Plastic Truck Bed Liner Solutions for Pickup Trucks

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Front View of a Red Truck
Credit: pexels.com, Front View of a Red Truck

If you're a pickup truck owner, you know how easily the bed can get damaged and dirty. A plastic truck bed liner is a great solution to protect your investment.

The cost of a plastic truck bed liner can vary, but on average, it can range from $200 to $1,000, depending on the type and quality of the liner.

A plastic truck bed liner can last for many years with proper maintenance. Some liners can even withstand extreme temperatures, from -40°F to 180°F.

For a DIY installation, you'll need to purchase a liner kit that usually includes everything you need to get started.

What is Plastic Truck Bed Liner?

A plastic truck bed liner is essentially a hard plastic sheet that you can drop into your truck bed. It's designed to provide a layer of protection to your truck bed, but its quality and durability can vary.

Some plastic truck bed liners are custom-made to fit your specific truck model, while others offer a universal fit that can work with many different trucks. However, a universal fit can sometimes cause issues later on.

White Freight Truck Close-up Photography
Credit: pexels.com, White Freight Truck Close-up Photography

They're generally more affordable than other types of bed liners because they're made of lower-cost materials and are often easy to install yourself. You can have your truck bed protected in under 30 minutes with minimal prep work.

A plastic truck bed liner can be a great temporary solution if you don't use your truck bed too much. It's easy to remove and transfer to a new truck when you sell your old one.

However, the material used for most plastic truck bed liners is hard plastic, which can be prone to cracking, breaking, and warping over time. This means you'll likely need to replace it several times across the lifespan of your truck.

Benefits and Features

A plastic truck bed liner is a fantastic addition to any vehicle, and for good reason. It's a one and done solution that provides excellent protection from daily wear and extreme temperatures.

The liner forms an airtight bond with the metal, ensuring it won't slip, shift, or fall out. This means you can say goodbye to those pesky scratches and dings.

Yellow Dropside Truck on Field
Credit: pexels.com, Yellow Dropside Truck on Field

With a plastic truck bed liner, you can expect excellent impact resistance and abrasion resistance. This means your truck bed will withstand even the toughest cargo and weather conditions.

One of the best things about a plastic truck bed liner is that it's waterproof, which means moisture and debris can't get beneath the liner to the bare metal, reducing the risk of rust and corrosion.

Here are some key benefits and features of a plastic truck bed liner:

  • Waterproof
  • UV Resistant
  • Non-Biodegradable
  • Will Not Rot or Mildew
  • Resistant to Rodent and Insect Damage
  • 100 Year Material Lifespan

The liner is also resistant to chemical damage, so you don't have to worry about harsh substances ruining your truck bed. And, with a 100 year material lifespan, you can enjoy your truck bed liner for years to come.

A plastic truck bed liner is a worthwhile investment, especially considering its long-term benefits. It's a one-time installation cost that pays off in the long run, keeping your truck bed in great condition and increasing its value when it's time to sell.

For your interest: Best Semi Trucks of All Time

Installation and Process

Big Red Truck
Credit: pexels.com, Big Red Truck

Installing a plastic truck bed liner is a straightforward process that can be done in just a few easy steps. You can have it installed at your convenience by a dealer near you, or you can install it yourself with a Pre-Scored Kit that comes with all the necessary hardware.

The Herculiner Roll-On Bed Liner, for example, can be applied in just 3 easy steps, creating a durable skid-resistant protective coating on virtually any surface or material. It's great for wood, metal, concrete, aluminum, asphalt, rubber, fiberglass, and most plastics, including PVC.

You can even apply it yourself using the rollers provided in the kit or any hard nylon-based roller pad. This makes it a convenient and cost-effective option for DIY enthusiasts.

What is Drop-in Bed Liner?

A drop-in bed liner is essentially a plastic or rubber sheet that you "drop into" the truck bed. It's a simple and affordable solution for protecting your truck bed.

A Woman Standing in Front of a Truck
Credit: pexels.com, A Woman Standing in Front of a Truck

They're custom-designed to fit the make and model of your truck, or sometimes offer a universal fit that can work for a variety of truck beds. However, a universal fit might cause issues later on.

They're made of lower-quality materials, which is why they're more affordable. This also means they won't last as long as spray-on bed liners.

You can install a drop-in liner from home without needing a professional. The process is quick, taking under 30 minutes to complete.

Some drop-in liners require you to drill holes to secure them down, but a well-made liner should fit securely in the vehicle without needing extra steps.

Herculiner Original Roll-On Installation Process

The Herculiner Original Roll-On installation process is surprisingly straightforward. You can install it in just 3 easy steps.

