How to protect your powder coat finish this winter!

We asked the professionals what they recommend for protection on your powdercoat finish - Here's what they said! 

1. Clean the Truck Bed Regularly

• Wash frequently: Snow, ice, road salts, and chemicals can build up on the truck bed, causing corrosion over time. Wash the bed regularly to remove these harmful substances.
• Use a pressure washer: If available, a pressure washer will help clean hard-to-reach areas, like between the bed and the truck’s frame.
• Dry the bed thoroughly: After washing, dry the bed to prevent water from sitting and causing rust.

2. Apply a Protective Coating

• Protective wax or sealant: Apply a high-quality automotive wax to the powder-coated surface. This creates an extra layer of protection from moisture, salts, and other corrosive elements.

3. Inspect for Damage

• Check for chips or cracks: Powder coating can get damaged over time, especially with rough use. Inspect the bed for any chips or cracks in the powder coating. If you find any, repair them promptly to prevent moisture from getting underneath and causing rust.
• Touch up areas: Use touch-up rust-resistant paint to repair minor damage and prevent corrosion from starting.
• High Gloss Black Touch up options available at most major hardware stores:
  • 1. Acrylic Enamel Paint
  • Why it's good: Acrylic enamel paint offers a durable and smooth finish that closely resembles powder coating. It provides good adhesion, color retention, and UV resistance. These are easily found in aerosol options.
  • Recommended brands: Krylon, Rust-Oleum, and Valspar offer high-quality acrylic enamel paints.
  • 2. Epoxy Paint
  • Why it's good: Epoxy-based paints are extremely durable and resistant to chemicals, moisture, and abrasion, making them a great choice for industrial or outdoor applications. Harder to find an aerosol option.
  • Recommended brands: Sherwin-Williams, Rust-Oleum, and Benjamin Moore have excellent epoxy paints.

4. Park Smart

• Avoid parking in puddles or snowbanks: Whenever possible, park your truck in a dry, covered area. Avoid parking where snow accumulates and melts, as this can increase the likelihood of moisture exposure to the bed.
• Use a heated garage: If available, store your truck in a heated garage to reduce the chances of salt and snow sticking to the bed for long periods.

By following these steps, you can help protect the powder-coated truck bed from the harsh winter elements and keep it in good condition for longer.

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Now that our 2.5" Receiver Hitch is rated at 24,000#s, READ THIS.

There is extreme demand for heavier and heavier ratings on receiver hitches. Remember, the more weight you have on that rear hitch, the greater potential for less control on your steer tires. 
We're not going to tell you that you can't put 24,000#s on the 2.5" receiver hitches of our beds. The bed will handle it. But the variable is the driver. Haul smart. Pay attention to how the trailer is loaded. Make sure there is experience in the driver's seat when loaded to the max. We want you to be able to haul the big jobs, but we also want you safe!
(Previous beds built with 2" Receiver hitch are not rated at 24,000#s)
Strut the rear hitch
​In order to support the 24K# Receiver hitch rating, you must strut the rear hitch to the end of the frame of your truck. Get as close to a 45 degree angle as possible with a piece of flat or structural metal. There are pre-cut holes in the upright tubes you can use, or you can weld to the rear bumper.