When it comes to protecting your truck bed, there’s plenty of advice floating around. Some people say a tonneau cover alone is enough, while others argue that a bedliner is a must-have. So, do you actually need both, or will one of them do the job?
What Does a Tonneau Cover Do?
A tonneau cover mainly serves to cover your truck bed. It keeps rain, snow, and dust from collecting in the bed and also provides some level of security for items you might be hauling. So if you’ve got sensitive or valuable stuff back there, a tonneau cover can protect it from bad weather and prying eyes.
But while a tonneau cover is great for keeping the bed clean and safe from the elements, it doesn’t prevent scratches, dings, or rust on the actual bed surface. This is where a bedliner comes in.
What’s the Purpose of a Bedliner?
A bedliner is designed to protect the bed’s surface from scratches, dents, and rust caused by hauling things like tools, equipment, or other heavy objects. Bedliners add a layer of cushioning and are typically made from rubber, polyurethane, or even spray-on material, which makes the bed a bit more resistant to wear and tear.
When you load and unload heavy stuff, the bedliner absorbs some of the impact, preventing scratches and keeping your truck bed in good condition. Without a liner, constant use can wear down the bed surface, and over time, this can lead to rust and corrosion.
Types of Bedliners and Their Benefits
Just like tonneau covers, bedliners come in different types and materials. Here’s a quick look at the most common ones.
Spray-On Bedliners
A spray-on bedliner is applied directly to the bed’s surface, creating a smooth, rubber-like finish that protects against scratches and corrosion. These liners are often waterproof and resistant to UV rays, so they won’t fade as quickly. Many truck owners like spray-on liners because they’re long-lasting and don’t shift around.
However, once a spray-on liner is applied, it’s not easy to remove, so it’s a long-term choice. They’re more expensive but do offer strong protection for your bed.
Drop-In Bedliners
Drop-in bedliners are molded to fit inside the truck bed and can be installed without any special tools. They offer decent protection from scratches and dents, and they’re relatively easy to replace if they get damaged. Drop-ins are also typically cheaper than spray-ons, but they can sometimes shift or slide around, which might cause some wear to the bed over time.
Rubber Bed Mats
Rubber mats are the most affordable option and are great for protecting just the floor of your bed. They’re easy to install and remove, and they add a lot of cushioning for heavy objects. However, mats don’t provide complete coverage since they only cover the bottom surface, leaving the sides exposed.
Pros and Cons of Using a Tonneau Cover Without a Bedliner
Many people wonder if a tonneau cover alone can protect their truck bed well enough without needing a bedliner. Let’s go through some of the benefits and limitations of using just a tonneau cover.
Advantages of Only Using a Tonneau Cover
A tonneau cover does offer decent protection against weather, which keeps water and dirt from collecting in the bed. If you’re using your truck bed mostly for carrying lightweight items or stuff that won’t scratch the bed, then a tonneau cover alone could be enough.
Since tonneau covers hide what’s in the bed, they also provide a level of theft protection. While they don’t usually lock as securely as a tailgate lock, they do add some level of deterrence. And if you’re someone who likes a clean look for your truck, a tonneau cover gives it a sleek, finished appearance.
Limitations of Only Using a Tonneau Cover
Without a bedliner, the bed floor and walls are more exposed to potential scratches, dents, and rust. If you regularly haul heavy or rough items, these can wear down the paint and lead to corrosion. Over time, small scratches can turn into rust patches, especially if water gets trapped underneath the cover.
While a tonneau cover protects the bed’s surface from sun and rain, it won’t stop cargo from shifting or damaging the bed floor. And if you haul sharp or metal objects, they can scratch up the bed floor pretty quickly.
Do You Need Both a Tonneau Cover and a Bedliner?
If you’re wondering whether it’s worth having both, the answer really depends on what you use your truck for. Here are some situations where having both might make sense.
When You Haul Heavy or Sharp Objects
If you’re using your truck for hauling things like tools, construction materials, or equipment that could scratch or dent the bed, having both a bedliner and a tonneau cover is ideal. The bedliner will protect against physical damage, while the tonneau cover will shield it from weather exposure.
When You Want to Prevent Rust and Corrosion
For truck owners who want to keep their truck bed in pristine condition, a combination of a bedliner and tonneau cover is the way to go. The bedliner prevents scratches and dents that can lead to rust, while the tonneau cover keeps water out. Without a bedliner, water or humidity trapped under the tonneau cover can contribute to rust, especially in climates with heavy rainfall or snow.
When You Haul Everyday Cargo or Groceries
If your truck is mostly used for day-to-day activities like carrying groceries, camping gear, or personal items, you might not need a bedliner. A tonneau cover alone could be enough, as it protects the cargo and keeps things from flying out or getting wet.
Is a Bedliner Really Necessary with a Tonneau Cover?
If you’re looking to maximize protection for your truck bed, using both a tonneau cover and a bedliner is the best option. They serve different purposes—one shields against weather and prying eyes, while the other guards against scratches, dents, and rust. For heavy-duty use or long-term truck owners, having both might be worth the investment.
But if you’re more of a casual driver or just use the truck for light hauling, a tonneau cover alone might do the trick.
