Which bed liner is best for a new Chevrolet Colorado?

Question

Hey everyone! I just finally pulled the trigger on a brand-new Chevy Colorado—went with the Z71 in Sand Dune Metallic—and I’m absolutely loving it so far. This is the first time I’ve ever owned a truck straight off the lot, so I’m feeling a bit protective of it. I’ve already got a few projects lined up for this weekend involving some landscaping tools and a few bags of river rock, and I honestly can’t bring myself to throw them into the bare metal bed yet. I don’t want to see that first scratch just days after taking delivery!

I’ve been doing some deep dives into the different types of protection, but I’m feeling a little overwhelmed by the options. My main struggle is deciding between a professional spray-on liner and the classic drop-in plastic ones. I’ve heard some horror stories about the drop-in liners vibrating over time and actually rubbing the paint off the bed floor, which eventually leads to hidden rust. However, they are significantly cheaper and seem to offer better dent protection if I'm tossing heavier gear back there.

On the other hand, everyone seems to swear by Line-X or Rhino Liner. I love the clean, textured look of a spray-on, and I like that it doesn't interfere with the tie-down points or the drain holes in the Colorado's bed. My budget is ideally around $500 to $600, but I’m willing to pay a bit more if it means I won't have to worry about it for the next ten years. I’m also curious if anyone has tried the BedRug or a heavy-duty rubber mat? Since I’ll be hauling camping gear and expensive mountain bikes quite often, I wonder if a softer surface might actually be better for my specific use case.

For those of you who have picked up a new-gen Colorado recently, which bed liner route did you go with, and are you happy with how it's holding up against daily wear and tear?

fpfvktjknt · Accepted Answer

Sooo, in my experience, if you're hauling mountain bikes and gear, you've gotta look at a hybrid setup. I've tried many combos over the years, and honestly, a hard liner plus a soft top is the way to go for a new Colorado.

Here is what I recommend for your Z71:

- Go with a BedRug Classic Bed Liner if you want that soft surface for your bikes. It's basically tough polypropylene that looks like carpet but handles gravel and mulch just fine. It's way easier on the knees too when you're crawling back there.
- If you're worried about those heavy river rocks denting the floor, definitely grab a WeatherTech TechLiner Bed Mat. You can toss it right over a spray-on or use it solo. It’s thick enough to absorb impact but won't trap moisture like those old-school drop-ins.
- For the bikes, check out the Race Face T2 Tailgate Pad. It’s highkey the best way to transport them without scratching the Sand Dune paint on your tailgate.

Basically, the BedRug gives you that soft touch for camping while still being hose-offable. Plus, it's right in ur budget! gl with the new truck!

teehtjzppo · Answer

In my experience, you really gotta be careful with those drop-in liners. I've tried many over the years and honestly, they're kind of a nightmare because they trap moisture and sand underneath which basically acts like sandpaper on your paint. Since you've got that beautiful Sand Dune Metallic finish, I wouldn't risk it!

For your situation, I'd suggest going with a professional Line-X Premium Spray-On Bedliner. It's literally the gold standard for a reason. It won't budge, it protects against rust, and it looks super clean. But, since you mentioned hauling mountain bikes and camping gear, here's what I recommend for that extra cushion:

* Get the Line-X Standard Spray-On Bedliner as your base layer.
* Toss a Dee Zee Heavy Duty Bed Mat on top of the spray-on for those landscaping weekend projects.
* Check out a BedRug Classic Bed Liner if you want that carpeted feel for your gear.

I mean, if you're worried about dents from river rocks, that rubber mat over a spray-on is the way to go. It's way safer than plastic. Plus, it's definitely worth spending the extra cash now so you dont have to worry for the next 10 years. gl with the new truck! 👍

vltqvovktv · Answer

Congrats on the Z71! That Sand Dune color is honestly so sick. I know some folks here are saying DIY is a nightmare, but I kinda gotta disagree! Tbh, I think doing it yourself is the best way to really get to know your new truck. If you've got a free weekend and some patience, you can get a pro result without spending way over your budget at a shop. Here is why I'm leaning toward the self-service route:
* It fits way better into that $500 budget you mentioned.
* You can control exactly how thick the texture is around the bolts.
* It’s just way more satisfying than dropping it off at a shop and hoping they do a good job. I’d say just look for any of the sprayable kits from Raptor or U-Pol. You basically cant go wrong with those brands if you prep the bed right. Has anyone else here tried the spray-gun kits instead of the brush-on stuff? I'm gonna try it soon but I'm still a little worried about getting the tape lines perfect lol. What do you think?