Hey guys... due to the stupid economy I can't afford a Line-X job right now and am not sure when it will happen. I want to protect my bed with something and not a plastic drop in. With rubber mats will my bed rust below the mat like drop ins cause? I would take it out when washing the truck and put it back in right after the wash. Let me know and thanks. Any other bad things about them?

 

I have a rubber mat. I love it. Never had any problems with rust or anything and Ive had it almost 2 years. With the grooves on the bed running water can still pass through below the mat to dry out. The only problem is loading heavy stuff sometimes. Things dont slide well, but I guess thats what they are for.

 

There's nothing bad about them, I had one in my ranger for the 6 years I owned it and nothing ever got thru that mat and it does not trap moisture beneath it. I actually just bought one for the F150 at a local truck store. Dealer sells one for like 90 bucks, I just called around and found one for 60. Tractor supply even sells them for about that price.

 

I had a rubber mat in all my past trucks. I loved the rubber mat. Wash the truck with the mat in and water will drain out and it will dry up underneath. The only problem with a rubber mat is that it does not cover the wheel wells and sides.

 

Always looking to save a buck, I made a bed mat from two pieces of 3/8" x 31" x 6.5' used conveyor belt I got free from a local asphalt/concrete plant. I also cut a piece for the bottom of my tool box to increase the stiffness of the bottom and give a non-slip surface.

Pros: free, looks pretty good (stays very black looking/easy to clean), indestructible

Cons: split down the center (31" was the widest I could find in a quick search), heavy (weighs approx 75 lbs)

I've always put rubber mats in my truck. I like the non-slip surface and the slight cushioning effect they provide. I also like the fact I can remove them every 6 mons. or so to clean the bed under them.

 

I have a bed mat also. I love it. I bought a cheaper spray in bed liner because the Line-X dealer here is a crazy expensive. My studded quad tires rip up my spray on nicely but not with the bed mat in there.

 

Horse stall mats are sometimes used , they are super tough ! Try Tractor Supply

 

Have had mine in my truck since I got it back in 2001 and never had any problems what so ever with it. I would love to get a linex but would hate to get rid of it. Also have the one on the tailgate and no problems with it either

 

I love the rubber mat... I think they look really good and are not permanent... There is no bed scratching as with drop ins... Here's mine...



I also have a tailgate mat to protect that unit and it is much easier on the knees...

 

How does your tailgate mat attach to the gate? Which one do you have?

 

My tailgate mat is attached to the gate... There are two ways, either 3M double sided tape, not provided, or tapping holes and screwing it in with the provided screws... I chose the screws... The brand is ProTeca from www.pickupspecialties.com... Their price is $29.95 less shipping... I used black electricians tape just to cover up any red from the truck showing around the edges... It has gone through severe winter conditions in the Oregon Cascades without any problems... It's a must if you have a bed mat...

 

How did your tailgate mat line up ? I just bought the same setup, the bed mat fits fine, but the tailgate mat seems to present issues with screw holes running into the indentations / stiffener areas of the gate itself, making for a very "hokey " looking attachment , at best, regardless of which way I shift the mat to center it . I have NOT yet drilled any holes in the gate itself, hoping to either find another better fitting mat { another brand } or some other solution ? Not sure I wanna do the tape for attachment ? Any ideas would be appreciated ?

 

i have the dualliner which i know you already said is out of the budget but you can contact them and get just the mat. when i asked them about it i think it was only like $50.

 

Thanks, Hoss, I'll check it out

 

Is it the same mat? All I had to do was to shift it a little toward the bed and had no problem... In fact it is long enough so the mounting screws are on flat surfaces all the way around...