We spend a huge amount of money on our trucks to get them to perform flawlessly but often give no attention to the safety and maintenance factors.
Mostly, trucks are used for loading and moving goods. This can damage the truck’s bed area by causing scratches. Plus, there’s also regular damage from wear and tear.
There is a simple solution to this common problem. Just get your hands on a truck bed mat to prevent the truck’s bed area from sustaining damage.
Truck bed mats come in a variety of materials and are used to cover the surface of your truck. This way, the hassling, moving, dragging, loading, and unloading of goods cause no damage, scratches or dents.
The best part about truck bed mats is that they are quite useful and affordable as well.
If you can’t wait, here is a quick list for you:
- Dee Zee DZ86965 Heavyweight Bed Mat
- Dee Zee DZ86996 Heavyweight Bed Mat
- Dee Zee DZ86928 Heavyweight Bed Mat
- Toyota Accessories PT580-35050-SB Bed Mat for Short Bed Tacoma Models
- Dee Zee DZ86972 Heavyweight Bed Mat
- Bedrug Bed Mat BMH17RBS fits 17+ RIDGELINE
- Dee Zee DZ86882 Heavyweight Bed Mat
- Genuine Toyota PT580-34070-SB Bed Mat for Select Tundra Models
- Bedrug Bed Mat BMX00D Universal Size
- Westin 50-6145 Truck Bed Mat
- Bedrug Bed Mat BMQ15SCS
- Bedrug Bed Mat BMC07SBS Fits 07
You will, however, need to consider a few factors to get the best truck bed mat for your truck. Bed mats come in many materials.
However, rubber mats are quite popular as they can take up a lot of abuse and are also very thick compared to other materials such as carpet and plastic mats.
Now, truck owners should know that a lightweight bed mat might make them feel safe but not for very long because constant wear and tear can damage it early.
Plastic mats and carpet mats come in this category.
Firstly, plastic mats can’t keep up with the scorching heat of the sun and typically melt soon.
On the other hand, most carpet mats are way too thin to give any protection and sustain stains very soon.
This is where heavyweight truck bed mats are needed such as rubber bed mats. They sure are heavyweight, but they too have limitations. Rubber is not UV resistant.
Hence, the truck is exposed to the sun for too long may cause problems.
Other than that, they are a bit daunting to clean as well.
But, there obviously are mats that do not come with these drawbacks. You just know where to find the best rubber mat for the truck bed.
So, long story short, buying a truck bed mat isn’t a walk in the park. You will need to consider several things.
The aim of this truck bed mat review is to answer all your questions and help you get the best truck bed mat.
Another thing of concern is weather conditions. Rain can cause problems.
We’ll cover this as well since removing the mat can be difficult and not removing it can cause it to get damaged.
Plus, there’s the risk of mold formation as well.
Top 12 Truck Bed Mat Reviews
Now that you know all about truck bed mats, it is time to know about the most reliable products on the market.
We have zeroed in on the twelve best options for you after doing much research and considering factors such as affordability, reliability, and durability.
Now without much ado, let’s have a look at some of the best truck bed mats on the market:
1. Dee Zee DZ86965 Heavyweight Bed Mat
If you are looking for the best rubber mat for a truck bed, then this one won’t disappoint you. It is durable and will keep the goods safe.
Non-Skid: The mat doesn’t slip on the surface and the goods do not shift even when the truck is running at high speed.
Mat Material: This rubber mat is made up of Nyracord which is thick and anti-slip. It prevents cracking, breaking, and rust.
Thick Enough: With a thickness of 0.375 inches and a weight of 38 pounds, this rubber mat protects against fuel spills and other kinds of damages.
Protects Against UV: Even when exposed to the severe sun, the mat doesn’t fade as it is UV resistant.
Dimension: Length (72) – Width (60).
Warranty: Comes with a 3-year limited warranty.
Note: This bed mat will fit perfectly on the Nissan Frontier.
If you are looking for a rubber mat that is durable and meant to protect the bed and the cargo from shifting and getting damaged, then this is the right choice.
2. Dee Zee DZ86996 Heavyweight Bed Mat
This product has almost the same specs as the Dee Zee Model 965 with just a few changes. It is lighter in weight and has different dimensions.
