Great idea, but how well do you think it's going to hold up when moisture gets behind the seal?

 

It's not sealed. The valleys are unrestricted. Just the top of the ribs have a 1" piece of tape.

 

Not a bad idea. Probably not the 'perfect' solution but I don't think there is one for the drop in bed liner. I just had mine installed this week on my '16 shortbed and was annoyed/disappointed when I saw the gaps and how it lays. Blame it on me being a first time truck owner. I wish I would've done a little research, I definitely would've went with the spray in. My truck came with the bed mat only, I was going to sell after getting this thing installed but i think instead I'm going to put on top of the liner. It should hold it down and with the liner being plastic, items in the bed will not slide as much being on the rubber matter.

 

Same here. I'm not a first time truck owner, but the whole spray in bed-liner thing just flew by me. I went straight for the drop in, and never even considered the spray on. Now I wish I would have done the spray in. I may still do it down the line.

The Factory drop in is way to flimsy. My 04 Colorado had an aftermarket drop-in and it was nice and snug.

 

If the dealer hadn't already installed the drop-in liner, and then threw it in the deal for free, I would have definitely gone for the spray on liner. Maybe in a couple years when the drop-in is faded, wrapped, and showing its age! For now it works, the price was right, and with this tip, should look good for a lot longer!

 

Linex or bust.
In my eyes the ONLY advantage of drop in over spray in is for camping in the bed of the truck. A) the ridges are more closely spaced so it's less bumpy and B) the air pocket in between creates a layer of insulation(think , double walled windows)

But linex is way more durable, less slippery when wet, doesn't create a layer of moisture to get trapped to possibly rust, and maintains easy access to all the tie downs.

 

Thank you for this suggestion. Just had a drop in liner installed and I have that same issue. Gonna give it a try!