2021 RAM 1500 Classic - Are Side Bed Panels bonded or spot welded

[PVilefort]

Are the truck bed side panels welded to the bed or are they bonded? Have a damaged left side hit in a parking garage and I would like to get it repaired. So wondering how involved it is?

 

[abouttobeglue]

I had to have the passenger side bed panel, bumper, replaced, and tailgate repaired on mine after I rear ended at a traffic light 2 years ago. It cost over 9000 at the body shop. Wouldn't know it unless you looked at the tabs in the tail light bucket. I believe it is spot welded

 

[Filthy Filbert]

Yikes! $9000?! I had some rear bed damage last year. Insurance claim estimated the repairs at $2500 and paid out $1500 due to my deductible. Found a matching rust free, dent free bed at the local salvage yard thanks to car-part.com Paid $750 for it and swapped the whole bed in a couple hours.

 

[PVilefort]

I was at a dealer in Houston this morning and asked them my question. The bed sides are no longer welded on, they are bonded just like the door skins. That makes it a hell of a lot easier and faster to repair. The bonding material has glass beads in to to keep from squeezing out the bonding material and then you get the full strength of the bond. It should also reduce corrosion between the panels.