Nearly every vehicle owner’s worst fear is seeing those first deep, white scratches carved into their frame. This is particularly true for truck owners, because as soon as you drive that four-wheeled behemoth off the lot, you’re sure to get five different phone calls from family and friends about moving an assortment of heavy things that are sure to turn your truck bed into a Jackson Pollock painting of scuffs. That’s where a truck bed mat comes in handy. They provide your bed frame with the necessary protective space to prevent damage from any cargo you may be transporting. If you’re in the market for a new truck bed liner, here are a few options that we recommend.
What to Look for in Your Truck Bed Liner
Your ideal truck bed mat should always be the most appropriate for your vehicle. Whether that means buying one that is specifically designed for the truck you drive or one that provides more of a custom fit, you want your liner to protect the most space possible. Universal mats are a great alternative, but an equally trusted one truck drivers should consider is a spray or paint-on application. These options may require more than a few seconds of work on your end, but they can protect more of your truck bed than most standard liners are capable of covering. Additionally, you should consider a mat that promises durability. The right kind of rubber mat shouldn’t tear, chip, or develop an odor after a few trips.
Top Choice: Dee Zee Heavyweight Bed Mat
A universal truck bed mat that’s on the low end price-wise, this Dee Zee Heavyweight Bed Mat makes for a perfect, hard-wearing fit. This option is made from 9.52 millimeters of extra-thick rubber compounds that not only keep your truck bed safe from scuffs and scratches but prevent whatever cargo you place back there from sliding while you take a turn or brake. This mat is guaranteed to be crack-, rust-, and break-proof in extreme heat, rain, or cold. Additionally, this mat’s rubber material will deflect UV rays, reducing any color-fading of the rubber in the process.
Dee Zee DZ86996 Heavyweight Bed Mat
This truck bed mat provides an appropriate custom fit for most models.
Best Brush-On Liner: Herculiner Brush-on Bed Liner Kit
The last thing you want out of your truck bed mat is a poor fit. Something too big just looks lazy, and something too small won’t provide you the protection your truck deserves. This standard Herculiner Brush-on Bed Liner Kit may require a bit of extra work on your end, but it is guaranteed to cover every inch of your truck bed that you want to be protected. A purchase here includes 1 gallon of a ready-to-use black protective coating that brushes evenly across the surface of your bed. This polyurethane coating dries quickly to provide a skid-resistant and protective layer that’s resistant to an assortment of damaging climates and chemicals. Additional features include the bundle’s application brush and two rollers.
HERCULINER HCL1B8 Brush-on Bed Liner Kit,Black, 1 Gal.
A truck bed liner alternative that promises to be five times thicker than other roll-on options.
Best for Ford F-150s: Husky Liners Heavy Duty Bed Mat
If you’re looking for a bit more specificity in your truck bed purchase, like one made for one of the most popular models of trucks today, try out this Husky Liners Heavy Duty Bed Mat. This bed mat for Ford F-150s is tough enough to protect the metal beneath, yet soft enough to keep your truck bed cargo safe as well. It features DuraGrip HD anti-skid surface grips to keep items from sliding while braking or turning, as well as a pretty neat elevation system. This slight height above the truck bed allows air to pass through the mat to dry out moisture and prevent unwanted odors from forming.
Husky Liners X-act Contour Series | Heavy Duty Bed Mat - Black | 16008 | Fits 2015-2022 Ford F-150 5.8' Bed 1 Pcs
This truck bed liner is a highly durable option for one of the most popular trucks on the market.
Best for Chevrolet Silverados: Westin Rubber Truck Bed Mat
Another specific fit option for a beloved work truck, this Westin Rubber Truck Bed Mat provides great protection for Chevy Silverados (2007-2018 Silverado/Sierra 1500). It’s good on both ends: preserving your truck bed while being environmentally friendly, as it’s crafted entirely from recycled rubber materials. Like other dependable options, this liner’s surface is ribbed and nonslip to keep cargo in place and users firmly on their feet when the truck bed is wet.
Westin 50-6145 Black Rubber Truck Bed Mat fits 2007-2018 Silverado Sierra 1500 2019 Silverado LD 2019 Sierra 1500 Limited 2007-2019 Silverado Sierra 2500 3500 (6.5' Bed)
This truck-specific bed mat features every protective quality you could want.