Bed Mat Modification Idea

[AcampoDave]

What about moisture getting trapped under the mat? That would concern me if I had to park outside.

[jayoldschool]

You need to make your ply bed the same thickness as the stock wood or the bed won't sit at the correct level.

[oem4me]

Originally Posted by AcampoDave

What about moisture getting trapped under the mat? That would concern me if I had to park outside.

X2.
It needs to dry out after getting wet or it will rot. Not sure if plywood would last any longer than lumber (depends on lumber type), but either one will end up ruined. Leave it uncovered or pull the mat when it gets wet.

[roll_the_dice]

Originally Posted by oem4me

X2.
It needs to dry out after getting wet or it will rot. Not sure if plywood would last any longer than lumber (depends on lumber type), but either one will end up ruined. Leave it uncovered or pull the mat when it gets wet.

+1 Roll it up when not in use.

I am doing a plywood bed to start and am about to start working on it. I bought a sheet of 3/4" plywood and am painting it black with an exterior paint.

I am also going to eventually have a rubber bed mat in my bed for when i use it as a truck and don't want to mess up the wood bed. I plan on rolling it up when not in use. I will park my truck outside and don't want the risk of mold and mildew under the mat.

[bigmoe]

The plywood would last quite a few years until you go with the real bed wood but I would water proof it somehow, especially the edges. Stain of some sort would be better than paint that will peel.

[dragracer98]

Originally Posted by bigmoe

The plywood would last quite a few years until you go with the real bed wood but I would water proof it somehow, especially the edges. Stain of some sort would be better than paint that will peel.

Thanks for all the input and ideas. Correct you are bigmoe. I will be sealing the plywood with a product that is used on wooden boats. A friend is giving me some of a sealer that his uncle put on his wood boat from the 30's or 40's, that sees a lot of use. Don't know what it is called but comes from a marine supply house back east. I will seal the top, bottom and edges of the wood.

I will take out the mat as needed and clean the area between the mat and the plywood to keep it clean and dry.
Randy