DIY bed liner

[NHUSA]

I have a couple questions about my 2013 Silverado 4X4 extended cab but I'll put them in separate posts.

This one has to do with DIY bed liners.

I am looking at roll-on line; not spray-on .

The major options seem to be Herculiner, Rustolium, and Dupli-color, but there may be others.

It has to be black and I prefer not shiny so Herculiner may be off the list.

I am wondering what experience you have had.

 

[diyer2]

This would be like painting any surface.

The prep is the key to get good adhesion.

Pick a product apply it correctly.

 

[aseibel]

I tried to do a herculiner bed myself about 10 years ago. I used a wire wheel on a drill to scuff the surface, which took forever. I was not very happy with the results. The protective layer was not very thick. I scraped some of it up with a shovel. If you want to pay for multiple coats, that could help, but when all is said and done- its way better use of your time and money to just have it professionally done. If you still choose to DIY- definitely make sure you prep your surface well.

 

$500 at a shop and you can have a liner that lasts forever. That's what I would recommend, having had both.

[dsr611]

My experience with the roll on DIY liner is the same as aseibel.  I didn't use it on my truck, but did use it on a work bench I made for work.  I used the Rust-Oleum Truck Bed coating and would not use it on a truck bed as a layer of protection.  It is paper thin and doesn't hold up very well at all.  I'd suggest saving up for a Line-X, Rhino liner, etc before using the DIY kits.

[Donstar]

What was used on your truck in the past or is it in rough shape?  If it is showing its age, I'd roll on a coat of paint for rust protection and lay down a bed mat.  You could also find a drop in bed liner for cheap or free. However, if the plan is to make this truck into a showpiece then definitely get the spray liner professionally installed.  

[sefiroxx]

I have a heavy bed covering - some 3/8 thick of hard rubber like material and mesh. Custom fit for the bed, relatively smooth so things slide easily by hand but not when driving. Recommend it over a DIY spray.

(Obtained at local truck supply , same place as bed covers, lids, campers etc)

[Bill336]

I've not heard anyone who was happy with a roll-on in a truck bed. I have heard from people who were happy with it in other situations. I decided to go with a Line-X liner. Costs more, but so far it hasn't had a problem. I I've carried metal junk to the dump, heavy furniture and some other things. Haven't babied it and it has just worked.

[NothingbutGM]

21 hours ago, Donstar said:

What was used on your truck in the past or is it in rough shape?  If it is showing its age, I'd roll on a coat of paint for rust protection and lay down a bed mat.  You could also find a drop in bed liner for cheap or free. However, if the plan is to make this truck into a showpiece then definitely get the spray liner professionally installed.  

Drop in bed liners are joke and complete garbage. I would never recommend anyone use one. They only increase corrosion 

 

Like mentioned, go with the professional liner. Not worth doing yourself when you factor in all your time and cost of materials. Not to mention it just won’t hold up for long. 

[Donstar]

27 minutes ago, NothingbutGM said:

Drop in bed liners are joke and complete garbage. I would never recommend anyone use one. They only increase corrosion 

 

This is why I suggested to paint first.  I put a drop-in liner in my '09 Sierra and my '00 Silverado when they were new.  Both of these trucks had flawless beds when it came time to buy new.  This was a combined 15 years of west coast weather without a day undercover.  Your conditions and experiences are obviously different.  I suggested this an affordable alternative for Op because I knew my dealer tossed these liners to market the pristine trade-ins!

[sefiroxx]

Oops, I use mine with a lid - no corrosion (13 years) Without a lid, it would probably allow moisture to sit under the drop in , and yes, lead to corrosion.