Removing a tonneau cover leaves the truck bed exposed and unprotected. This leads to an important question – will a BedRug mat scratch the truck bed without the tonneau cover in place? Let’s explore this in detail.
What Is A Tonneau Cover And How Does It Protect The Truck Bed?
A tonneau cover is a protective cover that goes over the truck bed. It serves several purposes:
- Keeps cargo and belongings safe from weather elements like rain, snow, wind, etc.
- Provides security by concealing anything stored in the truck bed.
- Improves fuel efficiency by streamlining air flow over the truck bed.
- Protects the truck bed from getting scratched, dented or damaged.
The tonneau cover rests directly on top of the truck bed, covering it completely. This acts as a shield that prevents any potential scratches, scrapes or damage to the bed from cargo, debris or other items sliding around in transit.
So removing the tonneau cover takes away this protective barrier, exposing the bare truck bed.
What Is A BedRug Mat?
A BedRug mat is a custom-fit foam mat that goes in the truck bed. It is made from closed-cell foam that is designed to be non-abrasive.
Here are some key features and benefits of BedRug mats:
- Soft and cushioned surface – Gives cargo a gentle, protected ride.
- Non-abrasive material – Will not scratch or scuff the truck bed.
- Custom-molded shape – Precisely fits the contours of the truck bed.
- Tie-down points – Secure the mat in place.
- Waterproof and stain-resistant – Repels spills and moisture.
- Adds protection – Defends the bed from dents and damage.
So in summary, a BedRug mat provides a protective barrier between cargo and the truck bed. The closed-cell foam is soft, non-abrasive and safe for truck bed surfaces.
Will A BedRug Mat Scratch The Truck Bed Without The Tonneau Cover?
Based on its design and materials used, a BedRug mat is highly unlikely to scratch or damage the truck bed, even without the tonneau cover installed.
Here are some key reasons why:
The Closed-Cell Foam Is Non-Abrasive
The closed-cell foam used in BedRug mats has a soft, smooth finish. It is specifically engineered to be non-abrasive and gentle on truck bed surfaces. So it will not scrape or scratch the finish as cargo moves around on top of it.
It Is Securely Held In Place
BedRug mats utilize the built-in tie-down points in truck beds to keep the mat firmly secured in its place. This prevents unnecessary movement or shifting of the mat that could potentially cause abrasions on the bed.
Custom-Fit Design
The mat is custom-molded to precisely fit the unique contours and shape of the truck bed. This tight fit keeps the mat stable and avoids any friction against the bed walls that could scratch the paint or finish.
Cargo Rests On The Mat, Not The Bed
With the BedRug mat installed, any cargo sits on top of the soft foam mat rather than directly on the hard truck bed. This further reduces chances of scratches and damage to the bed.
Maintains Protective Barrier
Even without the tonneau cover, the BedRug mat still acts as a protective shield over the bed. So it preserves the defensive barrier between cargo and the bed’s painted surface.
Manufacturer Recommended
BedRug designed their mats to be safe for use without a tonneau cover. So according to the maker, the mat will not harm or scratch the truck bed under normal use if the cover is removed.
Key Tips To Prevent Scratching Without A Tonneau Cover
While BedRug mats are built to avoid scratching or abrasions, here are some extra precautions to take:
- Secure loose items – Tie down or restrain anything that could shift around and slide on the mat.
- Use corner protectors – Place soft protectors on sharp or pointed cargo corners.
- Add a bed cover – A soft truck bed cover adds an extra shield.
- Clean often – Remove grit or debris that could get under the mat.
- Watch heavy loads – Overloading the bed could compress the mat down and reduce its protective padding.
- Avoid dragging items – Sliding heavy objects directly on the mat may scuff the bed. Use caution when loading and unloading.
- Follow instructions – Carefully adhere to BedRug’s directions for proper installation and use.
Will Other Bed Mats Or Liners Scratch Without A Tonneau Cover?
The performance of other truck bed mats or liners will depend on their specific materials and design:
- Plastic bed liners – Durable but prone to scuffs and scratches if unprotected. Not usually recommended without a tonneau cover.
- Carpet bed mats – Softer but fibers could abrade the bed finish if unsecured.
- Rubber mats – Fairly resistant to abrasion but seams and underside could scratch.
- Spray-in liners – Adheres tightly but the rough texture may rub and scratch surfaces.
- Drop-in plastic liners – Can move around and cause abrasions if not properly fastened down.
So smooth, non-abrasive BedRug mats likely provide the best scratch protection without a tonneau cover installed, versus other liners that pose more risk of scuffing or scraping the truck bed surface.
Answering The Key Question – Will A BedRug Mat Scratch My Truck Bed Without The Tonneau Cover?
Based on the BedRug design, materials used, and installation method, the BedRug mat is highly unlikely to scratch or damage a truck bed when installed without the tonneau cover in place.
The non-abrasive closed-cell foam provides a gentle, protective barrier between cargo and the bed’s surface. And the mat secures firmly into the tie-down points to prevent shifting or movement leading to scratches.
However, it’s still smart practice to take preventative measures – properly tying down cargo, using corner guards, cleaning debris from the mat, watching heavy item loading, and following BedRug’s recommendations.
While no protective gear can guarantee a zero risk of scratches, BedRug mats are purpose-built to provide the safest shield possible for an exposed truck bed without a tonneau cover installed. So truck owners can feel confident choosing this bed mat for scratch protection minus the tonneau cover.
Frequently Asked Questions About BedRug Mats Without A Tonneau Cover
Here are answers to some common questions about using a BedRug mat without a tonneau cover:
Will the mat scratch my truck bed as it moves around?
No, the BedRug mat will stay securely in place when properly installed using the built-in tie-down points. This prevents the abrasive movement that could lead to scratches.
What if sharp cargo corners dig into the mat – will that damage my bed?
It’s unlikely, but you can protect against potential dents or scratches from sharp corners by securing cargo properly and using corner pads or guards.
How can I stop supplies from sliding around on the mat and scraping my truck bed?
Make sure to tie-down or stabilize any loose cargo that could shift. Also avoid any aggressive sliding of items directly on the mat surface when loading/unloading.
Will gravel, dirt or sand under the mat scratch my truck bed finish?
Regular cleaning will remove small debris trapped under the mat. But any particles like sand or gravel could potentially rub against the bed, so frequent removal is recommended.
Is it easier for cargo to scratch or scuff without the tonneau cover on top?
Yes, that’s why it’s critical to ensure items placed in the truck bed are properly secured and stabilized during transport so they avoid bouncing around.
Conclusion
While truck beds are more vulnerable without a tonneau cover installed, a BedRug mat provides non-abrasive protection developed specifically to avoid scratching even if unprotected from above.
With proper installation, restraint of cargo, and care when loading/unloading, truck owners can use BedRug mats minus a tonneau cover and keep their beloved truck bed free of scratches and scuffs.
