BedRug vs. Rubber Mat: Which F150 Bed Protection is Right for You?
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The bed of your 2015–2020 Ford F-150 is tough aluminum. It won’t rust, but it definitely dents, and it is definitely hard on your knees.
If you use your truck for real work—or for camping—loading gear directly onto the metal (or a hard spray-in liner) gets old fast. Your tools slide to the front, your groceries tip over, and crawling in to retrieve them leaves your knees bruised.
You need a barrier. The two best options are the Heavy-Duty Rubber Mat and the fully carpeted BedRug.
One is a slab of industrial rubber designed to take a beating. The other is a high-tech foam liner that turns your bed into a padded trunk. Which one fits your lifestyle? In this guide, we compare the grip, durability, and "kneel test" of both.
Compare Bed Protection
Rugged Rubber or Cushioned Carpet?
|
Material |
Grip |
Comfort (Knees) |
Best For |
|
Heavy-Duty Rubber (DeeZee) |
High. Cargo stays put. |
Medium. Better than metal. |
Construction. Throwing in bricks, tools, and lumber. |
|
BedRug (Full Liner) |
Medium. Fiber surface. |
High. Padding underneath. |
Camping/Pets. Sleeping in the bed; hauling dogs. |
|
BedRug (Impact Mat) |
Medium. |
High. |
Daily Use. A mat version of the full liner (floor only). |
|
Factory Drop-In (Plastic) |
Low. Very slippery. |
Low. Hard ridges. |
Budget. Basic scratch protection. |
Frequently Asked Questions (Bed Mats)
Why buy a mat if I already have a spray-in liner?
Two reasons: Grip and Dents. Spray-in liners (like Line-X) are great for preventing scratches, but they are hard and slick. If you put a plastic cooler in the back, it will slide around. A thick rubber mat creates friction to hold gear in place and acts as a shock absorber if you drop a heavy cinder block, preventing the aluminum bed from denting.
Will the BedRug get moldy if it gets wet?
No. The BedRug looks like carpet, but it is actually made of closed-cell polypropylene foam (plastic). It does not absorb water like a sponge. If it gets muddy or greasy, you can pressure wash it clean, and it will dry out without growing mold or mildew. It is designed to live outside.
Does the mat fly out on the highway?
No. Heavy-duty rubber mats (like DeeZee) are thick and weigh 30-40 lbs. They are custom-cut to fit around the wheel wells perfectly. The weight and air pressure keep them firmly on the floor at highway speeds, even with the tailgate down.
Save your knees and your cargo.
Add grip and impact protection to your aluminum bed. Shop our verified collection of 2015–2020 F-150 Bed Mats & Rugs.