Bed Liner Coating for Trucks: Weight, Cleaning Difficulty, Permanence & More to Consider
Bed liner coating is a popular option for many truck owners who want to protect their vehicle from scratches, dents and other wear and tear. It's also an attractive choice due to its matte black finish that gives the truck a unique look. However, there are some drawbacks to this type of coating that should be considered before making the decision to coat your entire truck with bed liner.
Weight: Bed liner adds weight to your vehicle which can affect performance. This additional weight will reduce fuel efficiency as well as increase drag at higher speeds. Additionally, if you plan on doing any off-roading or carrying heavy loads, the extra weight could put more strain on your suspension system.
Cleaning: Bed liner is difficult to clean and requires special equipment such as high pressure washers or steam cleaners in order to remove dirt and grime. If you don’t have access to these tools, it could be very time consuming to keep your truck looking its best.
Permanence: Once applied, bed liner is permanent and cannot be removed without damaging the paint underneath. This means that if you decide later on that you don’t like the look or feel of the bed liner, you won't be able to simply peel it off and go back to the original paint job.
Aerodynamics: While bed liner does not necessarily create more drag than a clear coat finish, it does reduce aerodynamics at higher speeds. This could result in decreased performance and fuel efficiency when driving at highway speeds.
In conclusion, while bed liner offers protection and a unique look for your truck, it may not be the best option for everyone. There are several factors to consider before deciding whether or not you should coat your entire truck with bed liner, including weight, cleaning difficulty, permanence and aerodynamics. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and budget so make sure to do your research before making a final decision.
Is it reasonable to coat an entire truck with bed liner?
Coating an entire truck with bed liner is not recommended. It adds weight, is rough to the touch, and is permanent. It also makes it very hot inside the truck, making the air conditioning work harder.
Does coating a truck with bed liner offer protection?
While coating a truck with bed liner may offer some protection, it is not recommended due to the other drawbacks such as added weight and heat.
Does coating a truck with bed liner void the warranty?
It is best to check with Rivian before coating a truck with bed liner as it may void the warranty.
Will coating a truck with bed liner increase aerodynamics?
Coating a truck with bed liner will likely decrease aerodynamics due to the added weight and lack of smooth surfaces. Dimples on certain modern skis are designed for aerodynamic purposes, but this would not be achievable with a sprayed-on bed liner.
Will coating a truck with bed liner make it “invisible” to radar?
Coating a truck with bed liner will not make it “invisible” to radar as there are no flat surfaces that can absorb or deflect beams. The bed liner will also add weight, which may be detected by radar.
Is coating a truck with bed liner expensive?
Coating a truck with bed liner can be expensive depending on the size of the truck and the type of bed liner used. It is best to compare prices from different suppliers before making a decision.
Are there any alternatives to coating a truck with bed liner?
There are several alternatives to coating a truck with bed liner such as waxing, polishing, and applying protective coatings. Waxing and polishing will help protect the paint job while protective coatings will provide additional protection against scratches and dents.
What are the benefits of coating a truck with bed liner?
The main benefit of coating a truck with bed liner is that it provides additional protection against scratches and dents. It also helps reduce noise levels inside the cab and makes cleaning easier.