Get the Right Protection for Your Truck Bed: Solutions from Silverado 2500, Harbor Freight and BedRug
Truck Bed Protection
When it comes to hauling dirt and gravel in a truck, having the right protection is key. Without it, you can end up with a dingy, scratched-up truck bed. Unfortunately, there are not many options available for truck bed protection yet from companies like WeatherTech. However, there are some solutions that may work for you.
One option is to get a rubber mat from your old Silverado 2500 bed and cut it down to size to fit the R1T bed. This will act as an extra pad to block the seams if hauling that type of material. You don't need a spray in liner because the bed is already protected and durable, without any metal to rust out or paint to chip away.
Another solution is to purchase one of the 'silver' quality tarps from Harbor Freight. These should be large enough to line the bed and side walls before dumping the gravel in, plus cover over the top of the gravel during transport. This will keep the bed clean and make it easy to pull out any remaining gravel or dust afterwards.
Finally, you could look into getting a BedRug. It's durable, easily cleaned, and soft to climb upon. Plus, items won't slip around or get dinged up when carrying delicate items. The only downside is that it may be difficult to fit in the R1T due to its floating hinge cover.
No matter which option you choose, making sure your truck bed has adequate protection before hauling materials is essential for keeping your vehicle looking good and functioning properly. With these tips in mind, you'll be able to find the perfect solution for protecting your truck bed while still being able to haul whatever materials you need.



What is the best way to protect my truck bed from dirt and gravel?
There are several options available for protecting your truck bed from dirt and gravel. You can purchase a truck bed protector/mat/liner, such as those offered by WeatherTech. Alternatively, you can use a rubber mat or BedRug, which is soft enough to sleep on and water-resistant. Finally, you can use a tarp from Harbor Freight that is large enough to line the bed and side walls before dumping the gravel in, plus large enough to cover over the top of the gravel during transport.
How do I prevent gravel from getting into the seams of the spare tire cover?
To prevent gravel from getting into the seams of the spare tire cover, you should vacuum out all the gravel regularly. Additionally, you can use a rubber mat or BedRug to block the seams when hauling that type of material.
Is a spray-in liner necessary for my truck bed?
A spray-in liner is not necessary for your truck bed since it is already protected and durable. The bed does not have any metal to rust out or paint to chip away, so a mat of some sort will serve to cover the seams and make cleaning easier when you are doing messy jobs.
Does BedRug work well for truck beds?
BedRug works very well for truck beds since it is durable, easily cleaned, and soft to climb upon. However, it may be difficult to fit in certain trucks due to the floating hinge cover. If you have a floating hinge cover, you may want to consider a rubber mat or tarp instead.
What is the best way to clean my truck bed?
The best way to clean your truck bed is to use a pressure washer and a mild detergent. This will help remove any dirt, debris, and gravel that has accumulated in the bed. Additionally, you can use a vacuum cleaner with an attachment specifically designed for truck beds to get into all the nooks and crannies. Finally, if you have a spray-in liner, you can use a soft brush and soapy water to clean it.