First, you'll need to prepare the surface by cleaning it thoroughly. Then, use the rollers provided in the kit or any hard nylon-based roller pad to apply the liner.

Hand Tearing Plastic Sheet
Credit: pexels.com, Hand Tearing Plastic Sheet

The Herculiner Original Roll-On Bed Liner can be applied to a variety of surfaces, including wood, metal, concrete, aluminum, asphalt, rubber, fiberglass, and most plastics, including PVC.

You can install the liner yourself with the Pre-Scored Kit, which includes all the hardware needed. Alternatively, you can have it installed at your convenience by a dealer near you.

Here are the two options for getting a liner installed:

  • Installed at your convenience by a dealer near you.
  • A Pre-Scored Kit with all the hardware needed so that you can install your HMW bed liner by yourself.

Installation Methods

You can create a durable skid-resistant protective coating on any surface or material with a roll-on bed liner. Herculiner Roll-On Bed Liner, for example, can be applied to wood, metal, concrete, aluminum, asphalt, rubber, fiberglass, and most plastics, including PVC.

The installation process is surprisingly easy, taking just 3 steps. The kit comes with rollers that you can use to apply the liner, or you can use a hard nylon-based roller pad.

The liner creates a lasting non-stick surface that's perfect for protecting your truck bed from scratches and damage. With a roll-on bed liner, you can say goodbye to rust and corrosion.

The rollers provided in the kit make it easy to apply the liner evenly and smoothly. This ensures a professional-looking finish that's both durable and long-lasting.

Connecting HDPE Pieces

White pickup truck parked in a snowy industrial area, showcasing its open cargo bed.
Credit: pexels.com, White pickup truck parked in a snowy industrial area, showcasing its open cargo bed.

HDPE is a popular choice for truck bed liners due to its durability and resistance to scratches and dents. HDPE stands for High-Density Polyethylene, a type of plastic that's made from a combination of polyethylene and other additives.

To connect HDPE pieces, you'll need to use a strong adhesive. According to the article, HDPE can be bonded together using a variety of adhesives, including two-part epoxies and polyurethane-based adhesives.

The key to a strong bond is making sure the surfaces are clean and dry before applying the adhesive. This will ensure a strong and lasting connection between the HDPE pieces.

HDPE can also be connected using mechanical fasteners, such as screws or rivets. This method is preferred when a high level of strength and durability is required, such as in heavy-duty truck bed liners.

It's essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the adhesive or fasteners you choose to ensure a proper connection. This will help ensure the longevity of your truck bed liner.

Considerations

Selective Focus Photography of Lel Red Truck Tailgate Sign
Credit: pexels.com, Selective Focus Photography of Lel Red Truck Tailgate Sign

When choosing a plastic truck bed liner, consider the material's thickness, which can range from 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch, as discussed in the article. This will affect the liner's durability and resistance to scratches.

A thicker liner provides better protection against damage, but may be more expensive.

The type of truck you have will also impact your choice, as some liners are designed specifically for certain makes and models, as mentioned in the article.

The installation process can be a DIY project, but may require some technical expertise and specialized tools.

Regular maintenance, such as washing and waxing, can help extend the life of your plastic truck bed liner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are plastic truck bed liners good?

Yes, plastic truck bed liners are a reliable option, offering a smooth surface and durability. However, some users prefer the texture of spray-in liners for better traction.

How much is Rhino lining a truck bed?

Rhino lining a truck bed can cost between $500-$750, depending on the installer and type of liner. A Dualliner, which can be self-installed, is often a more affordable option under $500

How to prep plastic for bedliner?

To prep plastic for bedliner, start by cleaning the surface with wax and grease remover, then sand it with 600 grit sandpaper. Next, apply adhesion promoter to ensure a strong bond between the plastic and the bedliner.

Can you use Herculiner on plastic?

Yes, Herculiner can be applied to most plastics, including PVC, for a durable and long-lasting finish. Check the specific product instructions for any surface preparation requirements.

What is the best material for bed liner?

For a durable bed liner, choose materials like polyurethane or polyurea, known for their long-lasting protection against heavy loads and harsh weather conditions. These materials provide the resilience you need for a top-notch bed liner.

Jessie Smith

Senior Writer

Jessie Smith is a versatile writer with a passion for crafting informative and engaging content. With a keen interest in travel and aviation, Jessie has established herself as a go-to expert on air travel procedures, providing readers with valuable insights and practical advice. Her articles are a testament to her dedication to helping others navigate the complexities of air travel, making her a trusted voice in the industry.

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