Anyone used rhino-liner for those easy-to-scratch places?

[shahram]

I have a square, heavy-duty nylon roof rack bag with an internal plastic frame that fits perfectly inside the rack, on the roof itself. I use it for light/bulky items like sleeping bags and lawn chairs. I use it on every trip, and can easily carry four people inside and all their gear in the back and on top. However, the vinyl bottom of the bag is starting to scratch the roof a little bit.
I was thinking about painting on that liquid plastic pickup bed liner that you see at Pep Boys. I would only paint the square inside the rack, and maybe the area underneath the basket (I don't have a sunroof). It would eliminate any rubbed areas from getting rusty, and protect the roof from small pressure dings or gashes.
With such a liner, I wouldn't think twice about throwing bins or even a spare tire on the roof.
I called my local "Rhino-Liner" dealer to see if they could do the spraying for me, and the salesman said it would be "really expensive". The DIY version is not very expensive, about $30.00 for a 1/2 gallon at Pep Boys, which is more than I'd need for the roof area between the rack stays.
It seems a good alternative to a roof basket, which seems to diminish overhead clearance, and when stacked, be less aerodynamic.

Anybody have any ideas/suggestions regarding this?

[ChuckH]

Before you Rhinoline your roof, have you considered the rubber cargo strips that Nissan sells for the Xterra? THey might be enough to keep your cargo bag up off the paint.

The problem with Rhinolining is that if it's not put on right and in a very controlled environment then moisture can get trapped underneath it. Also, if you sell the truck someday it will be impossible to get off. I would look at the rubber strips first and consider the clear 3M Scotchcal film for the rack itself...that's what I have on my rack in high rub areas and it wears very, very well and is nearly invisible.

[OffroadX]

The Rhinoliner is also textured and will not allow water and such to flow off. I can see it becoming pretty nasty after a while, and would not advise using it on horizontal surfaces.

Brent

[shahram]

Thanks for the advice, guys. Since I live in SoCal, my main concern about the rubber strips would be the UV damage. The sun is relentless, but rain, moisture and standing water aren't real common concerns. Your replies did provide a different perspective, which changed my mind: I am considering masking off the low points and painting only the tops of the ribs, and I even found a liquid bedliner that matches the stock gray plastic molding. Also, the stuff is practically indestructible, and spreads impact shock over a wider area. And it cleans really easily, which is great since my roof usually has a layer of melted surf wax on it.

As for the thing being permanent and unable to remove when I sell it, the answer is obvious: I will NEVER sell my X! I have stipulated in my last will and testament that my X shall be thrown upon my funeral pyre with me (ouch), and I'm wheeling my way into the great beyond!

Thanks again guys!

[OffroadX]

I have the rubber strip kit, it's about $20. It is pretty handy for when I throw my spare up on the roof when 'wheeling. I tried putting it up on top of the rack crossbars but it would always slip down. Much easier to deal with it down on the roof.

[Toy Man]

I doubt the strips (which are not rubber but a harder compound of ??) will be affected by UV. I have mine on for 2+ years with no problems,
My X is parked in the driveway, not a garage so it is always exposed.

Like your attitude about keeping the X...

Toy Man