Bed Liners 101: Snug As a Bug in a… Truck Bed?

You have to wonder why anyone would think tossing a rug in a truck bed for protection is a good idea. After all, a pickup truck is a tool – one designed for hauling heavy payloads over long distances. “I should cover it in carpet” isn’t usually the first idea a person latches onto when noodling over how to keep things in tip-top shape.

However, it’s important to note that BedRug – the innovator of these carpet-like truck bed liners – offers something a lot more durable and unique than a mere rug for your truck bed.

It’s easy to think that a rugged spray-in or drop-in bed liner would be the ideal solution for truck owners seeking corrosion resistance or impact and skid protection. But while both are great options, they’re not your only option. And if you’re seeking something a little classier in appearance (and easier on the ol’ knees when crawling around in the truck bed), then it might be time to consider a BedRug.

What Is a BedRug?

Despite being on the market for some time now, this is still a frequently asked question for the folks at BedRug. (Seriously, it tops their list of FAQs.) Suffice it to say, BedRug isn’t exactly a bed rug as you might be picturing it.

First, BedRug is model-specific. That means, it molds to your truck’s bed just like a drop-in liner. Only, rather than having a hard plastic barrier, your truck bed ends up with a rug that looks a bit like what you’d find on interior flooring. Looks can be deceiving though, because BedRug bed liners use a very different material than the factory carpeting that lives in your truck’s cabin, or that high-pile monstrosity in grandma’s living room.

Made of 100% polypropylene, these liners are extremely versatile and can resist staining, fading, chemical damage, and water absorption much better than conventional carpeting. Additionally, this heavy-duty material provides rugged protection while remaining soft and cushiony to the touch – great when transporting delicate cargo or kneeling in the truck bed.

How Does BedRug Compare to Traditional Liners?

So, where do these unique liners fall on the bed liner spectrum? Let’s find out.

Installation

Unlike drop-in plastic liners (which require drilling holes) or spray-on liners (which require scuffing the entire bed finish with sandpaper or an etching solvent), BedRug uses a non-abrasive foam that attaches with simple hook and loop patches. That means, there’s no real risk to your original truck bed. BedRug liners aren’t permanent like a spray-on liner, and that soft backing means they won’t chew up your paint like a shifting hard-plastic drop-in liner.

Skid Resistance

Drop-in liners – while very hard and durable – offer minimal skid protection. When you hit the brakes, cargo often slides around in the bed. The liner will likely keep the bed safe, but all that shifting doesn’t bode too well for your poor cargo. Similarly, spray-on coatings dry with an abrasive surface. And while that offers some slip resistance, it can also scuff up your cargo if you’re not careful. BedRug sports a cushy surface that isn’t just soft, but actually grips onto your cargo and holds it in place.

Comfort

You might not think this is a major selling feature, but ergonomics are important – and knee replacements are expensive. Drop-in and spray-on liners offer some heavy-duty protection, but they can be merciless on your poor joints. BedRug offers ¾” of foam padding, which creates a loading surface that is much gentler on your body when climbing in to access cargo or tie-down points.

Cleaning & Maintenance

All truck bed liners score pretty well in this category, as their ease of care is certainly a top reason for installing one. While, at first glance, you might think BedRug’s material would require a little more TLC, cleaning really couldn’t be simpler.

You can use a vacuum, broom, or hose to deal with the dirt, debris, or chemicals scattered throughout the bed. And since the polypropylene foam doesn’t absorb water, pressure washing makes super quick work of dirty jobs. The water will run off the surface, through the zippered perimeter, and out the factory drain holes in the truck bed. BedRug says the whole thing will dry in as little as 20 minutes.

Impact Resistance

Generally, drop-in liners are considered the go-to option for maximum shock absorption. Their hard plastic exterior is great if you have a serious work truck with a bed that is regularly loaded up with heavy items and harsh materials.

However, BedRug will defend your bed from many blows too – allowing you to transport everything from rocks to mulch to fuels or acids without fear of damage. Plus, the company offers an upgraded liner option specifically designed for more extreme use-cases than the average daily-driver. The Impact Liner from BedRug is made of a proprietary Impact TPO material that bonds to the polypropylene foam backing to provide a little extra oomph when you’re tossing cinder blocks into the bed with gleeful abandon.

Cost

Generally, BedRug lands in the middle when weighing cost. They are more affordable than most professionally-installed spray-on liners, but costlier than nearly all drop-in liners. However, when you consider that a BedRug is the only option that truly preserves your truck’s resale value by guaranteeing no damage to the bed, that little extra investment can translate to a big return when it comes time for a new vehicle. Plus, if you move on to a new truck – providing it’s the same model – you can take your BedRug with you.

More Than Just Trucks

The carpeted look and soft backing elevate BedRug liners in more ways than one. You won’t mind working out of the bed of your truck on bended knee, and it’s an excellent choice for camping and Overlanding rigs. That’s partially why this type of liner is growing in popularity among the Jeep community.

Considering the kind of messes Jeeps get into on a daily basis – water, mud, rocks, dirt, sand, dust – it makes sense to replace that dinky OEM carpet with something substantive. BedRug offers Jeep floor liners, headliners, and tailgate liners that can easily be pulled out and hosed down after a long day on the trail.

The fact that BedRug products help a vehicle feel homier and more professional isn’t hurting anything either.

More Than Just Liners

BedRug is a viable option for anyone, even if you don’t drive a truck – and even if you don’t want a full-blown liner. The company offers economical bed mats, cargo van mats, and even work mats for when you need a little extra traction or cushion in the garage or shop.

To learn more about BedRug and its next-gen bed liners, visit https://bedrug.com/