7 of the Most Common Ways To Damage Your Truck Bed

There are many reasons to purchase a truck, from hauling heavy equipment and helping friends move to simply enjoying the prospect of owning one. However, scrapes and scuffs from improper care and observation can develop in your truck bed. Here are seven of the most common ways to damage your truck bed.

No Bed Liner

Unless you don’t use your pickup truck’s bed, a bed liner is necessary for hauling. Consider a drop-in, roll-on, or spray-on truck bed protector to prevent scratches and rust. Otherwise, you could spend thousands of dollars on maintenance.

Little to No Upkeep

Improper maintenance is one of the most common ways to damage your truck bed. Proper cleaning and paint touch ups keep the truck bed looking good and operating well. If you have a Ford truck, you can use Ford touch up paint to keep your vehicle looking fresh and scuff-free.

Improper Securing

Items rolling around and scraping against bare truck bed metal can result in costly repairs. This can also promote the growth of rust, which eats away at the metal and leaves holes and decay in its wake. Make sure you adequately secure everything in your truck bed to prevent movement.

Inadequate Restraints

It’s essential to keep items from rolling around or flying out of the truck bed. Utilize suitable ropes, bungee cords, or ratchet straps to correctly secure heavier equipment and prevent dents and damage.

Incorrect Cargo Tarp Size

Cargo tarps or nets also prevent items from falling or flying out of your truck while you drive. It’s imperative to select the correct size and ensure the entire load is covered. Without proper security, loose items can cause dents and holes.

An Unprepared Truck

Before leaving your property or loading items in your truck bed, plan accordingly to reduce potential damage. Depending on the load size, investing in truck racks, side rails, and rear bars will protect your truck and any trucks around you. Consider bringing along a toolbox and bed rails for any on-site maintenance.

Unknown Load Capacity

Throwing large items in your truck bed can result in strain and structural breakdown. Be sure to check your owner’s manual for the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and do not exceed the limit.

Having a truck for all your hauling needs is great; just be sure to take good care of it. TouchUpDirect can help you find the perfect OEM color for your truck, making scratches and scuffs disappear. If you have any questions, reach out to us today.