In the Tracking thread, a lot of new truck orders have spray-in bedliner instead of plastic. I thought I'd ask why F-150 owners prefer one over the other.
I'm planning to order a new '15 or '16 and have the drop-in plastic liner in my '04 and am happy with it. I haul a lot of logs for firewood and the plastic is a bit slippery which makes unloading easier, I think.
I also get a ton of crushed stone dumped in the bed every so often, so the liner needs to put up with that.

So tell me, why is one type of bed liner better than the other?

 

I suppose it depends on the application. Sounds as if the plastic drop in would be best for you. Spray in is tough for sure but is also grippy and makes sliding things difficult.

 

I would think that for your use the drop in plastic liner would be best. Easily replaced when worn out or damaged and slippery can be good. It would also do a better job of protecting the bed from the crushed stone and firewood as it hits the bottom of the box.

So far I really like my spray in but my truck doesn't do hard labor!

 

https://www.f150forum.com/f118/bed-liners-284752

https://www.f150forum.com/f118/facto...d-liner-279116

https://www.f150forum.com/f118/bed-liner-296846

https://www.f150forum.com/f118/plastic-box-liner-301046

https://www.f150forum.com/f118/facto...quality-292707

 

I am going with the spray-in. Reason being I don't want things to slide around a lot, however when I do need to get a load of gravel, dirt, or fill it with firewood I will be laying down a sheet of 1/2" plywood first. Makes unloading a lot easier.

 

I think the plastic liner is definitely more HD. For contractors ect. The spray in is what I prefer and is for more for the weekend warrior. It's the better choice for the avg guy

 

I had the dealer swap the drop in for a spray in.
I have a slide-in cab over camper which isn't compatible with the slick plastic. I also ordered a rubber bed mat.

 

For 100 bucks more you could get the spray in . More durable IMO . drop in from the dealer is 350 and the spray in is 450 . Most spray in liner company's will touch up the liner if it gets scratched or chipped for free.

 

If your gonna spend 35+k on a truck at least do it right and get yourself linex. I suggest the premium as it doesn't fade like standard does over time and it's much more durable and if it cracks they fix it for free no questions asked. Water sits under a drop in liner and corrodes your bed over time. Just spend the 5-600$ and thank yourself later and don't get the Ford liner I've seen both in person and it's not even close

 

I've had both and the spray in is the better option IMO. I've always worried when having drop in liners cause of water getting behind it and just sitting there. But with the aluminum...??? But any protection is definitely better than none!