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Best ute tub liners
Posted on 29 March 2023 by Utemaster
These days, most utes come equipped with some type of liner in the ute tub. They are usually spray-on or hard polyethylene plastic.
The main purpose of these liners is to protect the paintwork of the ute from scratches and damage.
If you’re planning to use your ute as a rugged workhorse or adventure vehicle, there are a few things you need to consider. We’ve listed some of the pros and cons of each option below.
Spray on liners
Vehicles such as the Next-Gen Ford Ranger Raptor come standard with a spray-on liner in the tub (also called Raptor Coating). It’s applied like paint as is made up of elastomers such as polyurea or polyurethane.
Pros:
- No water gaps between the liner and the tub
- Neat/tidy finish
- Scratch resistant
Cons:
- Gear will slide around in the back
- Can fade over time from UV if exposed
- Can still dent the tub
Polyethylene liners (over rail/under rail)
Some utes come standard with what is sometimes called a “drop-in bed liner”. They are made from plastic and designed specifically for each model of vehicle. Sometimes they come in one piece but often are supplied in panels made up of five parts.
They can either go over the edge of the tub (over rail) or sit underneath the edge (under rail). If you are planning to mount a canopy or hard lid to the tub the under rail is the preferred option because it allows the accessory to fit flush.
Pros:
- Better dent protection than a spray-on liner
- Scratch resistant
Cons:
- Water can get in between the liner and the tub causing abrasion
- Not always a precise fit
- Gear will slide around in the back
Rubber Mats
One of the greatest ways you can protect your tub is by adding a Heavy Duty Tub Mat. The non-slip surface of the mat prevents gear from sliding around in the back and makes it easy to clean.
Features also include:
- 7mm thick
- Non-slip surface
- Easy to clean
- Non-absorbent
- Tailored to fit Next-Gen Ranger
To find out more, head to the link below: