 The list of installation tools is pretty short and definitely not high-tech: a bottle of isopropyl alcohol, a clean soft cloth, a pair of scissors, a screwdriver (to r&r the factory tie-downs) an awl (for punching holes for the factory tie-down screws). The 50-ft of high strength Velcro strips and two packets of 3M Automotive Adhesion Promoter 4298 comes with the kit. |
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The BedTred, introduced at the 2009 SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Assoc.) Show in November, is the next generation bed liner from Wise Industries, the makers of the BedRug. In fact, the BedTred impressed the folks at SEMA so much that it won a “2009 SEMA Best New Exterior Accessory Award.”
The BedTred is a full liner that provides a rugged, textured surface that looks like a sprayed-in liner. BedTred’s literature says its UV and chemical resistant materials are custom formed designs to fit the contours and shapes of specific truck applications. It’s made from 1/4-inch TPO composite (Thermoplastic polyolefin) that is flame bonded to a layer of water-proof, closed-cell foam. So the textured surface prevents whatever your cargo is from sliding while the foam and non-woven fiber backing cushions and prevents damage to the cargo and the truck’s bed. They also say that it’s a quick and easy install, so we lassoed BedRug’s (BedTred’s) National Sales Manager, Ryan Herman from his national tour introducing the BedTred to retailers and distributors, to stop by and show us just how easy it is. The install is definitely not complicated as we did it with a minimal number of tools and in the parking lot of our corporate offices. And we have first bragging rights to being the first magazine to cover a BedTred install.
 1. The kit comes in a single UPS-able box. Ryan suggests doing the install on a warm day (at least 70-degrees) as it helps the BedTred material be more pliable to conform to the truck bed’s contours and also helps the adhesive backed Velcro tape adhere to the bed’s surface. Here we have pulled the BedTred out and letting it warm up in the sun while we made sure that the truck’s bed was clean and dry. |
 2. We cut the Velcro strips into specific lengths and applied them to key positions on the BedTred panels, such as the contours outlining the wheel wells, as explained in the instructions. Once all the strips are mounted on all five of the BedTred panels, we’re ready to start installing them. |
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  3a&b. The bulkhead panel is the first to be installed. Before pulling the protective covering from the Velco tape, we test fit the panel so we know how it’s supposed to line up. We then wipe the areas on the truck bed where the Velcro strips will attach with an alcohol moistened cloth to clean the surface for good adhesion. |
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   4ab&c. Then starting across the bottom edge, we pull the protective strips then press and smooth the panel onto the bulkhead’s sheetmetal from the center to the ends. Working our way up the panel we pull the next Velco strip and kind of roll the panel up the bed wall from the bottom, to the middle, to the top. |
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   5ab&c. Next, the side panels are installed and the same procedure goes for them: test fit, wipe clean with alcohol, pull protective strips and work from the bottom, then front to back pressing the adhesive Velcro strips on to the bed sides. The only difference here is that the holes for the tie-down loops need to be located, punched with an awl and the loops re-installed. Note how nubby the textured anti-skid surface is. |
  6a&b. After both sides are installed, the floor panel slides in and is lined up at the bulkhead. Then starting from the middle, the same clean, pull protective strips, smooth and press on to bed floor procedure is done. Note: Because the floor and tailgate are subjected to tougher duty than the sides, wider Velcro tape is used on these panels. |
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  7a&b. Here’s where the 3M Automotive Adhesion Promoter 4298 packet comes into play. It contains an application pad that is wiped on the plastic tailgate cap for enhanced bonding of the tailgate panel. Press the panel on and voila! You’re done! |
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