Anti-Slip: One of the most frustrating factors of a bed mat is when it is slippery. The cargo tends to keep moving as the truck is driven.
Thankfully, this bed mat is slip-proof, hence you will face no such problems.
Thickness: The mat has a commendable thickness of 0.375 inches and weighs 35.6 pounds.
Protection: The rubber material is Nyracord which makes the mat long-lasting. It provides protection against damage, cracking, spills, breaking, rust, and abrasions.
Water Drainage: The material doesn’t hold water and allows drainage.
Sun-Proof: UV rays do not fade the mat as it is UV resistant.
Dimension: Length (65.75) – Width (63) inches
Warranty: 3 years Dee Zee warranty.
Note: This bed mat will fit perfectly on the Dodge Ram 1500.
This Dee Zee bed mat is known for durability so expect amazing endurance from this mat. It prevents stains and several kinds of damages.
3. Dee Zee DZ86928 Heavyweight Bed Mat
If you’re a Dee Zee fan and want to get a bed mat for your truck that’s strong, flexible, and prevents scratches, then bring this one home.
Skid Proof: The cargo at the back of your truck won’t shift when you drive because the mat is skid-proof.
Thickness: It has a thickness of 0.375 inches and a weight of 40 pounds.
Prevents Damages: The bed mat provides protection against breaking, damaging, cracking, rusting, and from spills, and abrasions.
Water Drainage: Water doesn’t accumulate onto the mat and is drained away.
Sun-Proof: Scorching heat doesn’t fade the mat as it is UV resistant.
Dimension: Length (64.5”) – Width (64”)
Warranty: 3 years Dee Zee warranty.
Note: This bed mat will fit perfectly on the Ford F150.
This rubber bed mat is a popular choice among Ford F150 drivers because it is resilient towards climate and doesn’t wear off too soon.
4. Toyota Accessories PT580-35050-SB Bed Mat for Short Bed Tacoma Models
If you are in search of a heavyweight truck bed mat, then look no further and get the Toyota Pt580 35050 SB truck bed mat for your truck. It has good aeration and excellent drainage capabilities.
Minimized Cargo Shifting: The mat has a pebble finish which prevents goods from moving when the truck is running.
Raised Angle Ribs: The angle ribs of the mat are slightly raised at the end which makes it easier for the loader to load and unload goods.
Promotes Aeration and Drainage: The knobby underside of the mat ensures that water is drained off the material. Plus, it has excellent air passage which causes no smell.
Protection: Protection against harsh climate, UV rays, abrasion, fading, cracking, and breaking.
Warranty: 1-year Toyota warranty.
Note: The bed fits perfectly in the bed area of the 2016 Toyota Tacoma.
This is a high-end truck bed mat that is meant to last for years and provide protection like no other bed mat.
5. Dee Zee DZ86972 Heavyweight Bed Mat
Silverado and Sierra require long bed mats as their bed area is much longer than other cars. This bed mat is 5.5 feet in length and fits like a charm on the bed of these pickup trucks.
Skid Proof: Thanks to this feature, the cargo will not move even when the truck is fast.
Thickness: It has a thickness of 0.375 inches and a weight of 40 pounds.
Prevents Damages: The bed mat provides protection against breaking, damaging, cracking, rusting, and from spills, and abrasions.
Water Drainage: Water doesn’t accumulate onto the mat and is drained away.
Sun-Proof: Scorching heat doesn’t fade the mat as it is UV resistant.
Dimension: Length (69”) – Width (62”)
Warranty: 3 years Dee Zee warranty.
Note: This bed mat will fit perfectly on the 2014 GMC Sierra, 2007 to 2018 Silverado 1500, 2007 to 2018 Sierra 1500, 2007 to 2011 Sierra 2500 HD, and 2007 to 2018 Sierra Denali.
Truck drivers who are in search of tough and resilient truck bed mats for their Silverado or Sierra should consider this bed mat as it is thick enough to last long and long enough to cover the wide and lengthy area of the truck’s bed.
