Bed Mat Alternative???

As someone who has benefited greatly from everyone’s knowledge, passion and loyalty to the Taco I thought I’d share an idea I’ve implemented that I haven’t seen discussed here. For those of you who are considering a bed mat to keep things from sliding all around back there take $20 and try this out first .

I purchased 1” wide anti-slip tape and applied it to the bed and what I discovered was waaay better than I expected. So much so I’d be willing to bet it reduces sliding much better than the mat. So, for much less $’s and way less weight you can try this out. If for the unlikely reason you don’t like the results you can remove the tape and move on.

I read some mat guys have to secure theirs down when going through car washes. No worries here. For me, this cheap and useful mod is probably my favorite. I’m not trying to convince anyone to do this or indicate those of you who have a mat made a poor decision. I’m just trying to pay it forward to those who are looking to accomplish a goal and would like to consider an alternative. Peace.

 

Good idea!

 

I got a heavy ass stall mat for under $30, used a jig saw to cut it to fit between the wheel wells.... it stays put and protects the bed awesomely....

 

One main reason OEM Bed Mat is best is protects your knees from all those ribs. 2 things stay where you put them and it's durable as fuck.

 

I liked my bed rug XLT but now have the OEM bed mat and like how durable it is

 

Now that's usin your noggin. Slick work OP. Do you have a cover or anything? I wonder how that stuff will hold up to years of UV. I suppose its probably cheap enough you could just re-apply.

 

I'd be interested to see how that holds up to the elements. I don't like the sliding but I dislike the idea of the bedmat even more.

 

Great idea! Although I like how my bed bad eliminates the ridges and I can’t say I’ve ever had a problem with anything sliding around. The mat is very grippy.

 

Gotta love that TW members are always thinking! Not a bad alternative at all, but I too question the durability / longevity of this tape if not covered by a camper shell or tonneau cover.

 

This is great! Cheap and easy enough to reapply the tape in a few years if it wears out or falls off. Only complaint I have about the bed mat is that it's a bit annoying to clean out the bed since crap gets stuck up in the corners, minor but still.

 

Nice contribution OP! Always a pleasure to read something original on here.

 

I dunno. The oem bed mats are hard to beat. Protects the bed, anti slip, and easy on the knees. Best 85 bucks you will spend on your taco.
Maybe this is better if you are hauling stuff that requires you to hose out the bed often.

 

Really not a bad idea for $20. You can usually get a bed mat for about $80 on sale. I see them locally brand new and used for 60-80 all the time as well. If you don't want the extra protection the bed mat provides, this is a pretty nifty idea.

 

Why would anyone do this over just getting the mat? lol

 

Horse stall mat from Tractor Supply for $30.

 

Decent idea, but for what I primarily use my truck bed for, I don't want the skateboard tape tearing up the stuff in sliding in and out. The added cushioning of the OEM mat can't hurt either.

 

Yes, I have a Diamondback.

 

Unfortunately I won’t be able to provide how the strips would hold up to the elements because I have a Diamondback cover. I suspect I would simply remove and replace the strips if they were to become worn.

 

Only problem i see with that is the elements overtime that tape will come off . Then you will have to clean the residue off and reapply. Easier just to get a bed mat . You can find them used for cheap .

 

Well, here’s a few ideas.
1. Easier to hose out the bed.
2. No debris to clean under the mat.
3. Don’t have to worry about it flying out at the car wash. This apparently does happen. Check the forum if you aren’t familiar with this problem.
3. Don’t have to worry about mat theft.
4. Not introducing extra weight.
5. Money saved for yet another mod, lol.