DeeZee vs. BedRug: Which Bed Mat is Best for Your RAM 1500?
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You open the tailgate of your 2009–2018 RAM 1500 to grab a toolbox.
It’s gone.
It slid all the way to the front of the cab when you hit the brakes at the last stoplight.
Now you have to crawl into the bed on your hands and knees to get it.
And that metal floor is hard.
You need a bed mat. But do you go for the classic Heavyweight Rubber (DeeZee) or the modern Carpeted Foam (BedRug)?
- Rubber: Incredible grip. Nothing moves. Indestructible.
- BedRug: Soft on the knees. Looks like carpet (but is waterproof plastic). Protects the bed from dents.
If you haul gravel and lumber, get the Rubber.
If you camp in your truck, carry groceries, or have delicate cargo, get the BedRug.
In this guide, we compare the durability, grip, and comfort of the top bed mats for the RAM 1500.
Compare Bed Mat Styles
Grip, Comfort, or Full Coverage?
|
Mat Style |
Material |
Main Benefit |
Best For |
|
DeeZee Heavyweight |
Thick Rubber. (3/8"). |
Grip. Stops cargo sliding. |
Work. Hauling lumber, tools, or heavy equipment. |
|
BedRug Impact Mat |
Carpeted Foam. |
Comfort. Padded for knees. |
Camping. Sleeping in the bed / Tailgating. |
|
WeatherTech TechLiner |
Hard Plastic. |
Coverage. Walls & floor. |
Resale. Protecting bare metal from scratches. |
|
Tailgate Mat |
Rubber. |
Finish. Completes the look. |
Sitting. Makes the tailgate comfortable to sit on. |
Frequently Asked Questions (Bed Mats)
Will water get trapped under the mat and rust my bed?
Not if you maintain it.
Most bed mats have "nibs" or cleats on the bottom to keep them elevated, allowing air to circulate and water to drain. However, if you leave wet leaves or dirt under the mat for months, it can hold moisture. We recommend flipping the mat up once a season to sweep out any debris and let the metal dry.
Why is the BedRug better than a rubber mat?
It depends on how you use the truck.
- Rubber (DeeZee): Best for grip. Things stick to it.
- BedRug: Best for impact and knees. It has a thick foam backing that absorbs dents if you throw a brick into the bed. It’s also soft enough to crawl on without hurting your knees, making it the top choice for camping or loading gear by hand.
Can I put a bed mat on top of my factory drop-in liner?
We don't recommend it.
Drop-in plastic liners are slippery, which is why people want to add a mat. However, the plastic liner changes the dimensions of the floor (rounded corners) and has tall ribs. A fitted rubber mat is designed for the metal floor and often won't lay flat inside a plastic liner. You are better off removing the drop-in liner and using the mat directly on the metal (or spray-in liner).
Stop the slide.
Keep your gear in place and save your knees. Shop our verified collection of 2009–2018 RAM 1500 Bed Mats.