6. Bedrug Bed Mat BMH17RBS fits 17+ RIDGELINE
If you want a bed mat for your truck that is the lightest and does more than just protect your truck bed from scratches and hold cargo, then have a look at this Bedrug bed mat.
It is extremely soft, waterproof, and knees friendly (cushioned – won’t irritate when you sit on it knee-first).
Polypropylene: The bed mat is composed of 100% polypropylene which makes this great carpet bed mat anti-slip and extremely durable.
Skid Proof: The mat doesn’t shift a lot and neither lets the cargo moving. It can keep the goods firm in their place.
Resistant: Not only is it water-resistant but stain, oil, gas, bleach, UV, and chemical resistant, too.
Lightweight: Only weighs 8.5 pounds.
Tailgate protection: It can also be installed on the tailgate of the truck (sold separately).
Dimension: 69” x 12” x 12”
Note: Fits perfectly in the bed area of Honda Ridgeline.
If you’re looking for a bed mat that is very easy to install, then this is the right product for you as it is very light. It is easy to maintain and comes with commendable damage-resistant properties.
7. Dee Zee DZ86882 Heavyweight Bed Mat
If you are concerned about the paint and look of your Ford F250, especially in the bed area, then DZ86882 is the mat you should turn to.
It protects the bed of your truck from many things including UV rays, spills, cracking, breaking, rust, water etc.
Anti-Slip: The goods in your truck bed won’t budge as this mat is slip-proof.
Thickness: The mat has a commendable thickness of 0.375 inches and weighs 44 pounds.
Protection: The mat is made up of Nyracord which prevents various kinds of damages such as wear and tear, breaking, cracking, rusting etc.
Water Drainage: The material doesn’t hold water and allows drainage.
Sun-Proof: UV rays do not fade the mat as it is UV resistant.
Dimension: Length (81.5”) – Width (65”)
Warranty: 3 years Dee Zee warranty.
Note: This bed mat will fit perfectly on the Ford F250. It won’t, however, fit the 2013 F 350 Super Duty.
Again, with this on the bed of your Ford F250, you will not have to worry about anything.
8. Genuine Toyota PT580-34070-SB Bed Mat for Select Tundra Models
This bed mat is made up of cord-enhanced rubber mat material which is meant to last long. It is a heavyweight mat that protects both the cargo and the bed surface.
Pebble Finish: The bed mat has a pebble finish on it which reduces cargo movement when the truck is running.
No Odor: Thanks to the knobby underside of the mat, there is a good flow of air which prevents odor.
Waterproof: You don’t have to worry about rain or washing the truck as it can drain water quickly.
Protection: Protects the bed area against rust, mildew, scratches, and chemical stains.
Dimension and Weight: It has a dimension of 65” x 8” x 8” and weighs only 30 pounds.
Note: It’s a perfect fit for the Toyota Tundra.
For Toyota Tundra, this one wins the trophy home because it is rainproof, rustproof, and has super protection as well.
9. Bedrug Bed Mat BMX00D Universal Size
If you are confused about what size mat to pick, then go for a universal size as you can cut it to fit in your truck’s bed area.
It’s slip-resistant, waterproof, chemical-resistant, and very affordable.
However, it is only for plastic drop-in liners.
Best for Exterior Use: What makes this bed mat a good choice to lay in your truck’s bed mat is its ability to protect against scratches, damages, dents, and chemicals. Moreover, it’s very easy to clean, too.
Water Drainage: Water doesn’t absorb into the material of this mat, so you don’t have to worry about it when you wash it or when it rains.
100% Propylene: It is made up of propylene so expect good durability and resistance towards UV rays and chemicals.
Skid Proof: Non-slippery mat.
Maintenance: Very easy to clean but requires drilling when installing.
Dimension and Weight: Has a dimension of 69” x 12” x 12” and a weight of 11 pounds.
One of the lightest and strongest bed mats you can get. However, a bit troublesome to install as it requires drilling.
10. Westin 50-6145 Truck Bed Mat
If budget is your issue and you want a bed mat for your truck that is durable enough then Westin a good choice.
It doesn’t slip and gives good protection against cargo shifting and scratches.
Recycled Rubber: It is made up of 100% recycled rubber that is strong enough to withstand damages.
