Bought my truck about a year ago and came with the factory drop in bed-liner. Im going to take it out to see what shape the truck bed is in. Wondering what everyone thinks about using the DIY spray on bed-liner then putting the drop-in bedliner back in. Any negatives to this to be aware of? would it help prevent rust? Thanks for any help.

 

It would protect the truck better than not having it there, but for the same money as the DIY stuff you can get a mat that is designed for the purpose - and not spend hours prepping the bed. If you like the drop-in, I'd go that route instead. You're going to drop the $100 anyway.

Otherwise, if you are looking for a better solution, check out a DualComp bedliner - if you search the forum you'll find some info. I work for the company - joined after taking a major liking to the product.

 

The mat would be cheaper but it won't keep water out if it gets under the mat which can still lead to rust which is what I believe he is trying to avoid. DIY spray in liners are a whole lot of work if it were me I would sell the drop in and get it Line-X or Rhino lined. 1. they have a warranty and too look good and work so much better than plastic drop ins to me.

Now that I have given my opinion yes you could use DYI spray in and put the drop in back in it would be better than nothing.

Also where do you live is rust a real problem? just curious.

 

The only problem with the DIY is that it starts to peel and flake after about 6 months to a year. Espescially if you use it alot. It's very low quality. I'd save up for the spray on.

 

This is a misnomer, water doesn't lead to rust, damaged paint does. If water leads to rust, then the entire exterior of your truck would be rusty... it gets rained on regularly (unless you live in So Cal). The drop ins chafe and damage the paint. While I have never seen a real rust issue caused by one (there has been rust, but not enough to rust through), I have seen the metal actually cut by the chafing.

My '81 Dodge has had a rubber mat since new, sits out ALL the time. Bed still looks new under the mat, although the rest of the paint has some fade and even some rust damage.