Truck Bedliner Today

According to data from Autodata Corp., this year marked the fifth time in six years that light-duty trucks outsold traditional cars, with trucks accounting for 55.7 percent of vehicles sold. That’s good news if you’re looking to diversify your business, says Greg Nicholas, collision center director of Mike Castrucci Ford in Milford, Ohio.
With two Ford dealerships and one Chevrolet dealership in the auto group’s network, Nicholas wanted to profit on the number of trucks sold in fall 2018 and decided to start looking into truck accessories, starting with spray-on bedliners. It’s a value-added service that is not only popular with customers, he says, but it’s also profitable and relatively easy to get set up. Nicholas describes how to capitalize on this service, even if you’re not a dealership shop.

We were subletting spray-on bedliner work out to another vendor. It got to be too much for them. We would have to schedule it three or four weeks out. In the house, it was also challenging keeping track of it all.

Meanwhile, people nowadays are spending much more money on trucks than in the past—some of these new trucks are $70,000 or $80,000. To guard them, they’re doing various accessories. Most people that own vehicles want a spray-on bedliner. It protects the truck from water damage, chemical corrosions, rust, and salt. It’s a sound barrier for your truck. They don’t like the plastic ones because if you put something in the plastic one, it’s sliding all over the place in the back of your truck. The spray-in liners don’t do that. It’s got a texture to it, and it’s very durable. You can throw rocks in the back of it, and it doesn’t crack or break.

Before you get into this service, it’s essential to consider several factors, namely demand for bedliners, market saturation and the availability of sprayers. Because we are a dealership, we knew that we consistently get many trucks coming through and I was spraying close to 75–80 percent of the vehicles that we sell.

If you’re not a dealership, consider how many trucks you work on or if you have a relationship with a dealership. However, spray-on bedliners can also be done on older vehicles or sometimes need to be redone. In addition to being an upsell, insurance companies will frequently pay for it if the truck bed gets damaged in a collision.

There are also different types of systems that are more cost-effective, such as using a low-pressure system that uses an air compressor. This means that it’s less of expenditure up front and you always have the option to upgrade to a high-pressure system if you have the work volume.

Next, you’ll want to look into spray-on liner companies. There are a bunch out there, and I looked at most of them. There are several different business models, too: do-it-yourself kits, franchise agreements, dealer agreements, and high-pressure systems. For us, we ruled out DIY kits because to do as many trucks as we do, it would be impossible to make money doing it with a DIY kit. We needed the high-pressure system so we can do multiple vehicles per day. When it came to the franchise agreement, a few of those companies wouldn’t give me a franchise because I was too close to another existing franchise. If you are part of a franchise, however, this can be an advantage because it guarantees that competitors won’t crop up within a close distance.

We sprayed quite a few of the products, and I looked at the texture and the durability. I also wanted a product that stays black. Sometimes, over the course of a year or two, the color can fade to grey.

After deciding on the company to work with, I purchased the necessary equipment from them, which cost roughly $25,000. That included the machine that sprays it, which is a high-pressure system that sprays at 2,000 PSI at 150 degrees. It’s pretty hot, and it comes out fast and dries instantly. As soon as you’re done spraying it, you can pull the truck outside. The material comes in two 55-gallon drums, which has an A side and a B side. We get roughly 40 vehicles out of a set of drums, and then they come and replace the drums.

You do need a dedicated space to do it because it can get a little messy. I have a pretty large collision center here, so we use one of the old paint booths that we don’t spray cars in anymore.

At the time of installation, the company I work with also sent two of its technicians for three days to train my technician on the equipment and the process. He picked it up very fast, and when I hired a second specialist to work on the bedliners, he trained the other one. It was very, very easy.

In essence, the way it works is that you first prep the truck, which takes the longest (roughly 2.5 hours). We use a 6-inch nylon brush to sand the surface of the bed and wipe it out with alcohol. We also take any brackets or bolts out. Then, you spray the entire truck bed evenly with a couple of coats of the chemicals. It only takes 15 minutes, and then the truck is ready to go. Once you have a team that works together, they roll through them pretty quickly.

Since we installed everything, it has taken off. We have two technicians doing two or three bedliners every day, five days per week. It only took us two months to recoup the $25,000 investment. Plus, it is a valuable service for us. The way it works in our shop is that it’s $499 retail and I charge my sales department $400. It costs me about $200 a truck to do with materials and employees, so I’m keeping 50 percent of that profit. Plus, we keep it all in house and don’t have to source it somewhere else.

