The Role of Tacoma Bed Liners and Weights

There are multiple types of bed liners, but each is designed to protect your pickup from rust, scratches, dents, and paint damage. Additionally, bed liners provide advanced weather protection, less wind resistance on the highway, and the ability to customize the appearance of your Tacoma.

On the other hand, bed weights are much more of a utilitarian upgrade. Regardless of what is used for the weight, bed weights are an absolutely necessary upgrade for Tacoma owners who live in snowy regions. Bed weights can help give your tires greater traction and grip of the roads, which can help in climbing up steep hills and even braking.

There are two common types of bed liners, as well as other accessories that Tacoma owners can choose from:

• Drop-in Bed Liners
• Spray-on Bed Liners

Drop-in bed liners are composed of a specialized plastic molding that is fitted securely to the inside of your pickup bed. Offering all-season and all-weather protection, drop-in bed liners are the most cost-effective option for Tacoma owners on a budget.

The best part of drop-in bed liners is that they add another reinforced layer of protection against sharp and heavy objects and your pickup bed.

Unfortunately, drop-in bed liners can leave your truck bed susceptible to water damage if not properly fitted and the installation process is a little obtrusive to your vehicle’s appearance.

Spray-on covers offer much of the same protection, with the added resistance against chemical spills that won’t get trapped underneath the lining. If you’re looking for a long-term and permanent solution for your pickup bed, then investing in a spray-on cover may be the best solution. Of course, this comes at the cost of a higher price tag. Fortunately, with a little elbow grease and some sandpaper, installation is a breeze.

There is also brush-on bed liners, which offer a more complete protection than spray-on bed liners. Installation requires a paintbrush or roller and is much more difficult. For a brush-on bed liner we recommend seeking professional assistance.

For those who are looking to save money or don’t require the full protection of a bed liner, there are bed mats and rugs available that don’t require professional installation. A slide-in mat liner can provide great protection against UV rays and even some mild use, but these accessories don’t offer the full protection of a drop-in or spray-on liner.

• Budget: Spray-on bedliners are more expensive than drop-in or slide-in bed liners.
• Level of protection: Drop-in and slide-in bed liners offer greater protection for harder objects than can dent or rip at your lining.
• Surface material: A rubber or thicker bed lining can prevent objects from sliding during hauling and bumping into each other. 
• Truck bed condition: A damaged truck bed could generate more resale value and added protection from a drop-in bed liner that covers up those ugly scars. 
• Climate: Bed weights can serve a valuable function during winter. Drop-in bed liners may leave water trapped in your pickup bed with that added snowfall.

The same maintenance tips generally apply to all bed liners on the market. The top considerations to keep in mind when maintaining your bed liner are:

• Cleaning up any chemical spills 
• Securing items so they don’t slide around your bed
• Getting rid of water and snow before the accumulate, especially in drop-in or plastic liners
• Treating plastic liners with special solvents

Finally, installing bed liners will vary drastically by model. For example, a spray-on or brush-on bed liner will require you to treat and clean your bed liner before installation.

Next, brush the bed with 36 grit sandpaper to create a smooth surface for the spray to adhere to. Finally, cover any areas you don’t wish to be sprayed and apply the DIY kit. Let it dry for a few hours and you’re done. If you’re looking for an even more detailed spray-on bed liner, you could consider a brush-in bed liner. Of course, this is usually only available at professional body shops. 

Drop-in bed liners may require drilling to install properly, although we offer simply latch and strap bed liners that attach securely to your bed. One-piece drop-in bed liners will simply drop right in, while multi-piece liners will require you to position the sides first before inserting the bottom pieces. Use the fasteners and straps provided and follow manufacturer’s instructions for installation.