Chevrolet unquestionably lit off a firestorm of controversy recently with its pull-no-punches all-out offensive against the F-150 with a series of presentations demonstrating the steel bed floors on the Silverado are tougher and more durable under "real-world" conditions. General Motors claims the testing methodology was consistent and "scientific." However, were the demonstration tests symbolic of what these trucks deal with in real life? Both trucks were tested for maximum visual shock without a bedliner, which begs how many trucks are sold new versus without bedliners. Secondly, how practical is the scenario of dumping paving bricks directly into the bed from a front-loader rather than being loaded by a forklift on a pallet or sling?

Hank Strathman, General Manager for ArmorThane, said he saw the spots as emphasizing the importance of bedliners for trucks used for work. "Trucks are meant for work. A bedliner is a necessity for any truck that's going to be used for work. A lot of the damage shown in those videos could have been prevented or minimized with a product with some resiliency or cushion, which our products have in the form of a protective coating." Asked if he thought the spots were a fair comparison of the two trucks, Strathman said, "As truck owners, we're all very brand loyal, and of course, some might see the presentations as unreasonable or nonsensical. It's a little sensationalized. It's important to note that there was significant damage to the Silverado bed as well."

Although not pointed out in detail in the Chevy video spots, GM acknowledges the detailed test results. The bed of the Silverado finally acquired a pinhole puncture after multiple toolbox drops. If nothing else, this video is a compelling visual demonstration of why it's a good idea to get a spray-on bedliner. 

Offroad Supply wants to know: does your truck have a bedliner? Do you have any bed damage horror stories from rough loading? Do you think GM is punching below the belt with this campaign or is all fair in the battle of full-size trucks? Let us know in the comments below.

As for our opinion...If you would like to have proper protection, we think going with ArmorThane's ArmorLiner bedliner is the way to go! Click here for more info.

 

 

 

This month we feature ArmorLiner spray-on bed liners for trucks and an unlimited list of other applications. ArmorThane ArmorLiner is tested in severe temperatures and conditions, from the Baja to subzero conditions, to deliver superior protection day-in and day-out.

No matter what you haul, it pays to protect your truck bed and enhance its look or customize its color. ArmorLiner protects against scratches, stains, dents and dings, chemical spills, and corrosion.

ArmorThane ArmorLiner protects critical components on vehicles to survive impacts from rocks, debris, and extreme use only found in these types of terrains.

The ArmorThane® Distinction

ArmorLiner's high tensile strength material presents a superior layer of protection that their competitors cannot match. Using a high-pressure system to achieve this unique strength distinguishes the product from other bedliner companies.

Other spray-on bedliner businesses use a low-pressure system that provides a softer bedliner that often is more susceptible to material failure resulting in gouging or even tears.

The ArmorThane Look

ArmorThane prides itself on using higher quality raw materials to produce a fine texture that does not "clump" or "sag" on any surface. ArmorLiner looks as if it came pre-installed from the vehicle manufacturer.

ArmorLiner® Coverage

ArmorLiner provides a permanent bond that conforms to every contour of your truck bed. This bond creates a barrier from moisture, rust, and corrosion for many years to come. ArmorLiner is resistant to most chemicals, making it a superior material for use in industrial applications.

Installation

ArmorThane applied protective masking to ensure that your vehicle is protected from any bedliner overspray. Once that protection is installed, they proceed with the actual material spray coating:

Unlike other spray-on or drop-in bedliners, an ArmorLiner treatment is professionally applied at high pressure and high temperatures, bonding instantly and permanently to your truck. ArmorLiner uses equal parts of an "A" component or hardener and a "B" component, or resin. The two liquids are combined to create an elastomer with tough, durable, protective properties using special equipment. The ArmorLiner dries in just a few seconds, preventing running or pooling that can occur with a cold, low-pressure spray-on bedliner. With a pre-scheduled appointment, the total job (including prepping, masking, and spraying) will usually take just a few hours. They recommend waiting a full 24 hours before putting your new ArmorLiner to the test for the best results.

Here is why you want to use ArmorLiner on your vehicle:

• Competitive pricing
• Permanent bond
• Molds perfectly to your vehicle
• Highly durable
• Excellent gloss retention
• Variety of colors

Contact ArmorThane today about installing an ArmorLiner spray-on bedliner on your truck.