Besides getting to know all you can about your car's make and model, you can learn other tricks. Continue reading to learn excellent auto repair tips to save money and time.

Ask questions about your vehicle. Preventing vehicle issues is a valuable skill to save money annually.

Keep on hand all of your car's history. You may want to store them is the glove compartment for easy access. The auto repair professionals will want to look at the records. This can make the problem quicker and more precisely.

Always try to figure out the problem with your car's problems yourself before trying to get it repaired. You probably already know that a few mechanics will come with lies to charge more money.

Assemble a DIY auto repair kit and put it inside of your car. Your tool kit should have equipment to change a tire. A lug wrench and jack are key. You should probably get a Phillips and flat head screwdriver and several types of wrenches.

Do not neglect your windshield wiper blades. You may need new windshield wipers if they are streaking or making noises.

Think about using a mechanic who does repairs in his or her own garage. If they possess sufficient experience, you can get the same work done at a much cheaper price. You may save tons of money and provide an independent worker by going down this route.

Just because it is winter does not mean you should quit washing your car. Winter can be hard on your car. Salt and sand lead to rust and other flaws.

There are a few different classifications that determine the quality of parts. New parts just mean that they are made solely to a manufacturer's specifications. Refurbished or rebuilt parts are ones that have been restored to working condition. Salvage means used and they have not been altered.

If you feel that your car has even the smallest of problems, it may be a good idea to have it checked out anyway. A seemingly small problem may grow into a big one if don't pay attention to it.

If you need your car fixed, but need auto repairs, you may want to contact your local vocation institution to see if they have an auto repair department. You will pay much less for your repairs and will help students are under the watchful eye of their qualified instructor.

Not that many people look at their car's manual. You should read your manual and learn how to use it so you can locate useful information quickly. Your manual has all that you need to know when it comes to maintaining your vehicle and performing small repairs yourself.

It is quite common for customers to find out about additional issues when collecting a car from an auto shop. They do this to make it look like you think you're getting a great deal. Tell them that you're going to have to talk to them later so that you have to think about it before accepting the deal.

AAA is an excellent ally to have on your side when you've got auto repair. You can even get discounts on an annual AAA membership if you shop around.

After paying a mechanic to replace an old part on your vehicle with a new one, ask if you can get the old part back. If the mechanic does not give you your old part, it may mean they aren't going to do the work but charge you anyway. This is not a good sign and you should call him about it.

The more you know about your car, is learning about the car's components to get a basic understanding. You might want to sign up for a class on auto repair.This will enable you to better service your vehicle lasts longer.

Always ask plenty of questions when dealing with your mechanic. How long will the repair going to take them? Ask questions about the work done to your vehicle. How much will parts going to set you back? Ask anything else that concerns you about the work being done.

As you have likely surmised, there are many benefits to learning about auto repair. Teach others what you know, and do not hesitate to go to a mechanic if you are not skilled enough to fix your problem. Remember the tricks in this article, and you should be able to do your own repairs.

Learning what you can about auto repair may seem like a lot of work, but you can make it simpler. Learning basic auto repairs can help you save a valuable skill to have. The article below is a collection of auto repair tips and tricks you need to know to help your car stay in great shape without having to visit the mechanic.

If you don't understand something, clarification is needed before repairs are started. Don't be surprised with extra charges later.

Referrals are your best best when searching for a great mechanic. Ask the people you know for their vehicles to. You can find out great information about the quality of service and the costs. People can tell you know what type of experience they had to deal with and if the mechanic was honest.

Keep a record when your vehicle. If you have problems with your vehicle later on, this past record will help the mechanic in diagnosing the problems.

Always try to figure out the problem with your car's problems yourself before you bring it in for repairs.You probably already know that some mechanics will deceive you about your car repairs to charge more money.

Make sure any mechanic you hire knows about your particular car. If you cannot be sure, pay a little more to get an authorized dealer to work on the car.

Speak with friends and family about auto shop recommendations before you pick a shop. They have used mechanics before and can fill you in the right direction if so. You should still do your research on the person they tell you about. At least look for reviews of those recommendations.

