- First Name
- Lauren
- Joined
- Aug 20, 2025
- Threads
- 6
- Messages
- 1,002
- Reaction score
- 957
- Location
- Ventura, CA USA
- Vehicle(s)
- 2025 Tacoma Trailhunter LB
- Thread starter
- #1
Bed mat reviews need spice, so I seasoned this by cutting the Michelin bed mat to install VersaTrax L-Track tie-down points.
And I’ll “cut” to the chase: I prefer this Michelin mat for camping and daily use vs. my OEM heavy-duty mat.
If you like reading a lot, here are my musings.
What about our knees and those bed ridges?
On those occasions that I want to go get a load of rocks, or need to be on my knees a lot, I might swap in the thicker, tougher OEM mat. I would just layer it on top. The Michelin mat is softer and much easier on the knees than the spray-in bedliner on my truck, but OEM is best for knee-intensive crawling around.
I could also throw a tarp on top of the Michelin mat before the scoop of rocks…Easier than putting in my 50-lb. 6’ OEM mat, which I’ve said before is truly awful for me to handle although I love it once it’s in. I may end up selling the OEM mat. It would make a good liner for my new shed.
What about stuff sliding around on the TPE?
I put a Husky cargo box and Klein toolbox back into the bed on the Michelin mat. The items are somewhat easier to move than with the rubber OEM mat. I am good with it.
Asked wife Jennifer, who handled the product too, what do you think of the Michelin mat? “Oh I like it!”
Tools used:
-Heavy Duty Shears (easily cut the mat)
-Pocket knife (removal of bedliner spray on bed bolts)
-T55 Torx bit used with 3/8” drive hand ratchet and power ratchet
After the cutting of the mat and installation of the L-Tracks, I peeled off the Michelin logo from where its section of mat was cut off on the passenger side. It’s now placed on the bed mat on other side by the compressor. Less chance of it getting mangled on that side.
Fun and ridiculous fact: The round cut out pieces can be made into DIY cupholder liners or even makeshift covers if flanges are left on.
Attached are videos and pics by wife and I. Product links for 4G Tacoma, regular 5’ and 6’ long bed are on this page.
Tread Auto
https://www.treadauto.com/collectio...stom.model=Tacoma&filter.p.m.custom.year=2025
Amazon US 4G Tacoma 5’, 6’, and available Tundra and Ford Ranger Mats
https://a.co/d/0fJFQgqS
Amazon US Michelin Storefront (all products)
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Miche..._=cm_sw_r_apin_ast_store_7BKJ9B5H76WS1M9R0QPC
Thank you @TreadAuto for the opportunity to test and use the Michelin bed mat. I may update this post after our camping trip next week to wine country. We’ll see if cheap Merlot stains the mat……
Happy NFL Week 2!
Lauren & Jennifer
And I’ll “cut” to the chase: I prefer this Michelin mat for camping and daily use vs. my OEM heavy-duty mat.
If you like reading a lot, here are my musings.
What about our knees and those bed ridges?
On those occasions that I want to go get a load of rocks, or need to be on my knees a lot, I might swap in the thicker, tougher OEM mat. I would just layer it on top. The Michelin mat is softer and much easier on the knees than the spray-in bedliner on my truck, but OEM is best for knee-intensive crawling around.
I could also throw a tarp on top of the Michelin mat before the scoop of rocks…Easier than putting in my 50-lb. 6’ OEM mat, which I’ve said before is truly awful for me to handle although I love it once it’s in. I may end up selling the OEM mat. It would make a good liner for my new shed.
What about stuff sliding around on the TPE?
I put a Husky cargo box and Klein toolbox back into the bed on the Michelin mat. The items are somewhat easier to move than with the rubber OEM mat. I am good with it.
Asked wife Jennifer, who handled the product too, what do you think of the Michelin mat? “Oh I like it!”
Tools used:
-Heavy Duty Shears (easily cut the mat)
-Pocket knife (removal of bedliner spray on bed bolts)
-T55 Torx bit used with 3/8” drive hand ratchet and power ratchet
After the cutting of the mat and installation of the L-Tracks, I peeled off the Michelin logo from where its section of mat was cut off on the passenger side. It’s now placed on the bed mat on other side by the compressor. Less chance of it getting mangled on that side.
Fun and ridiculous fact: The round cut out pieces can be made into DIY cupholder liners or even makeshift covers if flanges are left on.
Attached are videos and pics by wife and I. Product links for 4G Tacoma, regular 5’ and 6’ long bed are on this page.
Tread Auto
https://www.treadauto.com/collectio...stom.model=Tacoma&filter.p.m.custom.year=2025
Amazon US 4G Tacoma 5’, 6’, and available Tundra and Ford Ranger Mats
https://a.co/d/0fJFQgqS
Amazon US Michelin Storefront (all products)
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Miche..._=cm_sw_r_apin_ast_store_7BKJ9B5H76WS1M9R0QPC
Thank you @TreadAuto for the opportunity to test and use the Michelin bed mat. I may update this post after our camping trip next week to wine country. We’ll see if cheap Merlot stains the mat……
Happy NFL Week 2!
Lauren & Jennifer
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