You've invested a lot of money into your pickup truck. You want to make sure it lasts as long as it can. You also want to get your money's worth out of your investment. If you plan on using your truck for hauling, you need to protect the bed. That's where a bed liner comes in. Before you go out and buy one, though, you need to be sure you've selected the right one for your needs. Here are four things you should take into consideration before choosing a bed liner.

The Different Types of Liners

If you're not familiar with truck liners, you might think they're one-style fits all. That's not the case. There are several different types of liners that provide varying levels of protection for the bed of your truck. Those styles include:

• Rubber mats
• Molded plastic
• Spray-on

What You'll Be Hauling

When choosing a bed liner for your truck, you'll need to pay special attention to what you'll be hauling. Depending on the type of cargo you'll be hauling, you may need extra protection for your truck bed. If you'll be hauling furniture or boxes on a regular basis, a basic floor liner will do fine. However, if you'll be hauling cleaning solvents or caustic materials, you'll need a liner that will protect your entire truck bed. For that purpose, you should consider a spray-on liner.

Surface Texture Needs

The texture of your bed liner is also dependent upon the type of cargo you'll be hauling. If you'll be hauling heavy cargo, a smooth surface will allow you to move things easier. If you have cargo that you don't want sliding around, you might want to consider a textured finish for your bed liner.

Maintenance Concerns

Unless you're going to choose a spray-on truck liner, you're going to need to remove the liner to clean it. Dirt, debris and moisture can build-up under the liner. Once every six months you should remove the bed liner to give the truck bed a good cleaning. This is particularly important when it comes to moisture concerns. Too much moisture and your truck bed could begin to rust.

The bed of your truck is going to take a lot of wear and tear. To protect it from excess damage, you need a good bed liner. The information provided here will help you choose a bed liner that is best suited for your needs. 

Click here for information on truck bed manufacturers or do an online search. 

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