Driving a pickup truck is more than just getting you from Point A to Point B– it’s an extension of your personality. If you’ve got one, you want it to be stylish while also protecting the precious cargo and components within its bed. As a result, many car enthusiasts turn to both bedliners and tonneau covers for additional protection when transporting items in their trucks.
But if you already have a tonneau cover installed on your vehicle, do you need a bedliner too? In this blog post, we’ll examine that question in depth by exploring the benefits of having both a bedliner and tonneau cover on your pickup truck without going overboard or overspending on unnecessary products.
Do You Need A Bedliner If You Have A Tonneau Cover?
The short answer to this question is, yes, a bedliner can be a valuable addition even if you already have a tonneau cover. Both provide unique protection and serve different purposes.
A tonneau cover primarily shields the bed of your truck and its contents from external elements like rain, snow, and dust. It also adds an extra level of security, deterring any potential theft by keeping your cargo out of sight.
On the other hand, a bedliner is designed to protect the truck bed itself, particularly from scratches, dents, or damage that can occur when loading and unloading cargo. This is especially important if you frequently carry heavy or sharp objects.
Moreover, a bedliner provides a non-slip surface that helps keep your cargo in place during transportation. This feature is something that a tonneau cover does not offer. If you regularly haul items that could shift or slide around while driving, a bedliner is a must-have.
To be precise, while a tonneau cover protects your cargo from external elements, a bedliner protects the truck bed from the cargo itself. Hence, having both can ensure all-around protection for your pickup truck.
In conclusion, even if you have a tonneau cover, you could still benefit from a bedliner. It’s not about one or the other but about maximizing the protection of your vehicle. It’s a small investment that can extend the life of your truck and maintain its resale value.
See more: How To Install A Tonneau Cover With A Bed Liner
Types of Truck Bed Liners
There are primarily two types of truck bedliners: drop-in and spray-on. Drop-in liners, as the name suggests, are pre-formed plastic liners that drop into the truck bed and are bolted into place. They are relatively easy to install and remove, providing a hard protective shell that’s resistant to damage from heavy or sharp objects. However, they may allow water to get underneath, potentially leading to rust or corrosion.
Spray-on liners, on the other hand, are applied directly onto the truck bed using a spray gun. This type of liner forms a permanent, water-tight bond with the truck bed, minimizing the risk of rust or corrosion. They also offer a high level of customization since they can be applied to any truck bed shape or size. While spray-on liners provide excellent protection, they are more expensive and time-consuming to install than drop-in liners.
In addition to these, there are also bed mats and bed rugs. Bed mats are usually rubber and provide basic protection for the bottom of the truck bed. They are the cheapest option and easy to install, but they don’t protect the sides or wheel wells. Bed rugs, meanwhile, are made of durable carpet-like material. While they offer less protection against heavy and sharp objects, they provide a comfortable surface for pets or people.
In the end, whether you need a bedliner if you have a tonneau cover depends on your specific needs and usage of your truck. If you frequently transport heavy, sharp, or potentially damaging items, a bedliner would be a good investment. Similarly, if you’re concerned about your cargo shifting or sliding during transportation, a bedliner can help keep things in place. Remember, both a bedliner and a tonneau cover play important roles in protecting your truck and its contents.
Type Of Covers That Can Be Used With A Bed Liner
Now let’s explore what types of covers can be used in conjunction with a bed liner.
The Roll-up cover is a popular choice among truck owners. This type of cover rolls up to the cab of the truck, allowing easy access to the truck bed. It installs relatively easily and is compatible with most bed liners. It’s an excellent choice if you need frequent and unhindered access to your cargo.
The Folding cover is another favorite among truck owners. It comes in either a hard or soft version and folds up towards the truck cab, usually in two or three sections. Like the roll-up, it’s also compatible with most types of bed liners, offering secure protection for your cargo while allowing partial access to the truck bed.
The Retractable cover is often considered a top-tier choice. It can retract into a canister at the front of the bed, making it easy to access your cargo. However, this type of cover requires a compatible bed liner because the canister takes up a small amount of bed space.
The Hinged cover is a hard shell that lifts up from the tailgate. It’s designed to fit over a bed liner and provides significant security, acting like a traditional trunk. It’s perfect for those who don’t require regular access to the bed’s entirety.
Lastly, the Snap cover is a low-cost, simple solution for truck bed protection. It’s made from a vinyl tarp that snaps onto the truck bed’s edges. However, it doesn’t offer as much security as the other styles.
FAQs
When it comes to truck bed protection, many users have common queries revolving around the need for a bedliner, especially if they already have a tonneau cover. Here we aim to address some frequently asked questions to help you make informed decisions about the care of your pickup truck.
How does a bedliner complement a tonneau cover?
A bedliner complements a tonneau cover by offering additional protection that a tonneau cover does not provide. While a tonneau cover safeguards the truck bed and its contents from weather elements and potential theft, a bedliner is designed to guard the truck bed against damage from the cargo itself.
For instance, if you frequently transport heavy or sharp objects that may scratch, dent, or otherwise damage the truck bed, a bedliner would be a beneficial addition. It provides a non-slip surface that keeps the cargo in place during transit, a feature not offered by a tonneau cover. Therefore, having both a bedliner and a tonneau cover ensures comprehensive protection for your pickup truck.
Can I use any type of cover if I have a bedliner?
Yes, most types of tonneau covers can be used with a bedliner. However, the choice of the cover may depend on the specific type of bedliner you have installed. Roll-up and Folding covers are typically compatible with most bedliners.
A Retractable cover is also a good choice, but it requires a compatible bedliner as the canister of a retractable cover occupies some space in the truck bed. A Hinged cover, which acts as a traditional trunk, fits over a bedliner and offers significant security.
A Snap cover is a cost-effective choice, but it doesn’t provide as much security as the other options. The key is to select a cover that meets your specific needs and is compatible with your bedliner.
Are there alternatives to traditional bedliners?
Yes, there are alternatives to traditional drop-in and spray-on bedliners. Bed mats and bed rugs are two such options. Bed mats are typically made of rubber and provide basic protection for the bottom of the truck bed. They are inexpensive and easy to install but don’t protect the sides or wheel wells of the truck bed.
Bed rugs, on the other hand, are made of a durable, carpet-like material. While they offer less protection against heavy and sharp objects, they provide a comfortable surface that’s beneficial if you transport pets or people. The choice between a traditional bedliner, a bed mat, or a bed rug depends on your specific needs and how you use your truck.
Final Thought
Choosing between a bedliner and a tonneau cover or deciding to use both depends largely on your needs and how you use your truck. If you find yourself frequently hauling items that could potentially damage the bed of your truck, a bedliner is a wise investment. It protects the bed from scratches, dents, and other damage, and provides a non-slip surface that helps keep your cargo in place.
On the other hand, a tonneau cover shields your cargo from the elements and potential theft. It also adds a sleek look to your vehicle. Remember, each of these accessories offers separate benefits and together they provide comprehensive protection for your truck.
In conclusion, whether you need a bedliner if you have a tonneau cover is not a question of either-or but a question of need. Evaluate your requirements, the nature of the cargo you usually transport, and make the choice that suits you best. Happy trucking!