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.
