The BedRug truck bed liner system provides a protective covering for truck beds. Installation requires careful adherence to provided instructions to prevent liner displacement. Kits are available for a wide range of modern pickup trucks and can be a less costly alternative to spray-in liners. The system consists of floor/tailgate and bulkhead/sidewall assemblies, along with necessary hardware and fasteners. Proper preparation, including surface cleaning and potentially accommodating existing tie-downs, is crucial for a secure and lasting installation.
Kit Contents and Required Items
BedRug installation kits, as detailed in the provided documentation, contain specific components designed for a proper fit and secure attachment. Each kit includes the following:
- One BedRug floor/tailgate assembly.
- One BedRug bulkhead/sidewall assembly.
- One hardware kit.
In addition to the supplied kit, several additional items are recommended for installation. These include:
- Safety glasses for eye protection.
- Gloves for hand protection.
- A tool specifically designed to remove existing tie-downs (the type of tool varies depending on the vehicle).
- A utility knife for cutting slits or trimming the BedRug material, particularly for cargo management systems.
- An awl for locating tie-down fasteners and marking placement for holes.
- Approved cleaner, such as rubbing alcohol, for surface preparation.
- For trucks with pre-existing spray-in liners, a specialized kit containing surface-prep pads, additional hook and loop fastener strips, and supplementary instructions is available.
Installation Preparation
Prior to commencing the installation process, several preparatory steps are recommended. The documentation emphasizes the importance of allowing the BedRug liner to acclimate to ambient temperatures. Laying the two liner pieces flat in the sun helps to reduce shape memory caused by shipping and facilitates easier installation.
Most BedRug applications ship as two separate pieces: the bed floor and the sides. These sections are connected by a heavy-duty zipper. The documentation instructs users to carefully zip the two sections together while the liner is still flat outside the truck, beginning on the passenger side and working from underneath.
For vehicles equipped with a spray-in bed liner, a specific kit is required. This kit includes surface-prep pads to enhance adhesion and extra hook and loop fastener strips to compensate for the existing liner. Standard kits are sufficient for bare metal beds.
Installation Procedure
With the BedRug liner assembled and the truck bed prepared, the installation process can begin. The documentation outlines the following steps:
- Position the assembled liner into the truck bed.
- Complete surface preparation as needed, depending on the existing bed condition.
- Remove the adhesive backing from the hook and loop fastener strips.
- Begin attaching the liner to the bed, starting with the floor, then proceeding to the front and finally the sides.
If the truck bed has factory tie-down bolts, the documentation advises locating the provided dimples on the liner and cutting small slits to accommodate the bolts. While reinstalling the tie-down bolts is not strictly required, it is recommended as an added measure to prevent liner shifting over time. A suggested technique is to place the tie-down bolts through their brackets and then punch through the liner before installing the side panels, simplifying alignment.
Important Warnings and Cautions
The provided documentation includes several critical warnings and cautions that must be observed during installation.
A prominent warning states that improper installation will result in the liner flying out of the truck. Therefore, strict adherence to the provided instructions is paramount.
It is imperative to never cut or create slits through any seams or sewn areas of the BedRug material unless specifically instructed to do so. Such alterations will compromise the integrity of the seams and potentially lead to separation.
The documentation also includes the following legend for interpreting instructions:
- STOP: Indicates a process that, if not followed correctly, may cause damage to the vehicle.
- OPERATOR SAFETY: Highlights potential risks of injury and the need for caution.
- CAUTION: Denotes a process that requires careful observation to prevent damage to the accessory or vehicle and ensure a quality installation.
- TOOLS & EQUIPMENT: Identifies the specific tools and equipment recommended for each process.
Considerations for Existing Bed Liners
The documentation acknowledges that some vehicles may already have a spray-in bed liner installed. In these cases, a specialized kit is necessary. This kit includes surface-prep pads to aid in adhesion and extra hook and loop fastener strips to ensure a secure bond over the existing liner. The instructions for installing the liner over a spray-in liner differ from those for a bare metal bed and should be followed carefully.
Conclusion
The BedRug truck bed liner system offers a protective and customizable solution for truck bed owners. Successful installation hinges on careful preparation, strict adherence to the provided instructions, and attention to the warnings and cautions outlined in the documentation. Utilizing the correct tools and components, particularly the specialized kit for vehicles with existing spray-in liners, is essential for a secure and long-lasting installation. The system’s modular design, with separate floor and sidewall assemblies connected by a zipper, simplifies the installation process.