorrectly, was that they didn't fit it properly around the bed lights. I fixed that easily. I've had drop ins on all of my trucks and have never had a problem, but then again, maybe I didn't have them long enough. I like the drop in liners, because I can put some pretty crummy stuff in there and then easily scrub it clean to put my band's music gear in for gigs. I can't get all crappy when reaching in for PA gear at a performance.

 

I was wondering though, has anyone ever bought a couple cans of plasti-dip spray or something similar, and sprayed the underside of their drop in, to maybe help prevent some scuffing? Or how about putting a layer of rubber non-skid stuff that is made to keep household rugs in place under the drop in? Just a couple of thoughts.

[leviblue]

I got my dealer to throw in a drop in liner. They did properly cut the holes for the upper tie-downs. The only think they did incorrectly, was that they didn't fit it properly around the bed lights. I fixed that easily. I've had drop ins on all of my trucks and have never had a problem, but then again, maybe I didn't have them long enough. I like the drop in liners, because I can put some pretty crummy stuff in there and then easily scrub it clean to put my band's music gear in for gigs. I can't get all crappy when reaching in for PA gear at a performance.

 

I was wondering though, has anyone ever bought a couple cans of plasti-dip spray or something similar, and sprayed the underside of their drop in, to maybe help prevent some scuffing? Or how about putting a layer of rubber non-skid stuff that is made to keep household rugs in place under the drop in? Just a couple of thoughts.

I've had a couple drop in liners. There's a putty tape that 3M makes. It's typically used for sealing wire connections for water submerged applications. I've used some small sections to secure the liner to the truck bed. Use it in 2" lengths as this stuff is tough and hold well. It can be released to remove the liner with no damage to the painted surface. Check the electrical dept for this stuff. I've also used it to hold down my over the rail tool boxes. No drilling and if you try to lift it after it's set and warmed up a few days in the heat, it'd like it's bolted down. Highly recommend it.

 

 

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