Just because it is winter does not mean you shouldn't wash your vehicle. Winter can be the most damage causing time of the year for your car with constant precipitation. Sand and salt can cause rust and corrosion.

You don't necessarily have to go through your auto dealer to get work done. There are a great shop 10 minutes from your house or whether you decide to go to the dealer further away. Find a mechanic who is certified and stick with them.

Keep in mind that any DIY auto repairs. Always have a buddy nearby that can assist you if there is an emergency were to happen. Buy quality tools that will not break easily. This is especially true with tire changing tools. The jack has to be strong enough to keep the car.A good investment is to purchase a hydraulic floor jack which comes with jack stands that are approved is your best bet.

Don't buy parts to you that they'll last a lifetime. This is total spin - just a way to grab more of your money. One example is that some vehicles say their transmission fluid.While this won't have to be changed often, you need to be sure it's changed about every 80,000 miles or so.

AAA is a good company to look into when you need auto repair issues. You can often find discounts on an annual AAA has many discount options in place.

Written proof is always beneficial if you must file any complaints against your mechanic.

If you find a repair shop that does good work, then you need to return there every time. You may also become eligible for discounts since you are a loyalty discount.

Put your car on a jack stands if you're storing it.

Ask to get your old parts to be returned to you when they're replaced. This will prove that the repairs were actually been done. This isn't particularly necessary for exhaust system changed.It will be obvious if a new exhaust system was put in place.

Do not put regular water in the compartment for windshield washer compartment. The washer system works with a certain type of fluid, so water can damage the system. Check the windshield washer compartment often to refill it as necessary. Do not put in water when the compartment seems to be empty.

If you're able to perform basic car repairs, then you don't need to be scared every time you have car trouble. You can handle problems yourself and avoid paying mechanics. Remember the things that you were taught here when you have car trouble in the future.

Learning about auto repair may seem overwhelming, however it is much easier than you think. Teaching yourself about cars can really be useful in the future. Keep reading to see some excellent tips that you can do in regard to auto repair, so you don't have to spend endless hours at the mechanic's shop.

Always carry a good emergency kit in the trunk of your car. This kit should contain a number of items, including tools, flares, a gas container and an emergency battery charger. It is also wise to include a flashlight, some fresh batteries and a blanket in case your vehicle breaks down in cold weather or at night.

Ask many questions about your car when you bring it in for repairs. These questions can involve issues you're dealing with and what you can do to avoid them in the future. Preventing issues can save you a lot of money.

Check your radiator frequently. Keep your car running then shut the engine for several minutes before opening the hood. You never want to open up the radiator if your car is still running. Check how much fluid is in the radiator with a dipstick and keep in mind that you should always mix coolant with water before pouring it in your radiator.

Look up your local body shop's reviews online. This lets you know how other customers have felt. You can then use that information to pick a shop that you can feel comfortable giving your money to.

Before paying your mechanic for any work done, make sure to take it for a short test drive first, to make sure everything is working as it should. If you don't do this, it's possible that the problem isn't even fixed.

When taking your car to the mechanic for repairs, never leave valuables in the car. If your belongings are in the way of your mechanic's repairs, they may be moved to the side, possibly even lost. Empty both the trunk and glove compartment.

Make sure your headlights are clean if they don't look as bright. Sometimes, dirt from the road transfers over to your lights dim them. Use glass cleaner to wash them thoroughly.

Before you bring your car to a repair shop, try to determine what is wrong with your car. You can save lots of money if you diagnose the problem on your own, and you may also be able to prevent yourself from being swindled. Mechanics sometimes will cost you an arm and a leg for unnecessary repairs.

Put together a small tool kit for your car and keep it in your trunk. These tools should include a tire changing kit, which comes in most cars. If you don't have a jack and lug wrench, get one. You will need several screwdrivers, ratchets, socket wrenches, an adjustable wrench and a torque wrench. Avoid cheap tools. Buy quality ones that you are sure won't fail when you really need them.

Know when it is time to change your oil, an important car maintenance task. You have to change it regularly to keep your car running smoothly. Failing to get routine oil changes will shorten you car's life, so set reminders if necessary.

Remember that you don't have to go to your dealer to get auto repair work done. There are many great technicians all over the place. If you find one you like, you should hire him.

