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I ordered myself a rubber bed mat for Christmas. I wish I could do a spray in liner, but it isn't in the budget right now.
I am considering installing this stuff under the matt to help create airflow and allow it to dry out underneath due to winter, rain and washing. This is a composite mesh material kinda like a large wave scotch bright pad. It is of course made for roof ridge to allow airflow and venting.
Do you think it would work or any other suggestions on under mat liners? I am wondering though if this might shift and rub and thus do as much damage as being wet?
mat is dimpled on the back side so it sits off the bed for air movement. I don't think you need anything else, just remove and hose out every couple of months.
I would be concerned about the shifting and scratching. As white said, removing, cleaning and drying would be best. And it's a darned good idea to do it regularly. I have an '02 SD with a bed that's like a sponge now because I didn't clean and dry it frequently enough (under the rubber mat.)
my best guess on it, even though the product you posted is a "vent" , I would think that when placed under the mat, it would actually wick and retain moisture. Especially since there isn't really much "airflow" under the mat. I could be totally wrong though.
had an '06 Harley w/ the ford HD bed mat, 106k miles and 6 years later when i sold it not a hint of an issue under the mat. bed sure looked better than my spray in liner does after a year in the '14
If you're really worried, keep an eye on craigslist for a drop in liner. Then put your bed mat over that. The drop in liner has grooves that run the length of the bed and won't let water get underneath. Plus when you want to use the truck bed, pull the mat and the plastic liner makes it easy to slide things in and out (or to sweep out). I've got a roll up tonneau cover over mine which keeps 98% of water out and what does get in stays in the grooves in the bed liner rather than getting whatever I've got I'm the bed wet. And the drop in liner has grooves you can insert 2x4s or 2x6s into to compartmentalize the bed and keep crap from moving around.
The Ford bed mat as mentioned, has raised dimples on it that allow moisture to drain normally. I can picture the bed surface after a while with that ridge vent material, it would ruin the paint finish.
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12-20-2015, 12:44 PM
Bed mat spacer idea?
