I ran the BedRug Classic Bed Mat for about 4 years, and it did exactly what it was designed to do. It protected the bed floor, added grip, and made the Tacoma bed far more comfortable inside for gear, camping, and weekend trips.
I recently took the GFC camper off to swap in a JD Fabrication Spring Under long travel kit, and during the time I had the camper off, it rained on a few steel parts I had left in the back of the truck, which caused some rust to form on the bed mat.
So I thought this was a good time to clean the bed out and upgrade to a full bed liner… since over the years I had the bed mat installed, I was extremely happy with it.
Unlike the classic bed mat, the bed liner adds full coverage along the bed walls, front bulkhead, and tailgate area.
I wanted to break down the pros and cons of each and which one makes the most sense, depending on how you use your truck.
Find It Online
- Classic Bed Mat (covers only the bed floor): Check Price
- Classic Bed Liner (covers the bed floor plus the sides, front wall, tailgate area): Check Price
Table Of Contents
BedRug Classic Bed Mat Pros
The classic bed mat is a great entry point for getting something in the back of your truck quickly and is somewhat affordable. It’s super easy to install and works great for open bed setups or camper setups; however, if you leave any metal in the back of your truck uncovered, rust will eventually accumulate.
This bed mat, pictured above, has been put through many years of abuse off-roading, overlanding, camping, and general daily truck use, and not once has it failed. No huge rips through the mat, no major bowing or movement. It just flat out works.
Over time, the center of the mat started to show signs of wear. The fibers in the mat started to fray a bit, overall I’d say it’s still in pretty decent shape after all these years.
It wasn’t until I took the camper off and left a steel skid plate in the back that rust started to form in that one spot. That’s really my only complaint, and I can’t even complain about it, because it was my own fault.
Some of the pros…
- Beyond easy install with minimal prep and no permanent modification
- Lower cost compared to a full liner kit
- Comfortable surface for kneeling, crawling, or sliding gear in and out
- Easy removal if you want to clean the bed or change setups
- Good choice for light duty hauling and weekend use
BedRug Classic Bed Mat Cons
I can’t think of many cons given the pros of the classic mat. It really was a great little addition to the Tacoma with a GFC camper covering it.
I don’t know if I would run this bed mat without a camper, though, just because I do transport lots of steel from time to time, and it’s easy to forget what you have in the back of your truck sometimes. When the first rain hits, and you have any type of steel/iron on the floor, rust will form. It doesn’t matter if it’s a skid plate, a nail, a bolt, or even just a random socket from a tool set… when the rug gets wet, and there’s anything steel touching it, it will cause oxidation, and rust will form instantly. It doesn’t take long. The sooner you can catch it, the better.
But, if you don’t frequently find bolts, nuts, or steel material on the bed of your truck… or if your bed is covered, then a BedRug bed mat will be a great addition, covered or uncovered. Unless you’re fine with this type of wear.
Some of the cons…
- No side protection so bed walls can still get scratched or dented
- Limited containment for dirt, mud, and debris kicked up from gear
- Less ideal for overland builds, drawer systems, or constant cargo movement
BedRug Classic Bed Liner Pros
Since my bed mat stayed pretty clean while the GFC camper covered it, I expect the same from the full liner. That’s really why I upgraded from the mat to the liner… it just looks so clean all the time. Sure, you have to clean it after off-roading and camping, but once you come home and vacuum everything out, you just can’t beat how clean the bed of your truck looks.
In addition to how clean it looks, you can’t beat the feel of a full carpeted bed interior when you’re camping. I have a 10-year-old daughter and camp with friends who also have kids. The kids love hanging out in the bed of the Tacoma, and with a full carpeted interior, it just feels a bit more cozy for them.
Finally, the fact that the tailgate now has carpet is pretty user-friendly on the knees. I recently installed the Cali Raised Bed MOLLE panels and a Power Tank, and getting in and out was very forgiving on the knees. Just another added bonus of the full liner.
After seeing the full bed liner installed, I’m beyond happy with how clean everything looks.
Some of the pros…
- Full coverage protection for the bed floor, sides, and front wall
- Much cleaner look with a finished, wrapped appearance
- Better gear control since items are less likely to rub or slam into bare metal
- Excellent for camping and overland setups where gear lives in the bed
- Quieter driving experience with reduced rattles and vibration from cargo
BedRug Classic Bed Liner Cons
The whole section of rust still applies to the bed liner. If you get any moisture on the rug and it makes contact with steel, you will find rust.
Cleaning will also be a bit more in-depth after trips, as we will have to vacuum the bed sides, the bulkhead, the floor, and the tailgate. But that’s where the Power Tank comes in. Being able to blow out the bed in tight, hard-to-reach areas will make cleaning a bit easier.
Some of the cons…
- Higher cost than the bed mat only option
- More involved install due to added panels and attachment points
- Not ideal if you frequently haul loose gravel, mulch, or construction debris
Which One Is Best?
The Classic Bed Mat is a solid option if you want basic protection, easy removal, and a comfortable bed floor without committing to full coverage. It works well for daily driving, light hauling, and simple weekend trips.
The Classic Bed Liner is the better choice if your Tacoma sees frequent camping trips and you want the ultimate “cozy” vibes for your wife or kids. The added side and front wall coverage also makes a noticeable difference in long-term protection from scratches and dings.
After running both, the full coverage Classic Bed Liner is a much more dialed setup, but you can’t go wrong with the classic mat either. It really just depends on how you use your truck on a regular basis. I highly recommend the full setup and I’m glad I upgraded.