Non-Slippery: The bed mat is skid-proof.
Dimension and Weight: 62” x 8” x 8” dimensions and weighs 41.3 pounds.
Not the best when it comes to durability but offers enough for the price.
11. Bedrug Bed Mat BMQ15SCS
If your cargo truck doesn’t have a bed liner at all then do not worry, this bed mat is made to fit without an existing bed liner.
It is made up of tough material and is also waterproof and stain-resistant.
Lightweight: This mat is extremely lightweight with a weight of 8.6 pounds which makes it very easy to install, remove and wash.
Tough Material: It is made up of 100% propylene. A material that’s stain-resistant, anti-slip, and doesn’t suffer damage easily.
Cozy: Bed mats can be irritating and uncomfortable. This one is soft cushioned and knee-friendly.
Note: This truck cargo mat can easily fit a F150 with a 5’5” bed area.
This bed mat is a perfect fit for your F150 as it has dimensions of 12” x 12” x 69”.
12. Bedrug Bed Mat BMC07SBS Fits 07
Another bedrug bed mat meant to fit the Chevy Silverado and Sierra. It is known to stay in one position after installation thanks to it being slip-proof.
Moreover, it has a strong resistance to stains, UV, and even chemicals.
Waterproof: Rain destroys many bed mats and causes them to rust but not this one as it is waterproof.
Resistant: You can carry chemicals and oil containers too without any fear as it is chemical and stain-resistant.
Designed to Fit: It can also fit in a bed that doesn’t have a bed liner.
Note: It fits perfectly on the bed area of Silverado and Sierra with 6’6’’ bed size.
For vehicles with large bed sizes, this bed mat is a good choice as it has all the features a bed mat must have including stain, water, and chemical resistance. It is lightweight and knees-friendly.
Factors to Consider When Choosing A Truck Bed Mat
There are many factors that you need to consider if you wish to choose the best-rated truck bed mat.
Size: Different manufacturers make bed mats with different dimensions.
So, before choosing a bed mat, first, you must measure the bed size of your truck
To do this, close the tailgate and measure the length first with tape.
Next, measure the width and the depth of your truck by measuring from the bottom to the top.
Convert these measurements into inches if they aren’t already measured in inches. It will make it easier to pick the right mat.
Endurance: What good will a bed mat serve you if it is not durable?
It doesn’t matter what kind of goods you keep in the bed area of your truck; the bed mat must be strong enough to handle the load and avoid scratches.
To make sure that you choose the best pickup truck bed mat, check the material and its quality.
You will find amazingly high-end durable mats in rubber and polypropylene material.
They are highly durable when it comes to preventing scratches and small dents made by goods in the back.
Other than that, they are resistant to breaking, cracking, abrasion, corrosion, tear, and even rust.
So that’s a huge plus.
Besides rubber, there are carpet and plastic mats as well.
However, they aren’t as durable as the rubber mat.
But they have an advantage as they are easier to clean when compared to rubber mats.
Traction: A bed mat won’t do you any good if it can’t maintain its position and keeps on sliding.
This will not only damage the mat itself but also the cargo that you’ve put in the back.
The solution to this problem lies in choosing a bed mat that has good traction.
Bed mats that are skid-proof remain fixed at a position thanks to the texture. This helps keep the items safe even if the ride is bumpy.
Maintenance and Ease of Installation: Not every truck bed mat on the market is easy to install and remove.
Some may even require additional tools. So, make sure that you are prepared to do the installation and have the necessary tools to do it.
A good bed mat is one that comes with pre-drilled holes.
You don’t have to carve holes by yourself, so that’s a plus.
Other than that, try to choose bed mats that are resistant to stains, odor and are easy to clean so that you do not have issues in maintaining it.
Cost: The cost of the bed mat must be considered. The low price doesn’t always mean low quality.
You need to check the material and its durability to know if it’s up to the mark or not.
If you have a low budget, then we recommend carpet bed mats but do keep in mind that they don’t last for a long time.
Then we have rubber and plastic mats. Both are inexpensive and offer good protection.
Rubber mats are stronger than plastic mats and offer better protection against the sun as well.
