Lightman
Full Access Member
Thanks much for this info..I feel better about not ordering it. I can't think of a time when I ever remove my trailer hitch from my current truck, and use that to step on if I really need to.
I like that my current truck (04 ram w cummins) has linex with the uv guard and that it goes up over the bed and tailgate rails...but it sounds like that's out the window anyway with the plastic rails, so I suppose short of the factory spray in bedliner fading terribly in the Florida sun, I'm pretty happy I went that route rather than having to lose a day or two dealing with dropping my truck off to get linex, no loaner car, etc etc. Thin is fine. I've found if you get in an accident and have thinner bedliner, when a new panel is installed, an entire fresh coat (so the fade is the same) can be sprayed over the existing bedliner and new part. I had a problem when I got hit because my original linex was too thick. Luckily, (or not) another idiot came and hit me and the entire bed was replace and new linex sprayed in. I will say - the places linex didn't spray over the bolts all rusted - so if ford sprays over some bolts I won't complain. I guess my only worry with the factory bedliner is fading..we will see! I'm not gonna sweat it
---------- Post added at 05:26 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:23 PM ----------
You make a good point although fortunately for my wallet I will not be lifting this truck further as it barely, but does...fit in my garage. Knock on wood I'll wait 5-10 more years before I start ordering parts like running boards and steps. Or maybe sooner, since I didn't order one, and my knees and back will be getting worked!
I like that my current truck (04 ram w cummins) has linex with the uv guard and that it goes up over the bed and tailgate rails...but it sounds like that's out the window anyway with the plastic rails, so I suppose short of the factory spray in bedliner fading terribly in the Florida sun, I'm pretty happy I went that route rather than having to lose a day or two dealing with dropping my truck off to get linex, no loaner car, etc etc. Thin is fine. I've found if you get in an accident and have thinner bedliner, when a new panel is installed, an entire fresh coat (so the fade is the same) can be sprayed over the existing bedliner and new part. I had a problem when I got hit because my original linex was too thick. Luckily, (or not) another idiot came and hit me and the entire bed was replace and new linex sprayed in. I will say - the places linex didn't spray over the bolts all rusted - so if ford sprays over some bolts I won't complain. I guess my only worry with the factory bedliner is fading..we will see! I'm not gonna sweat it
I have had the tailgate step on a F250 and my 14' Raptor and I hated it. If you need help getting in the truck its great but other than that its useless. The spray in bedliner only overs the floor and the insides of the bed rail. The trucks all have plastic bed caps now and the handle area of the tailgate step is raised and covered in a thick plastic. If you don't absolutely need it don't waste the money. Just my opinion. I did use it once or twice when I was carrying stuff and it was nice to just be able to step on the step and then step in the bed when your arms are full. The factory bedliner is very nice too. They do a fantastic job taping the truck off and the tape lines are very clean. I would say its a bit thinner than a well sprayed Line-X job though. I compared the factory Ford liner to a Line-X I had done on one of my other trucks and the factory bedliner looked better in my opinion but I just don't think they will be as durable. There is a pretty noticeable difference in thickness.
---------- Post added at 05:26 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:23 PM ----------
You make a good point although fortunately for my wallet I will not be lifting this truck further as it barely, but does...fit in my garage. Knock on wood I'll wait 5-10 more years before I start ordering parts like running boards and steps. Or maybe sooner, since I didn't order one, and my knees and back will be getting worked!
Tailgate step, IMO, is a great option. When you use the handle, it really saves the knees and back from climbing in and out. Especially when you start modding the truck and get it higher than stock. Mines probably 2 -3" above stock, and thank God I've got the tailgate step!
I've never seen the factory bedliner, but if it is a spray in and looks halfway durable, then get it. It's not like we're hauling scrap metal around in the bed of these things. Hell, I don't have anything other than the factory paint in mine, and it's still fine.....