Herculiner vs Raptor Liner: Which Truck Bed Liner is Better?

Maintenance & Repairs
1

Introduction

I’ve been looking into truck bed liners lately and have come across two popular options: Herculiner and Raptor liner. Both seem to have their pros and cons, but I’m struggling to decide which one would be the best fit for my truck. I wanted to reach out to the community to gather some insights and comparisons.

Overview of Herculiner

Herculiner is a DIY roll-on liner that is known for its toughness and durability. Here are some key points to consider:

  • Application: It’s a roll-on product, which means you can do it yourself, but it requires proper surface preparation.
  • Durability: Herculiner is touted for its strong resistance to abrasion, chemicals, and even UV rays.
  • Texture: It typically provides a rough surface, which can be great for ensuring that cargo stays in place.
  • Finish: The finish can be a bit textured and can vary based on application, so it may not be the cleanest look compared to some others.

Overview of Raptor Liner

Raptor liner is well-known for its spray-on application. Here’s what I’ve learned about it:

  • Application: It can also be a DIY project, but you’ll need a spray gun for the best results.
  • Durability: Raptor is also quite hard-wearing with excellent resistance to scratches, chips, and rust.
  • Finish: It offers a smoother finish compared to Herculiner, and you can get different textures based on how you apply it.
  • Flexibility: The liner remains flexible, which can be beneficial for preventing cracking over time.

Pros and Cons

Herculiner Pros:

  • Easy DIY application with roll-on; no special equipment needed.
  • Extremely tough and durable, great for heavy use.

Herculiner Cons:

  • Takes longer to cure, and application may require multiple coats for best performance.
  • Can be more difficult to remove if you decide to change it later.

Raptor Liner Pros:

  • Provides a more professional finish with spray application; easier to cover larger areas.
  • Flexible, which helps in avoiding cracking.

Raptor Liner Cons:

  • Requires more preparation and equipment for application, which can be cumbersome for some.
  • Generally more expensive than roll-on options like Herculiner.

Questions for the Community

  • Has anyone used both Herculiner and Raptor liner? Which one did you prefer and why?
  • How did the application process go for you? Any tips for getting the best finish?
  • In terms of long-term durability, which liner stood the test of time better on your truck?

Thanks in advance for any insights you can share! Looking forward to hearing your experiences!

6 Likes
2

I’ve been using Herculiner for a couple of years now, and I can say its durability is impressive. It has held up well against scratches and weather conditions.

3 Likes
3

That’s great to hear! I’ve also heard that Raptor Liner has excellent UV resistance. Has anyone tested it long-term?

4

I prefer Raptor Liner because it’s easy to apply and seems to perform better in UV resistance. My truck still looks new after a summer of sun!

5

That’s interesting! I wonder, how does Raptor Liner handle scratches compared to Herculiner?

6

Herculiner is thicker and seems to resist scratches better, but I’ve heard Raptor shines in flexing and recovering after impacts.

7 Likes
7

Sounds like both have their strengths! Is one easier to repair than the other?

8

I’d say Raptor Liner is easier to touch up. Plus, both can be affected by prolonged exposure to the sun, so maintenance is key.

9

That’s a good point! Thinking about it, how do both handle extreme cold and heat?

10

Great question! Herculiner tends to harden more in the cold whereas Raptor seems to keep its flexibility. But I’d love to see some tests comparing them!

3 Likes
11

Think they’ll ever come up with a liner that can handle all extremes? It’d be awesome!

12

I doubt it! But hey, if they can make one that can withstand my lousy parking skills, I’m sold! :joy:

7 Likes
13

I’ve heard both have decent weather resistance, but I’d love to see long-term comparisons. Anyone has personal experiences over several years?

14

I’ve been using Herculiner for 5 years and still no peeling or major weathering. Raptor Liner users, how about you?

2 Likes
15

I’ve used both Herculiner and Raptor Liner. Herculiner was easy to apply but required a bit more prep work. You really need to make sure the bed is spotless and sand it well. Raptor Liner was quicker for me but more expensive.

6 Likes
16

I agree, Herculiner does need that thorough prep. But once it’s on, it really sticks! Have you tried using a roller for it? I found that made application smoother.

17

I’ve had a great experience with Raptor! The spray application is really user-friendly. Just make sure to wear a mask; it can get pretty toxic! Can’t beat the smooth finish after it cures.

18

So true! I forgot my mask once and regretted it instantly. Is there a significant difference in texture between the two liners after they cure?

7 Likes
19

Great question, Clayton! Herculiner tends to have a more rubberized feel, while Raptor feels like a tougher shell. Both are durable, but Raptor’s impact resistance is a standout for me.

20

For best results, I recommend reading the instructions carefully. With Herculiner, the timing between coats is crucial. Too soon, and it won’t adhere properly.