Quote:
Originally Posted by Stubby79
Denting wouldn't be the concern I'd have with aluminum (its presumably thicker, so more rigid anyway)...it would be metal fatigue. If I'm not mistaken, aluminum will only put up with so much flexing or stretching(as in a dent) before it cracks; steel will put up with much more without an issue.
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Steel is strongest before stress is applied to it and gradually grows weaker as it's deformed. Aluminum is weakest before stress is applied and gradually increases resistance to deformation until it finally tears. Aluminum beds are probably tougher than steel up until an impact tears it.
If it's good enough for airplanes and rock climbing, it's good enough for a truck bed.