Truck bed mat with 5th wheel hitch

[RainbowsEnd]

We've a truck with bed mat that we're wanting to have a 5th wheel hitch installed. Has anyone trimmed their mat for use with a 5th wheel hitch? Has anyone trimmed it to make for easy removal? Do you think it would be better to remove it entirely? Just interested in the pros and cons from more experienced 5th wheel owners.

I was thinking the pad would help with whatever else we hauled in the truck bed and also just not interested in storing it.

Thanks

[rhagfo]

I cut our rubber mat to go around the rails no issues. The TV also has a spray in bed liner.

[Padlin]

I have a rubber mat, cut it in 3 pieces, no issue with it blowing out.

[filrupmark]

Measure twice and cut once. I used a skill saw to cut our rubber mat. Worked great.

[RainbowsEnd]

bpounds wrote:
I would be cautious about splitting it crosswise. You don't want it blowing out on the highway. I know it is heavy, but I've seen entire drop-in liners blown out on the highway.

Thanks good idea

[bpounds]

I would be cautious about splitting it crosswise. You don't want it blowing out on the highway. I know it is heavy, but I've seen entire drop-in liners blown out on the highway.

[RainbowsEnd]

bpounds wrote:
I've always like bed mats. Don't have one right now. It sure makes kneeling down more pleasant on the old knees.

If I had one, I would trim it around the rails, and I would also split it lengthwise down the center, from the front of the bed to the rear edge of the rearmost hitch rail. That would allow it to come out while the hitch is still installed, and the un-split rear portion would still keep it together and in place.

Interesting lengthwise, I was thinking side to side as an option. I know it will be trimmed around the rails so I'll discuss in person with the installer to see the best option for my truck setup will be. I think I just need to see all this visually. Thanks

[bpounds]

I've always like bed mats. Don't have one right now. It sure makes kneeling down more pleasant on the old knees.

If I had one, I would trim it around the rails, and I would also split it lengthwise down the center, from the front of the bed to the rear edge of the rearmost hitch rail. That would allow it to come out while the hitch is still installed, and the un-split rear portion would still keep it together and in place.

Check the Dee Zee products. For example:
Dee Zee bed mat for long bed Super Duty.

[Jhurk]

Durb wrote:
I have a thick Bed-Rug that I trimmed to fit tightly around my bed rails. It works perfectly and does not affect the hitch connections at all. Another benefit is the Bed-Rug is as high as the rails to things slide in and out smoothly without catching on the rails.

I had a bed rug in my 2014 Ram 3500 from previous owner. I removed it when I installed my Anderson gooseneck hitch. I felt that with the toneau cover open while towing with the rain it would get soaked. I have the spray in liner feel that would be cleaner.

[NMDriver]

donn0128 wrote:
Take it out completely. And have a quality spray in bed liner installed. You will not regret it. No more water being held against the steel bed.

X 2

Water, gravel, washers, etc. it all gets under the mat.

[Coach-man]

The mat will flex and possibly cause damage to your hitch, TV, and or your rig! The hitch should not be able to move around. Trim the bed liner so that your hitch mounts to the steel on the bed!

[Likes_to_tow]

Cut around my rails like everyone else. Works great. Plus I have a spray in liner too. This extra heavy duty rubber mat allows me to haul stuff without worry that I am hurting the expensive spray in liner. Hauled some concrete block last week to a job site......no problem.

[guidry]

Another vote for the Bedrug mat! very easy to install, cut around rails and take out when not needed. It comes with velcro strips to stick to the floor. Highly recommend this set up.

[RainbowsEnd]

Thanks for responses. I'm leaning toward having the 5th wheel installer cut out around the rails. I think I'll do some searching for photos or visual examples of what others have done.

We do have the LineX sprayed in, we did that first thing before we took possession of the truck. We also have the Retrax retractable bed cover and so far while keeping it closed the bed has been totally dry. That won't be the case now having it open at times to acess the hitch.

[Durb]

I have a thick Bed-Rug that I trimmed to fit tightly around my bed rails. It works perfectly and does not affect the hitch connections at all. Another benefit is the Bed-Rug is as high as the rails to things slide in and out smoothly without catching on the rails.