Chevrolet Silverado 1999-Present: The Ultimate Bed Liner Guide
The bed liner protects the back of your Chevrolet Silverado. Here are all the different types you can choose from.
This article applies to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (1999-present).
Once you shell out thousands of dollars to get the keys to your new truck, there is one item that is essential to keep your truck looking new longer: a bed liner. You can think of a bed liner in the same way that you think of a case for your cell phone; without a bed liner, your Silverado's bed is prone to damage from anything you throw at it.
Table of Contents
Bed Liner Overview
When you make the decision of covering your truck's bed, you will be faced with three great options. Even though the drop-in bed liner used to be the most popular option, times have changed and the options are varied. Read on to find out what best suits you and your needs.
Drop-In |
Spray-On |
Roll-On | |
|---|---|---|---|
Price |
$200-800 | $400-1,200 | $100-200 |
DIY Level |
Easy | Hard | Moderate |
Rating |
Not Recommended | Recommended | Recommended |
Protection |
Low | High | Medium |
Best Quality: Spray-On
Best Value: Roll-On
As shown above, there are several options for bed liners, but which one is the best? Years ago, drop-in bed liners were the norm, but now there are new options like spray-on and roll-on bed liners that offer distinct advantages over the traditional liner. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of all three types.
Drop-In Liner
Price – $200-800
DIY Level – Easy
Rating – Not Recommended
Protection – Low
A drop-in liner is constructed of hard plastic and is literally dropped in the bed as a layer to protect it. A drop-in liner is traditionally a cheap option with prices ranging from $200 to $800 and allows for heavy, large items to be slid across the surface without your truck's bed receiving any permanent damage. It's also easy to clean and replace.
Even though a drop-in liner has been around for years and is relatively cheap, it's not seen as the best choice since water can become easily trapped between the plastic and the steel of your truck's bed, which can lead to rust. A drop-in liner can also become loose over time, since it's only attached with a series of bolts. A drop-in liner is not recommended for the long term, since it allows water and dirt to get in between it and your truck's bed. It also fades over time.
Spray-On Liner
Price – $400-1,200
DIY Level – Hard
Rating – Recommended
Protection – High
A spray-on bed liner is exactly how it sounds, and since it's literally sprayed on your truck's bed, it's able to protect your bed better than a drop-in liner. A spray-on liner is a polyurethane elastomer that is sprayed directly on the bed, which means it won't move around or allow water to sit between it and the truck's bed. A spray-on liner also offers good grip and tends to look newer longer, but it can have a few disadvantages.
A spray-on liner is pricier than a drop-in liner if you have a professional install it with the price ranging from $400-$500. You can spray it on yourself, but it does take a lot of prep work. Also, if for some reason you decide that you want to remove it, it is not nearly as easy as removing a few bolts like the drop-in liner. Recommended because it adheres directly to your truck's bed and highly protects it.
Roll-On Liner
Price – $100-200
DIY Level – Moderate
Rating – Recommended
Protection – Medium
If you're looking for a cheaper option than the spray-on liner, a roll-on liner is a good choice. A gallon of the typical roll-on liner can cost around $100. Just like the spray-on liner, a roll-on liner is applied directly to your truck's bed, but it does take a bit of prep work before you can apply it. The downside, once again, is that it's not as easy to remove as the drop-in liner. Recommended for ease of application; A roll-on liner adheres directly to your bed just like a spray-on liner, but is much cheaper and easier to apply on your own.
At the end of the day, the choice you make depends on how you plan to use your truck's bed and what your budget is. A drop-in liner is an easy option that allows for items to easily slide across it, but since it can let water and dirt get in between it and your truck's bed, it is not seen as a long term option. A spray-on or roll-on bedliner is often viewed as the better option since they offer better protection, but having a professional apply it can cost a bit more. Either way, it's best to have some sort of protection to take care of your truck's bed.
How to Install Drop-In Bed Liner
A bed liner adds multiple benefits to your truck. Not only does it protect the back of your truck, but also secures all items you have back there and improves the look of your truck. The installation is fairly easy as the liner comes in the right size for your Chevrolet Silverado 1500 truck.
Materials Needed
- Auto rag
- Rubbing alcohol
- Ratchet
Step 1 – Clean the truck's bed
Use rubbing alcohol to clean the bed of your truck. Allow your truck to dry completely.
Step 2 – Position the liner in the bed
If it is a one piece, simply drop it in place. For multiple panels, you will need to position the front panel and the side ones first. The bottom part goes in last, snapping into place by locking with the front and sides.
Step 3 – Secure the liner
Secure your bedliner using the kit provided. Some may require additional bolts, but usually it is in the manufacturer's pre-drilled holes. If it requires additional bolts, you will find detailed instructions in the manual provided with it.
Step 4 – Check the edges for proper fit
Check around the edges to make sure the liner is lined up perfectly. If it is not lined up nicely with the edges of the bed, take off the bolts and move it around until it aligns properly.
Related Discussions
- Spray on vs. Roll on - ChevroletForum.com
- Bed Liners - ChevroletForum.com
