Do you want extra protection for your truck bed while also keeping cargo covered and out of sight? Using a bed mat under a folding tonneau cover is a great way to accomplish both goals. But will the two actually work together? Let’s find out.
What Is A Tonneau Cover?
A tonneau cover is a hard or soft cover that goes over the bed of your pickup truck. Tonneau covers come in different styles:
Folding Tonneau Covers
- Made of vinyl, aluminum, or other materials.
- Fold up toward the cab for easy bed access.
- Offer security and protection from weather.
- Don’t require drilling into the truck bed.
Retractable Tonneau Covers
- Roll up with a spring-loaded system.
- Provide full bed access when retracted.
- Made of vinyl, aluminum, or polymer materials.
- Lock in place for security.
Hinged Tonneau Covers
- Flip open for easy access like a trunk lid.
- Made of fiberglass or aluminum.
- Heaviest and most secure option.
- Require drilling into the truck bed.
Why Use A Bed Mat Under A Tonneau?
Putting a bed mat under your tonneau cover provides extra protection and utility:
- Prevents Cargo Shifting – Stops tools, gear, and other items from sliding around the bed. Rubber mats have grippy textures to hold everything in place.
- Adds Cushioning – Insulates delicate cargo from bumps and bangs during driving. Makes loading and unloading heavier items easier on your back.
- Protects Truck Bed – Shields the bed floor from scratches, rust, and dents from cargo. Saves the truck bed paint from damage.
- Enhances Traction -Rubber mats give you better traction when reaching over the side of the bed so you don’t slip.
What Types Of Bed Mats Work Under Tonneaus?
Tonneau covers are compatible with most bed mat styles and materials:
Rubber Bed Mats
- Made of heavyweight rubber for durability.
- Have deep ridges and grooves to contain cargo.
- Provide shock absorption and traction.
- Easy to clean by hosing off.
Carpet Bed Mats
- Made of short, rugged automotive carpeting.
- Cushion cargo and absorb shocks.
- Grip cargo better than bare metal.
- Require vacuuming to clean.
Spray-In Bedliners
- Applied as a liquid then cured to a hard finish.
- Coat the entire bed for maximum protection.
- Textured to prevent sliding.
- Most durable option but permanent.
Plastic Bed Mats
- Lightweight but sturdy polymer construction.
- Moderately grippy texture and cushioning.
- Many have raised edges to contain spills.
- Easy to remove and clean.
Will A Bed Mat Affect My Tonneau Cover?
Bed mats are designed to work with tonneau covers. Here’s how they get along:
Fitting Under The Cover
- Mats are thinner than the bed sides so they fit below tonneaus.
- Folding covers have enough slack in the vinyl to fold over mats.
- Retractable covers roll up above the height of bed mats.
Opening and Closing
- Mats don’t get in the way of folding hinges or sliding mechanisms.
- The mats stay put when covers open, close, retract, or fold.
- You may need a taller tailgate seal so the cover seals tightly over the mat.
Security and Weather Protection
- Mats don’t affect the locking mechanisms or sealing.
- Tonneaus still keep out rain, snow, and prying eyes when closed.
- Covers keep cargo concealed even if the mat is slightly thicker.
Drilling Modifications
- Installing mats doesn’t require drilling holes in the truck bed.
- Mats are removable so they don’t interfere with installing a tonneau cover.
- Hinged covers may need adjusted or spaced mounting holes for the thicker bed.
Helpful Tips For Using A Bed Mat With A Tonneau
If you decide to use a bed mat with a tonneau cover, keep these tips in mind:
- Make sure the mat is designed to work with a tonneau cover, not just a truck bed. Look for brands that specify tonneau cover compatibility.
- Get a mat that is at least 1-2 inches narrower than the inside bed width so the tonneau can fold and close properly.
- Folding vinyl tonneaus may take more effort to open and close over a thick rubber mat. Plan for the extra force needed.
- With retractable covers, allow sufficient clearance for the mat thickness when setting the retracted height.
- Get taller tailgate bumpers so the cover seals tightly against the thicker bed surface.
- For hinged covers, check if the manufacturer recommends adjusting the mounting holes to compensate for mat height.
- Periodically check that the mat hasn’t shifted out of place to disrupt the tonneau.
Top Brands For Bed Mats And Tonneau Covers
Many top truck accessory companies make bed mats and tonneaus designed to work together:
- Extang – SolidFold tonneau covers and TruXport mats with StayPut nubs.
- BEDRUG – Custom molded mats paired with BEDRUG Soft Folding tonneaus.
- Lund – Genesis tri-fold tonneaus and Catch-All interior mats.
- UnderCover – Low-profile Flex tonneaus and BedRug mats.
- Dee Zee -Tailgate seals and bed mats sized for Dee Zee folding tonneaus.
- PendaForm – Custom mats and Bennington roll-up tonneaus.
- Rugged Liner – E-Series tonneaus and bed mats available as a combo.
The Bottom Line
Using a bed mat under a folding tonneau cover is definitely doable. In fact, it’s a great way to get maximum bed protection. Just make sure to get products designed to work together and allow for proper clearance. With compatible mats and tonneaus installed correctly, you’ll keep cargo secured while avoiding bed damage – giving you peace of mind on every haul.
