Tow Vehicle Bed Protection

Make this space more durable and functional for added convenience and toughness on the road.

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Words by Steve Fennell

From aftermarket lighting options and navigation systems to more aggressive tires, there are a number of ways to enhance your tow vehicle for better RV experiences. But bling shouldn’t always overshadow practicality. Adding real convenience and protection starts from the bottom up in the rear with a truck bed liner, one of the most popular enhancements among RV enthusiasts who travel with a trailer in tow.

Whether you buy a pre-owned truck or one new off the lot, there are many choices, prices, and styles to consider. It’s an upgrade that’s on every manufacturer’s options list with many choices from companies like WeatherTech, Husky Liners, Rhino Liners, Rugged Ridge, Duraliner, and Line X.

Bed liners vary in design, construction and features, but they all share one common purpose, which is to prevent scratches, dings, dents, and water/rust damage while providing easier, more convenient storage for all your gear. They can also retain the value of your tow vehicle, provide a cleaner profile and, depending on the design, deaden vehicle vibrations for quieter rides.

"Most RVers choose their upgrades carefully and bed protection is typically one of the first modifications they consider – especially for newer trucks that they use day-to-day as well," says Chris De Freitas of WeatherTech Canada. "What's convenient is our custom-fit TechLiner. It offers solid protection for daily use, and prevents damage to the bed while hauling camping gear on weekends."

Like any upgrade, bed liners come at a price, but the good news is there isn’t the sticker shock like some other aftermarket upgrades. We feel their value far outweighs the cost and your choice depends on what you use your truck bed for, where and when you go RVing and of course, your budget. Here are just a few of the popular choices we like that can make your time on the road more convenient with all of your necessary camping gear and supplies.

Carpet Liners

Bed liner choices can be as basic as carpet liners, which in many cases, are attached to the bed’s metal surface (or your existing aftermarket liner) with an adhesive. They are custom-fit to the specs of the bed, easy to install, remove, and have a soft surface, making it easy on the knees when loading or unloading gear at a campground. They can also help secure gear and offer a nice clean look to the bed and sides.

One of the disadvantages, however, is keeping it clean. Fluid spills, muddy gear, foul weather, you name it, can all result in stains and premature wear and tear.

But not all carpet liners are created equal. We like the Classic Bedrug Liner for its 100 percent polypropylene material (that has the look and feel of carpeting), ability to resist damage and spills, and UV-resistant qualities. It’s also known to have a quick, 20-minute drying time after a good cleaning with a pressure washer.

Truck Bed Mats

Also form-fitted to accommodate most truck beds, rubber bed mats are a great option for reasonable cost and value. One of the benefits is they are easy to install - just clean the bed surface thoroughly and place it to the contours of the bed. Most are also heavy enough to stay securely in place and made with hard plastic/rubber compounds for optional protection.

A lot of manufacturers also incorporate anti-skid compounds so if you need to grab the cooler or your fishing equipment in the back of the bed, chances of slipping are minimized. It also helps keep gear in place due to the grip-like surface. Better yet, if you install some load bars or tie-down straps, your equipment will be good to go when running the trails.

A design that caught our attention was the TechLiner from WeatherTech. A simple DIY install with a hook and loop system to secure it in place, the TechLiner is manufactured with a solid layer of thermoplastic elastomer, making it resistant against dents, scratches, paint damage and UV Rays. It’s also designed not to crack, break or warp under continuous harsh temperatures and the precise, laser-cut design offers a formed, custom fit to most truck beds, regardless of the make or model.

We also like its custom-fit design and the fact that it flows partially up the sides of the bed, preventing accidental spills from seeping underneath. The optional Tailgate Liner is another add-on, providing protection to your tailgate while loading or unloading gear, or if equipment happens to shift while driving those rougher rural roads to a campsite.

"The TechLiner is a popular choice since it's secured in place (no drilling required) and form-fitted so it won't slide around,” says De Freitas.“It can be easily removed and reinstalled in a matter of minutes and we even guarantee it for as long as RVers own their tow vehicle."

One other option to consider is the quality Heavy Duty Bed Mat from Husky Liners. Manufactured with what the company calls ‘Rubberized DuraGrip HD,’ it’s designed to resist dings and dents and with its soft, anti-skid compound and protect gear from damage should something come loose during travel.

Similar to most of this style of bed liners, this Husky liner is easy to install (tools or drilling are not required), can be easily removed and tout what the company calls Air Dry Nibs, which elevate the mat from the bed, thus allowing air to pass through and prevent moisture from forming.    

Drop-In Bed Liners

These are another popular option for a variety of reasons. They are widely available, easy to install, and can also be custom-fitted for several truck models and bed sizes.

Materials of a drop-in liner vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, but many incorporate a hard plastic or a rubber lining that consists of a ‘shell’ to protect the bed - as well as the bedsides and rails.

Some are less expensive than others but there are a few trade-offs. For example, they are known to leak water below the liner and may be prone to road noise due to vibration during travel, which can loosen it over time, resulting in scratches and scuffs on the bed surface.

However, some of these problems can easily be offset. The UnderLiner from WeatherTech is just one aftermarket solution that acts as a base layer between the bare bed and liner, creating a barrier of protection. In addition to providing a snug, secure and reliable fit, the Underliner has a thickness of a mere .17 cm (0.065 in) and is digitally cut to the exact specs of the bed.

Spray-on Bed Liners

Spray-on bed liners - as its name implies -  consist of applying a multi-layered, formulated solution that adheres to the truck bed and sides that forms a high-quality, durable coating to withstand damage from water, mud and other damaging debris. Bragging rights also include optimal tensile and tear strength as well as hardness, which helps hold its shape to prevent warping and withstand scratching or denting.

Most spray-on liners are completed by a professional installer that can apply 100 percent polyurethane or 100 percent polyurea (or a combination of both), depending on your preferences. A variety of colours are available to aesthetically match your tow vehicle’s exterior and the texture can be smooth for easier maintenance and loading gear or slightly rougher to provide a non-skid surface and more durability.

While the results are impressive, spray-on liners are one of the more expensive options. Thinner coatings are less, but according to Line X, which offers several spray-on options at many locations across Canada, expect to pay approximately $595 CAD plus tax) depending on the coating and your preferences.

Although it’s easy to choose a good quality bed liner from your local dealer when buying new or pre-owned, a little research and web browsing can go a long way to find the perfect bed protection to meet your needs on the road.