Many truck owners wonder if they can use a bed mat under a hard folding tonneau cover. Understanding the compatibility between tonneau covers and bed liners is important for protecting your truck bed. Let’s explore the details around using a bed mat with a folding tonneau cover.
What Are The Benefits Of Using A Bed Mat Under A Tonneau Cover?
Using a bed mat under a hard folding tonneau cover offers several potential benefits:
Protection For Your Truck Bed
A bed mat provides an extra layer of protection for your truck bed, helping prevent damage from sliding cargo and gear. The raised texture helps cushion items and reduces scratching or gouging of the bed’s surface. This can be especially useful if you haul heavy or rough materials frequently.
Anti-Slip Surface
The textured surface of a bed mat creates an anti-slip barrier, keeping cargo and equipment from sliding around in the bed. This helps keep items securely in place while driving. It also reduces the chance of damage from shifting loads.
Cost-Effective Alternative To Spray Liners
Bed mats are an affordable way to get some of the protection of a spray-on bed liner at a fraction of the cost. For many truck owners, a bed mat offers sufficient durability without the higher expense of a permanent liner.
Quick And Easy Installation
Unlike spray-on liners which require professional installation, bed mats can easily be placed in the truck bed by the owner. Most are designed for a simple drop-in fit and do not require any permanent mounting. This allows for quick installation or removal.
What Types Of Bed Mats Work With Tonneau Covers?
There are a few varieties of bed mats that are compatible with most hard folding tonneau covers:
BedRug Mat
The BedRug bed mat has a plush foam base and nylon carpet bonded on top. It provides cushioning for cargo and helps resist shifting. The low-profile design works with most tonneau covers.
Plastic Bed Mats
Basic plastic bed mats made from materials like polyethylene provide durable protection at an affordable price. Popular brands like Dee Zee and Bed Mat offer designs specifically molded to fit various truck beds.
Rubber Composite Mats
Made from rubber composites, these mats offer good impact absorption. Some versions have diamond plate textures for extra grip. Brands like Barton Rubber specialize in making mats to fit specific truck models.
What Should You Look For In A Compatible Bed Mat?
To choose a bed mat that will work with your tonneau cover, keep these key factors in mind:
Correct Sizing
The mat should be properly sized to your truck’s bed dimensions. It should not be so large that it interferes with tonneau cover operation.
Low Profile Design
Choose a mat that sits low in the bed without significant thickness. High-profile mats can obstruct or be obstructed by the tonneau cover.
Durable Materials
Look for sturdy construction from materials like high-density polyethylene plastic, rubber composites, or durable nylon carpet over foam.
Non-Skid Surface
A textured mat surface prevents cargo from sliding and provides secure traction. But make sure the texture does not scratch or scuff the tonneau cover.
Under-Rail Installation
Mats that install under the bed rail system will keep the tonneau cover mounting clear. Make sure the mat does not block rail access.
Will All Hard Tonneau Covers Work With A Bed Mat?
Most hard folding tonneau covers are designed to accommodate low-profile bed mats. But there are a few factors to keep in mind:
Tonneau Mounting Style
Under-rail mount tonneau covers will generally work fine with bed mats. But over-the-rail designs may have issues with fit and operation.
Tonneau Cover Length
If a tonneau cover sits very close to the inside edges of the bed, a mat could create interference along the sides. Measure carefully.
Thickness Clearance
The extra thickness of a bed mat could potentially obstruct panel folding and closure if space between the cover and bed is very tight.
Bed Rail Capacity
If a truck has bed rail caps or an integrated bed liner, adding a separate mat may exceed the clearance available.
What Tonneau Brands Specifically Allow Bed Mats?
Many major brands confirm bed mat compatibility for their hard folding covers. Some examples include:
BakFlip
BakFlip specifies that their hard folding covers will work with any bed mat from BedRug, Bed Mat, or Dee Zee with no issues.
Extang
Extang verifies that bed mats under 2” thick will not restrict operation of their Solid Fold tonneau covers.
TruXedo
TruXedo confirms that their TruXport and TruXceed covers are compatible with bed mats from BedRug, Dee Zee, and other brands.
Retrax
Retrax says bed mats can be used under their hard folding covers as long as they don’t exceed 1.5” thickness.
Access
Access states that their Roll-Up Cover will work fine over any under-the-rail bed mat.
What About Combination Tonneau Cover And Bed Mat Products?
There are also some integrated products on the market that combine a folding tonneau cover with a built-in bed mat:
LOMAX Hard Tonneau Cover & Mat Combo
This offers aluminum panels, waterproof hinges, and a thick foam mat surface in one complete package. The mat is perfectly fitted to the cover.
UWS EC Aluminum Tonneau Cover With Mat
The UWS retractable cover includes an aluminum swivel rail mat designed specifically for that model. The mat spans from rail to rail under the cover.
Xcover Low Profile Retractable With Mat
Featuring vinyl composite panels and weatherproof seals, the Xcover cover has an integrated textured truck bed mat attached underneath.
Roll-N-Lock Retractable With Mat
The Roll-N-Lock M-Series integrates a padded vinyl mat bonded to the underside of the retractable cover. This provides built-in cargo protection.
Can You Put A Spray-In Bed Liner Under A Hard Tonneau Cover?
Spray-in bed liners are also commonly used under hard folding tonneau covers. The key factors are:
- The liner should be installed under the bed rail system to avoid obstructing cover mounting.
- Over-the-rail spray liner installation may interfere with cover operation.
- The liner material should not be so thick that it blocks proper cover folding and closure.
What About Using Both A Bed Mat And Spray-In Liner Together?
It is possible to use both a bed mat and spray-in liner in conjunction with a hard folding tonneau cover:
- The liner should be sprayed first under the bed rails.
- Once cured, a low-profile bed mat can be placed over the top of the liner.
- The mat will help protect the liner surface from cargo damage.
- Together the liner and mat provide the ultimate truck bed protection.
Just ensure adequate clearance is maintained for proper tonneau cover functionality.
Can You Put A Bed Mat Under A Roll-Up Tonneau Cover?
Roll-up tonneau covers can generally accommodate bed mats as long as the mat profile stays low. Models like the Roll-N-Lock with built-in mats are also available. The key is ensuring the mat does not obstruct the rolling cover operation or rail-mounted clamps. As always, check manufacturer fit recommendations.
Conclusion
In most cases, using a bed mat under a hard folding truck bed tonneau cover is perfectly fine and provides extra protection. But it’s important to choose the right mat designed specifically to fit your truck make and model.
Confirm compatibility with the tonneau cover brand, and be sure to account for thickness clearances. Integrated cover and mat products are also great hassle-free options. With a properly fitted mat, you can give your truck bed an added layer of defense against wear and cargo shifting.