Educate yourself about questions to ask your mechanic before you go to the shop. There are refurbished parts, reconditioned parts, and salvage parts. Parts that are new are recently created to fit manufacturer specifications. Refurbished parts are ones that have been repaired. Salvaged parts are used parts that have not been repaired.

If you feel that your car has even the smallest of problems, it is smart to get it checked right away. Often times, ignoring small issues lead directly to more serious ones.

If you have a bit of basic knowledge, you should see that car repair is not so frightening as it may have once been. You can educate yourself and learn to fix many things yourself. So keep these tips in mind if your car develops problems again.

What is a truck bedliner?
Benefits of using a spray-on vs. drop-in bedliner on your truck
How much do spray-on truck bedliners cost?
Which should I buy?

Pickup trucks are not what they used to be. They have become much more expensive and more complex than many of the models sold a decade or so ago. With the added cost of buying a truck, you should consider putting money into prolonging the life of your new purchase.

One of the first things to do is to buy a bedliner for your truck. Not everyone uses their vehicle for work purposes, but scratches and dings can happen to any truck. The majority of people buy a pickup truck so they can move work-related machinery or haul equipment and accessories around. It doesn't take more than a few significant scratches for owners to realize they should get some sort of protective liner to solve that problem.
So you must be asking, which type of bedliner is best for you and your truck?

Keep reading below to find out the advantages and disadvantages of each.


For Drop-In Bedliners
Drop-in bedliners are the easiest to install, and you can remove them too. You'll find most drop-in bed liners are made of a solid material (plastic) that are notably thin but have enough depth to protect against things like small dings, scratches, and dents in your truck bed. Many truck owners prefer drop-in bed liners since they are very durable and simple to clean. You can install (mount) them over or under the bedrail depending on the level of protection you are looking for. If drop-in bedliners are not fitted properly, they can move around the bed of your truck a bit and cause your paint to wear off underneath it. Owners say that dirt, gravel, sand, etc., that gets underneath your liner can diminish quality over time as well as cause destruction to the truck underneath.

For Spray-On Bedliners
The sprayed-on bed liners go right onto your truck's body panels and consist of polyurea or polyurethane which is basically liquid rubber. This chemical is nearly indestructible, with just a little research you will find videos of items sprayed with this chemical being dropped from the top of buildings and receiving no damage. Spray-on liners will not shift like some drop-in bed liners, and spray-ons are easy to clean as well. The disadvantages to spray-on bed liners are that once they are on, they can not be removed, which can also be a benefit since you do not have to worry about substances getting underneath it.

What Brand Should I Use?
Some of the top brands for bedliner are ArmorThane, Line-X, Rhino Linings, Superliner, Penda, Speedliner, Herculiner, and Durabak. Time and time again ArmorThane has been established as the very best in all sections. They make a stronger, longer lasting and better-looking bedliner than all other kinds. They have a much lower price because they are not a franchise with massive overhead. Every single person that sprays ArmorThane compound must be certified to do so. They will not allow anyone to use that name unless they have proven themselves good enough to represent their name.

More people go with spray-on bedliners because they offer better protection, are more durable and provide better skid resistance than drop-in bedliners. Appearance goes to spray-on liners as well, and spray-on liners will typically cost less.


Best Drop-In Bedliner:
DIY truck owners who want to install their bedliner or else do not have the money for a spray-on bedliner, need to check out Herculiner.com. Herculiner is a roll-on bedliner that is the best selling product in its class. You use rollers or a brush to put on the polyurethane and rubber granule coating. Herculiner is a durable and skid-resistant product that needs to be installed, or else it won't perform up to par. There are specific instructions online at the Herculiner website, and you will also receive them when you purchase the product. Again, don't expect miracles from this product if you want the utmost in protection from damage. These roll-on and spray-on liners look decent (when installed right) and perform decently, but they can't compare to the more rugged spray-on bedliners.

To check out how to install your truck bed liner - click the image below to go to the video.

Top-Rated Spray-on Bedliner:
Spray-on bedliners are a more popular option these days to the plastic and less permanent drop-in liners. Spray-on bedliners perform better and score better in countless reviews. Consumers consistently say ArmorThane, the originator of the spray-on liners is the more durable, better looking, superior product.
The spray-on bedliners from ArmorThane seal out rust and corrosion by having no gaps. The non-slip surface is durable and will hold your cargo in place. Take your time to find a reputable spray-on installer in your area, so the job is done right the first time.