Forum Discussion

Pete_k's avatar
Pete_k
Explorer
Dec 23, 2021

Bed mat and cutting out for factory bed holes?

Ordered the new 3500 with the factory puck system in the bed. Now I did not get the factory spray in bed liner. Going to put the rubber bed mat in when it makes it here. But would like to cut around all 5 circle covers in the bed. Figure if I cut the new mat to fit those parts. That would allow me to use the 5th wheel frame and the goose neck ball. While still having the mat in place. Anyone find a easy way to lay out mat to fit these and cut the mat?
I'm thinking hole-saw and lay the mat down with the covers off the puck sections. Then find the center of those holes. Cut out big enough for the whole cover on each.
Will be spraying the white Bed Liner on the sides of the bed. Along with the tailgate next spring/Summer. But want the floor to only have the bed mat.
Sorry for such a long winded question. But these days I'm bad about this.

Pete
  • Bed mat will be 3/16" for that reason. With the picture frame in the truck. A 3/16 piece of lexan, just fits. I can adjust the pucks to take care of some of that if need be.
    I'm thinking lift up one side at a time. Put red lipstick on the bed cover lips. Then lay the mat back down. But have a section of Vinyl floor in the shop. Its 5ft by 10ft. Thinking I will use it as a template. Get everything right, then use to it to drill the holes out.
    May have to pick up a 4x8 1/4" mat Monday. If I buy the camper were going to look at. To get it home on. If so they also have a 5x8 mat. May just buy it and cut to fit the truck. AS the DEZ-DZ86916 - Dee Zee Truck Bed Mat has been moved back to Mid Jan now. So if I go this route. I will cancel that order. They told me yesterday It would not be an issue if I did not wait until Jan to cancel that mat.
  • IF you find that you’re able to do this and the bed mat does not conflict with the adapter (I’m doubtful as well), using some sort of “transfer marks” to layout will be difficult and likely not perfect.
    Do the layout like this.
    - Mark center of bed and center of mat transversely.
    - Mark center of GN hole longitudinal measuring from front of bed and front of mat (after you account for how mat fits if not tight to the front of the bed.
    - measure and mark 5ver holes from center of gn hole as reference.
    -check square and dimensions before scribing holes to cut.
    -run hole saw in reverse if using a hole saw. Or just cut with a utility knife. Hole saw will burn through the rubber essentially but works good, although you’ll probably need a second handle on the drill.
  • zb39 wrote:
    If your mat is to thick the B&W hitch may not work.
    Same is true for the Ram "picture frame adapter", too. Some clearance between the bed and bottom of the adapter, but not a lot.
  • If your mat is to thick the B&W hitch may not work.
  • When using any products to transfer an outline, be it chalk, ink or paint, the mat needs to be dropped in place correctly the first time. No sliding or shifting!
    You might be able to get an impression once it is centered-
  • rhagfo's avatar
    rhagfo
    Explorer III
    Just wondering how thick your mat is? The seems much more than 1/4” could cause issues with fit.
  • Rub chalk on the pucks and lay the mat down to transfer chalk to the underside so you know where to drill with hole saw. Maybe even slightly under
    size the holes so they have to be stretched over any lip?
  • Make a card board template. Youtube any video about scribing (countertops, flooring) and see if it makes sense. A saying instilled in my youth..."trust your marks"
    Then go wild with the power tools!