Bed linings?

I'll be using my truck twice a year for hauling soil/compost for my lawn. What do most people use for bed linings to protect the bed?

For example, say I'm standing on the tailgate with a big shovel, scraping the bed (metal shovel vs composite bed), while loading up soil into a cart, whats the best way to prevent the bed from getting scratched and destroyed? Thanks.

 

Plastic scoop shovel is all I can think of

 

Lay a tarp in first before you load your soil , dig it out down to about 1" from the bottom , pull the tarp out rolling it into a wheelbarrow

No mess , no gouges

 

I have one of the o.e.m "tacoma" bedmats that came with my truck. It fits perfect and covers the whole bed. No scratches. Your going to get some of the "who cares, its a truck bed and thats what its for" answers, but I like how my bed looks brand new. The bed mat can be replaced if it gets ruined. If you dont want the mat, OZ-T's idea is cheaper.

 

x2

 

The tarp + a plastic shovel could work guys. In theory it sounds like a great idea. That would also keep the soil out the lockboxes etc.

I would need a durable tarp that can handle the weight of the soil. Good idea.

 

How durable is the stock liner? Its made of a composite plastic right? Does it wear badly over time?

 

ive only had the truck 8 months and dont use the bed that much. But I know from this site its proven to be durable. I removed my mat for the winter because the blower in the auto car wash flaps it around. When it snows and I shovel it out with a plastic shovel, it does not scratch it. Im sure a metal shovel would though.

 

I've done the whole shoveling mulch/compost out of the bed, and let me tell you its for the birds son! Did a total of 4 yards last year ( four separate trips of a yard each). It sucks. The constant up and down is a killer. If you are doing say a yard or so not a biggie, but anything bigger and you'll be kicking yourself.

Give it a shot you might not mind, but next year, Ill pay the shipping charge and have the place dump it in front of my house. Much easier that way.

 

It's not a liner

I load mine with firewood a couple times a year plus tools and work materials , no problems

 

Oz has it right, and you don't need a plastic shovel. And I can't imagine doing any kind of work with a plastic shovel. Would rather dig my eyeballs out with a spoon.

 

Put down a sheet plywood. Might need to cut to size. Never tried it, but that's what I'd do.