Bedliner - Self Applied - Which Holds up Best?

[Extreme1]

I'm installing my "new" 2000 bed (thanks DDT!) and I plan on putting a roll on bed liner in it. I will also do the back of the cab to cover a rust patch and to help cut noise.



Which brand works best? My local Fleet-Farm has the Bondo brand kit for $59. 95 that claiims it will do an 8ft box and rails (which is what I'm doing). They also have Herculiner brand for $74. 95 which is only enough to do a 6' box (no rails). Price isn't as big a concern as durability but if they are equal, price would affect my choice. Is there a better brand available?



I don't need a real thick coating which is why I'm not really considering a spray-in liner.

 

[fkovalski]

I have the HercuLiner in mine. I do not use my truck for heavy duty uses such as gravel or constant lumber hauling, albeit an occasional trip to the home center is always easier with the truck. I mainly use my truck for personal use and camping and I wanted a liner other than the plastic liners. For me the do- it- yourself ones made the most economical sense. I did mine when it was about 2 months old and am going to to do a refresher coat (as it does get an occasional scratch) this summer as it is a thinner liner when compared to the professional installs.

Decide what you really need the liner to do. For me the HercuLiner is perfect. But if you need heavy duty protection- go with a spray in.

 

[Cummins Pilot]

For what I've seen the do it yourself deals do not hold up in the cold. I see a lot of roll ons flaking off. Maybe it was a poor prep job, maybe poor appication??? I don't know but I see them fail to often. Salt also seems to take a toll on it from what I've heard.



I did the Rhino Lining. I'm very happy with it. But its spendy. I understand why you want to do it yourself.

 

[fkovalski]

Originally posted by Cummins Pilot

For what I've seen the do it yourself deals do not hold up in the cold.

I do not have this problem with mine. And it does gett quite chilly here at 10,000 feet! I installed it in the summer and followed the instructions to a tee. I forget if they recommend several coats to build up a thickness. I only did one with the refresh coming this summer. By nature, the do- it- your self versions are thinner than the professional jobs. If one wanted to do a thicker roll- on, I would recommend letting the first coat set up completely. But, if a "heavy duty" liner is required, then go with the spray in.

 

[jandtjil]

The day when I remove my topper to install a 5th wheel hitch, I will probably try a kit like that listed below

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7909617189&category=50452

whatever brand you go with, prep the area. Scothbrite pad, soap and water, a decreaser/silicone remover, and a good masking job will go a long ways to ensure the best results.



JJ

 

[Extreme1]

Thanks for the feedback. After a little more inquiry, the Herculiner is air curing polyurethane, most of the others are not. They do have spray application instructions in their packaging but I don't have the place to do a spray application (truck doesn't fit in the garage which is full of stuff anyway). Herculiner also claimed to "rustproof" treated area, the others only "prevent" rust. So does grease!



So, it looks like Herculiner is the winner. Again, thanks for the feedback. This site has (for about the one millionth time) save me time and money!