A truck’s bed takes abuse that few other parts of a vehicle can withstand. Jobsite tools sliding in the bed, trail mud and rocks tossed in the back on a weekend adventure or groceries and gear scraping the metal walls on every trip all contribute to the number of scratches and dents on a truck bed that didn’t exist when the truck was bought. A truck bed mat offers an easy solution to prevent wear and tear from occurring, though not every mat actually prevents wear and this is worth bearing in mind when purchasing one.
This guide will walk through the details of what distinguishes a mat that actually protects a truck bed from one that doesn’t, plus what to look for during the process.
What to Look for When Choosing a Truck Bed Mat
Fitting is the first major point of consideration, as a universal, one-size-fits-most mat tends to require either trimming on the consumer’s end or leave wheel wells exposed and/or a bed mat that slides around. This is where a brand such as 3W is a boon, as its trucks are 3D-scanned to the specific model, including the wheel wells, meaning the mat achieves a factory-level precision fit, hugging every contour without gaps or overhang. In short, there is no need for trimming or even waiting for the mat to sit in the bed to determine if it will even stay there.
The second element to consider is the material, as a rubber or plastic liner can have wildly different levels of durability. 3W utilizes a premium, eco-friendly, non-toxic and low odor 100% TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) as opposed to a standard plastic liner. While odor is a minor consideration in comparison to other factors at first glance, it actually presents a major reason for selecting one liner over another, since most consumers won’t want the smell of a cheap plastic liner wafting out of their truck every time they open the bed.
However, the material also matters, as it is waterproof to protect against spills and abrasion-resistant to prevent scratches on the bed itself, while also being capable of withstanding temperatures as low as -4 degrees F and as high as 167 degrees F (or higher) without cracking or becoming brittle, unlike a plastic liner will become after a season or two.
Why All-Weather Protection Actually Matters
While the all-weather protection aspect of a mat may seem like a marketing tactic, it is actually a critical consideration in determining what mat to purchase and when.
A truck bed mat serves as a barrier between a truck bed and the elements, including trail mud, paint or fertilizer spills, scratches from tools or moving furniture in the bed and dents from shifting gear during transport.A heavy-duty TPE mat is critical in preventing all of the above, and not just day-to-day wear-and-tear.
What makes it stand out, however, is the ease of maintenance, especially in comparison to another fabric or bare metal liner.
Since it is a waterproof TPE surface, cleaning the mat is as simple as hosing it down, and most messes only take a few minutes to clean, compared to hours spent scrubbing a bare metal liner or a generic plastic liner.This is a critical element of a mat’s value, particularly for those who use their truck bed as a jobsite and need to keep it in order for daily use rather than a weekend of camping or hiking.
Why Anti-Slip Design Isn’t Optional
One aspect of a truck bed mat that is easy to overlook at first but is immediately apparent upon purchasing the wrong type is the anti-slip design of a proper mat.
Slippery mats are a common complaint, because they tend to slide around in the bed during transport, defeating the entire purpose of the mat. Additionally, gear can also shift around beneath the mat, and the edges of the mat itself can also begin to curl after repeated shifts in position. A mat’s grip and method of staying in place are important considerations in this regard, and are both impacted by the type of material used and the type of anchoring system used. A slippery mat defeats the purpose — gear slides, edges curl, the mat bunches up. 3W Bed Mats solve this without clips, fasteners, or adhesives. First, the 3D-scanned custom fit means the mat sits flush against every bed contour and wheel well — the mat itself stays put. Second, a textured non-slip surface across the top prevents cargo from shifting around while driving. As 3W’s FAQ states: ‘As long as the mat is installed correctly, it will not shift or fly out, even at highway speeds. This combination allows for a mat that is much more difficult to shift, thanks to the combination of a secure surface and a proper anchoring system.
Custom Fit vs. Universal Mats
When comparing the fit options of a universal mat to a custom 3D-scanned mat, it is necessary to distinguish between the two very different styles of manufacturing.
A universal mat is manufactured to a certain size and shape that is intended to provide a general fit for a broad range of trucksThis generally means that there will be some areas of overhang, some areas of exposed wheel wells or that the mat itself will need to be trimmed on the consumer’s end in order to achieve a workable fit.
Regardless, the fit will tend to be looser or less snug than a custom 3D-scanned mat would be.
A 3D-scanned mat, by contrast, is manufactured to fit the specific dimensions and shape of a given truck model.This eliminates the need for trimming or other consumer adjustments to achieve a proper fit, because the mat, including the wheel wells, is made to match the bed it is intended to fit.
Additionally, the fit is much more snug, eliminating potential problem areas for dirt and water, such as exposed wheel wells or areas where the mat itself overlaps the bed’s edges and accumulates water or other debris. For those who have had experience with a generic or universal mat that did not quite provide the right fit, this tends to be the single most distinguishing factor that can be apparent as soon as a mat is installed.
Who Actually Needs a Heavy-Duty Bed Mat
Not every owner will need a heavy-duty bed mat, but there are several groups of people who tend to benefit from one.
Contractors who use their trucks as jobsites and haul gear and tools daily will put far more strain on a bed than most casual users would on a yearly basis, and a durable TPE liner is necessary to prevent that strain from affecting the longevity of the bed itself. Similarly, off-road and outdoor adventurers who utilize their trucks for trail riding and weekend adventures benefit greatly from a mat that can simply be cleaned with a hose rather than a scrub brush. Finally, owners who intend to keep their trucks for an extended period of time or resell them in the future will find that a bed with fewer blemishes will fetch a higher price than one with a bed full of scratches, dents and rust spots.
Final Thoughts
While a truck bed mat seems like a minor upgrade, the necessity for one tends to become apparent well after a truck has been purchased. The distinguishing factors that determine which mat is worth investing in versus one that will sit in a truck’s bed unused are fitting, materials and anti-slip design, and it is precisely these points that set 3W apart from the competition. A custom 3D-scanned fit that requires no trimming is combined with a durable and waterproof TPE material that can withstand high temperatures and extreme weather without cracking. Additionally, all-weather protection allows for most messes to be simply hosed off the mat, and an anti-slip design keeps the mat secure and prevents it from sliding or bunching up as it moves around the bed during transport.
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