Warranty: Go for bed mats that come with a warranty. This will give you peace of mind.
Weather Resistant: The bed area of a truck is mostly exposed to the weather elements.
We recommend considering the weather conditions of your area first before choosing a mat.
For example, carpet mats are not suitable if it rains too often in your area.
Similarly, plastic mats are not good for cities where it gets very hot.
Rubber mats, however, suit both situations. Therefore, we suggest you go
For the best rubber mat for the truck bed.
Bed Mats Vs. Bed Liners: What Is the Difference?
The most basic confusion vehicle owners have regarding truck bed protection accessories is between a bed mat and a bed liner.
They may appear to be the same, but the two products are quite different from each other.
The fact that they have similar names and offer the same functionality often confuses people.
So, if you want to ask, ‘what is the difference between the bed mat and bed liner?’
Then you have landed on the right page.
We have covered some differences between the two to help you make the right choice:
What Are Truck Bed Mats?
One of the most common accessories to protect a truck’s bed from damage is a truck bed mat.
They are manufactured in many materials each having different durability and its own pros and cons.
Commonly, three kinds of bed mats are found on the market, namely, rubber, plastic, and carpet.
Bed mats serve several purposes and can be used in other vehicles as well, including boats. You may also drag them out if you are on the road and need a bed.
When to Use a Bed Mat for a Truck
People usually turn to truck bed mats when they see scratches on the truck bed.
However, you should not wait for this to happen. It’s always better to be proactive so that your truck faces no damage.
Truck Bed Mats Advantages
The primary function of truck bed mats is to provide protection to the vehicle’s bed. Besides that, they are very easy to clean and save you a lot of money on the paint as well.
The most significant advantage they have over truck bed liners is that they are much more affordable than them.
Installing and removing a truck bed mat is also quite easy. You can do it on your own without needing any professional help.
Since it serves a non-permanent bed accessory, removing it is also quite easy. In fact, you will not even need specialized tools to perform the job.
To increase the level of protection, truck bed mats can be paired up with various other accessories.
You can pair a truck bed mat with a tailgate mat for enhanced protection and to cover the entire truck bed.
Last but not the least, you can also get a custom truck bed mat made for your vehicle that fits perfectly, covers the entire bed area. It will be a bit costly but can be a good option.
Maintenance for Truck Bed Mats
The fitting of the mat should be correct because if it isn’t then the cargo in the bed will move when the road gets bumpy.
This can damage not only the bed area but also the goods that are loaded onto the truck.
Bed mats aren’t watertight which is why corrosion buildup is a possibility beneath the mat.
To prevent this from happening, you must clean it regularly and not let moisture or water sit underneath.
What Are Truck Bed Liners?
Another good option to protect the bed area of your truck is to get a truck bed liner. They come as a drop-in or spray-in material liners.
Drop-in bed liners are like bed mats but only come in plastic material.
On the other hand, spray-in beds are costly and do not provide much protection for the bed.
They are more of an aesthetical element than a practical one.
Advantages of Truck Bed Liners
One benefit they have over truck bed mats is that they protect the sides of the truck as well along with the bed.
This can prevent smaller dents that take place when the ride gets bumpy with goods loaded in the back.
They do cover the entire bed and sides of the bed area but are a bit daunting to clean and maintain as they serve as a permanent fitting.
They are much more complex when it comes to installing and are also a lot more expensive.
Plus, you will need a professional to install and remove them which can add up to the cost.
Spray-On or Bed Mats?
A lot of truck owners are often confused between two truck coverage options, bed mats and spray-on.
The whole debate on truck bed mat vs. spray liner can confuse people and make it hard for them to pick one option.
Here’s what you need to know:
Spray-On
People who want to get a custom bed mat for their pickup truck can turn to a spray-on truck bed liner.
These do not come ready-made but are sprayed onto the bed of your truck with a special coat. The coat then sets permanently on the bed after some time.
This option sure looks fantastic, but it has its downsides. If a durable coating isn’t used, it may harden when exposed to the atmosphere and begin to fade real soon.
Other than that, once you paint the coating, the corrosion warranty on your truck is finished because you will be repainting the truck.
