Bed liner question form a newbie

Hey all I just bought a 2003 reg cab short box 4wd silverado with the 4.8 and a 5 speed :evillol: I need a bed liner but i really want to stay away from drop ins . I was thinking about going with a rhino lining any opinions? any help is appreciated

Tough call.

I went with a drop-in, and I don't really like it. It never fit quite right and the extra piece that covers the inside of the tailgate has come loose. The flip side is the spray-ins, which I considered (and I'm still considering). The problem with them is that they're permanent, which I really didn't like. No doubt they protect the bed better -- no rusting, etc, but I wasn't sure if adding a spray-in would complicate my life if I wanted to add a gooseneck hitch, so I stayed away from them.

I guess it really comes down to how you're going to use the bed. If you're going to be hauling rock, I'd go with the spray-in. I bought my '02 Duramax 3/4 ton primarily to tow our horses, so there's not a lot of wear and tear on the bed.

What are you going to use the truck for?

Les

well i'm going to be hauling motorcycles on it with tools and spares etc so i really think i want a spray on permanent is fine with me!

Go with the spray-in. Rhino's an excellent one to go with, but i think they're all about the same. The problem with drop in liners is that moisture forms beneath them causing rust.

I spray Rhino and I personally think they are pretty good but the armor coating is decent too.Armor tends to chip like paint and is thin where rhino is sprayed on thicker both of then will fade out over time though.So you really cant go wrong with either of them,But i do prefer rhino.Just stay away from the stuff you brush on it is truly junk

I agree to stay away from the brush on. I tried Sprayliner. I had mine done in San Diego. I don't know if they have any locations in your area. You might go to their website and see. Anyways, they were less expensive and it seems to be working fine.

the problem with the spray on liners like rhino is that the installation requires them to grid the paint off the bed down to bare exposed metal then they apply the spray on liner. Some cases they "water down" the pray on solution and you get "thin spots" which can cause a world of "hurt" in the long run.

I would suggest the Line-X spray in, no offense to Rhino. I think when the Line-X is wet it is still a relatively slip free environment. I don't think Line-X takes the bed down to bare metal though, however they will ruff up the paint for a good adhesion to the surface. Hauling bikes with the bed liner could be very difficult if the bed liner gets wet. My truck came with a Duraliner, liner and it is rubbing paint off in places, obviously causing rust spots. It is also like slippery as hell when it is wet.

I am willing to learn more about Rhino Spray in, I have been trying to research between Rhino and Line-X. So far I am sold on Line-X.
Wheezey, if you had any information I would love to learn more about Rhino liner, testing, specs, options, and installation procedure.
Thanks and Good luck to Vic Vega

I have had the Line-X for about a year. It hangs in there like death. There is some sun fading, but I think they all do that. My installer lightly sanded the paint before he sprayed it on. No complaints. Cliff

definitely go with a spray in over a drop in. The paint damage, rust, and wet issues aside; I see many of these things along the interstate where they blow out etc... I would look at the warranty they offer to decide which brand to go with. I've heard good things about rhino and line-x both.

Guys I assure you that rhino is not scuffed down to bare metal it just simply wouldn't stick the installer uses a nylon cup brush and just takes the shine off the clear coat.And if any one here knows anything about polyurethane liner's then you know that it is ludicrous to assume that it is thinned down with water.With just one drop of sweat it turns into a golf ball of foam,But as with anything if the installer doesn't take pride in his craftsmanship then it will be no different then other liners. I have personally sprayed the rhino brand for over three years and have not had a single one come back with any problems.But to make a long story short the facts are that they are all destructible every one of them but if the rhino is of proper thickness then it is less likely to tear and gouge.



If anyone wants more fact's feel free to ask I will do my best to answer honestly without being biased

I just got Line-x in my truck. I checked out other trucks with Rhino liners and they just seemed like they dident have as much grain to them. I also found that the Line-X fits to the curves of the bed a lot better and finishes off at the corners nicer. But thats just me.

Wheezey, thank you for the reply and info, and most of all for not taking any offense. I am intereseted to know how slippery the rhino liner is when wet. I also don't doubt that it is a great liner when the person applying it takes pride in there job. Wish more people did...

I think the rhino liner does Awesome as a rust inhibitor, and hear the 4X4 guys raving about it for the ease of cleaning after some fun in the mud. I can see how this wouldn't be the case with LIne-X, which does have more grain.
The Rhino liner's I have seen are more bumpy, where the Line-X looks more like 80 grit that has a rubber coating. What is the make up of Rhino Liner?

Hey guys I just went with the line-x on my 2000 z-71 I did a lot of resarch first and for my usage line-x just seemed to be the best for my needs. Also just an fye for you all I have four wheelers and at the same time he sprayed the racks on both atv's for 30 more dollars

I have a Duraliner that actually contours to the truck pretty nicely, I have seen some really cheesy looking drop in liners, My problem was this, I stud my tires on my LTZ Quadracer in the winter and I heard that it would bite through the Rhino Lining.. which strayed me away from them. I Feel fortunate enough to have gotten a drop in liner that fits so well, Ive had it for over a year now and no complaints. If it wasnt for my Quad I would have gone with the Spray in.
-Jimmy

The line-x is actually a more fiberglass based not soft like the rhino I put my sled with track studs in the back and get no more than a white surface scratch that goes away in the next rain or washing I have even driven off the back of the truck with the sled and never dug into the lining

make sure you take the drop in out once in awhile and clean the drain holes in the bed. If not water gets trapped and causes the bed to rust from the inside under the liner.

Good To know,In the future Ill look into Line-x, I also drive my Quad in and out of the bed. Good Advice Buttnekked, My other truck doesnt get driven much anymore and it collects more debris and water than my silverado. Every couple of months I get my friends to help me lift the liners up so I can clean underneath, I know alot of people who install liners and Just forget about them.
-Jimmy