Should I put a 4' x 6'2" x 1/2" ultra heavy mat in my bed?

[Cardinal Grammeter]

This is actually a piece of conveyor belt - it has probably 8-plys and weighs way over 100 pounds.  To move it, I have to get two large vise grips to grab it.

 

It just so happens to be the exact length for my 620 bed.

 

I could either narrow it to fit between the wheel wells, or cut notches for them.  The mat is about 4" shy of being the tailgate width.

 

Although the bed is heavily corrugated and the mat would be laying on the tops, I'm concerned it would keep the bed from drying out every time it got wet and speed up rusting.

 

However having a rubber mat to keep things from sliding all over the place would be a bonus and the added weight would help in the winter - yes, I'm going to drive this 2WD in the winter.

 

But then having a nice red bed that looks good is definitely cooler.

 

I'll never own another full size pickup and its either use this thing or sell it off.  Right now I park my lawn tractor on it.  (maybe you didn't need to know that...)

 

Tom

 

 

[sebpv]

id go with bedliner for looks and grip. if selling is a factor then go with rubber mat

[flatcat19]

I want to get a rubber mat for my bed but wouldn't do so until I had some paint-on liner down to prevent the rust you're scared of. 

[datzenmike]

Quota for the week.

[tr8er]

Flats right. Spray on Bedliner. Then go buy a horse stable mat at your farm supply warehouse. Sounds like what you have but you won't be 4" shy of the full bed. Cut to a tight fit. Heavy rubber is a great base. I did this in my goon. But I didn't need the bedliner.

[Rick-rat]

If  you plan to use it as a truck, put a coat of paint on the bottom of the bed and toss the mat in, or they can spray a red bed liner in the box.

 

 

 

If you want a nice bed, don't haul anything in the box, will only result in scratches and dents in the sides