Unlike truck bed mats, you cannot install spray-on bed liners because it requires expertise that you might not have.
So, consider spending the money on a professional to do it for you.
Also, cleaning up spray-on mats is a drag, and one needs to put in a lot of effort to get them cleaned.
Once the coating sets, it might turn abrasive and make it a bit difficult to hold goods.
Other than that, you must always keep it covered so that the sun does not deteriorate the paint and cause it to peel on its own.
The best bet is to hire a skilled OSHA installer to handle the job.
They are trained at completing spray-on jobs and can even do custom designs if you ask them to.
Last but not the least, they are very costly.
Bed Mats
Now let’s compare bed mats to spray-on. They are made up of durable materials like rubber, plastic, and carpet.
So, they are not much of a hassle when it comes to cleaning them up.
They do not cost as much as spray-on and the best thing about them is that you won’t be needing any professional set of hands by your side to install the mat.
It is an easy job that you can do on your own.
The protection given by bed mats is quite satisfactory.
They protect your bed from sustaining stains, scratches, and even smaller dents.
Also, they are quite durable.
Bed mats are not very costly and replacing or installing them is also a walk in the park because they are a non-permanent solution, unlike spray on.
Common Truck Bed Mat Materials to Know About
There are various truck bed mats on the market made in different materials. Commonly, you’d find three on the market. Rubber, carpet, and plastic.
Each has different traits that must be investigated.
- Rubber: If you are in search of the best truck bed mat then rubber bed mats won’t disappoint you. They are quite thick and can withstand harsh climates as well. Sun rays are the most concerning factor for bed mats; luckily, rubber mats are UV resistant and do not fade easily in the sun. They are also good at preventing stains, however, you will have to deal with the burning smell that may come out of such mats. Also, no need to worry about how to shine up truck bed mats when you have rubber mats as they can be washed in a mixture of soap and water.
- Plastic: If cleanliness is your biggest goal then go for plastic mats. They are lightweight and very easy to clean. However, only buy them if it does not get very hot in your region as plastic tends to burn under hot temperatures.
- Carpet: If you are looking to stylize your truck’s bed area then carpet mats can help you achieve that. They are also good at preventing dirt from damaging your bed area. The downside of carpet mats, however, is that they stain very easily, are quite thin, and hence not suitable for heavy lifting.
The Thickness and Weight of Truck Bed Mats
If you are fond of doing a lot of loading and unloading in your truck, then we recommend you give thorough concentration to the thickness and weight of the truck bed mat.
This is because thick mats are resistant and will last longer than thin mats.
They won’t stain easily and will protect the bed area from pointy cargo that can scratch the surface and make dents.
However, the downside of thick cargo mats is that you won’t be able to carry a lot of cargo as they occupy a lot more space than thin mats.
A bed mat with a thickness of 0.375 inches is a good option if durability and protection is your top priority.
Weight is also an important factor when you wish to buy quality truck bed mats.
Lightweight mats are easy to handle, install, remove, and clean, but they typically do not last long and.
How to Remove the Smell of Oil Rubber Bed Mat?
As discussed earlier, rubber mats are the most durable and the thickest among all the materials.
However, they can cause the bed to smell if an oil stain forms on the mat. Worry not, there’s a solution to the problem.
New rubber mats give off a powerful chemical smell that can be unpleasant and even irritate some people to the point that they begin to suffer from headaches.
To remove this odor, prepare a container with soapy water and add white vinegar to it.
Now immerse the mat and let it stay in the solution for at least 30 minutes.
Next, scrub it with a clean cloth and finally wash with water and the smell will be gone.
Conclusion
Truck bed mats are important if you use the truck to carry goods. Loading and unloading often damage the bed area and affects the value of your truck.
So, install a durable, anti-slippery, and resistant bed mat along with a best rated tonneau cover to keep the bed area of your truck safe.
Pick one from some of the best mats that we listed above.
Last update on 2023-09-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Hello! I want to say that this article is amazing, nice written and include almost all important factors that i need to know.
Btw, what is the best heavy duty rubber truck bed mat liner except weathertech? I would like to know your experience.
So the Dualliner is not available for a 2020 Chevy Colorado extended cab truck?