Protecting the truck bed

[DaVinci]

I have a longbed 8ft. long and the paint is still good after being protected by a thick piece of carpet and a shell. Now I need to do lots of hauling of rock/sand, so the shell is off and carpet removed, but I don't want to do the Rhino liner type coating, just some sort of lay-in protector.

I was thinking maybe some sheet metal over plywd, to protect (temporarily) from shovels, rocks, etc. Only thing is it's one of those beds that is 4ft. between the wheel wells, plus the extra foot beyond that in width, so I'll need at least two 4'x8' sheets of whatever I use to protect the whole surface.

Any ideas how to do this? or post what you use. Simple plywd might work, but will get beat up from the scooping of shovels. And then there's the seam I'm sure will be a nuisance.

[whateg0]

Is this for a temporary thing? They make heavy rubber mats that are either fit to the bed, or you can buy them and cut them yourself to fit. After you're done, you can just roll it up and stick it in the corner.

http://www.truckchamp.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=555&gclid=CP72n4uRiJICFQMGxgodPG86Cw

Dave

[DaVinci]

hmm...interesting for about $65. I was thinking something more slick and smooth, temporary...only in when I need to pick up a load of gravel...then easy to scoop/sweep out. Wonder if something like this product can be bought locally instead of ordered, due to the wait involved.

4'x8' sht. of light galv. from Home Depot? Or who might carry that?

Forgot to mention I also have one of those crank-out load unloaders that likes a smooth surface, minimal drag.

[greywynd]

If you're that concerned about your truck, why not either pay the extra to have it delivered, or use a trailer instead?

[DaVinci]

If you're that concerned about your truck, why not either pay the extra to have it delivered, or use a trailer instead?nah, not good options for me

[Trent Combs]

Go to HD and get two sheets of 1/2" OSB and a 6x9' roll of vinyl flooring. Cut the ply to fit and glue the vinyl over it. Smooth, seamless and cheap. With a little care when shoveling, it'll hold up fine.

[DaVinci]

Go to HD and get two sheets of 1/2" OSB and a 6x9' roll of vinyl flooring. Cut the ply to fit and glue the vinyl over it. Smooth, seamless and cheap. With a little care when shoveling, it'll hold up fine.
Bingo!
That's so weird because that's nearly exactly what I ended up doing. Instead of vinyl flooring, it's sheet vinyl, similar to FRP. I'm cutting it to fit now. Did a cardboard template to deal with all the funny curves.

Thanks for posting.