Can a rubber bed mat cause rust like a plastic bedliner?

[ubtripn]

I have a rubber bed mat in my 68, has anybody ever had one of these cause any rust in the bed?

[lks dcvn]

yes - they can.

The lack of ventilation to allow the bed to dry completely creates the environment for surface rust and then it goes worse from there.

Try to keep the mat out of the bed and use it only when you need to haul something - that way you have the benefits of it, but reduce the negative aspects.

I do this with my trucks...

[cranetaker77]

From what I have seen it does. My Dad has a Early Bronco, and he doesn't have carpet in it yet. So he had some rubber ford logo mats. I lifted one up one day and there was a whole lot of condensation under it. Granted his floor pans needed to be replaced anyways but, from seeing that condesation I'd say yes, that it is very possible.

[Keith Seymore]

I haven't had rust issues, ever - but - my bed mat has little round "nubs" that space it up off the bed floor, and, in an '87, the bed floor has ribs which would also provide air flow.

The only thing would be were the bed mat abraids the paint off, leaving a bare spot, so you could have rust issues in a spot like that.

K

[tim21391]

we had a 04 f150 had it for like 2 or 3 years we had a mat in it.. and when we went to trade it in all the clear coat was off which i assume was early stages of it deteriating.. or however you spell that word

[ubtripn]

Wow - that is all good information, thanks!

[tcb-1]

rust will get a better foothold if at any time air flow is reduced. period

[barryvanhook]

For my last 4 trucks I've used a bed rug and experienced no rust problems whatsoever .... but then I live in Arizona, so YMMV.

Barry

[ubtripn]

Sounds like it's not going to be worth using.

[special-K]

A bed may will promote worse than a bedliner because it doesn`t stop water from getting under then traps it in.I know a wood bed will rot 10x faster with a bed mat.Any flaw in paint will get worse.

[OldSkool71]

Do what I did...spray in bedliner...and then the rubber bed mat....clean low maintence...and ready to do business...

[68gmsee]

If your bed is good shape with no rust holes, pits, dents, etc., I'd try to keep it that way by not hauling stiff that would ruin it. If you need to use it to haul, then do what lks dcvn says and use a pad while you are hauling. Maybe even get a small utility trailer. These beds are getting harder to come by.

btw: I was going to spray mine but a friend told me not to do it. He's had trouble with the way his truck bed looks after 5 years in this hot Texas weather. And he says trying to remove it is a b-tch.

[ubtripn]

I have been seriously considering rino-lining or something of the sort since I do want to use the truck as a truck. My one fear is getting it off if that becomes necessary. Can one spray a liner a second time in a few years if needed without removing the first layer?