GN prep and rubber bed mat.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2022
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GN prep and rubber bed mat.
I have the OEM GN prep and the rubber bed mat on top. I want put holes in the mat to be able to use the hitch with the in. Since I'm just using the GN with a Reese Goosebox and not a classic 5er hitch, I should only require 2 of the pucks for safety chains so I'll probably only cut 2. I'm thinking the 2 in the back nearest the tailgate would be best unless someone has some logical reason to do the other 2 or to do all 4. That rubber mat is pretty tough so I'll probably have to take it out, measure and cut. Probably use a jigsaw. Any advice for this?
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 2,073
Likes: 1,027
From: Michigan
I have the OEM GN prep and the rubber bed mat on top. I want put holes in the mat to be able to use the hitch with the in. Since I'm just using the GN with a Reese Goosebox and not a classic 5er hitch, I should only require 2 of the pucks for safety chains so I'll probably only cut 2. I'm thinking the 2 in the back nearest the tailgate would be best unless someone has some logical reason to do the other 2 or to do all 4. That rubber mat is pretty tough so I'll probably have to take it out, measure and cut. Probably use a jigsaw. Any advice for this?
Jigsaw is good, but you can cut it with a carpet knife. I did so last year.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,937
Likes: 1,221
From: Southern Crescent
Measure 8 times and cut once.
I used a harbor freight hole saw kit that went into my corded Makita 1/2 inch chuck drill motor. I don't think a jig saw would make the nice round holes you'd want. I have a Westin bed mat and that thing was a bit of a challenge to cut through.
I used a harbor freight hole saw kit that went into my corded Makita 1/2 inch chuck drill motor. I don't think a jig saw would make the nice round holes you'd want. I have a Westin bed mat and that thing was a bit of a challenge to cut through.
Cross-Country
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 89
Likes: 45
I have the factory goosneck package, which uses 2 holes on each side for the safety chain mounts. I cut all 5 holes in my DeeZee mat by hand with a razor knife and it turned out great.
I would recommend laying the mat in the bed and center it up perfectly all the way around. In my case the mat was about 1/4" from the end of the bed. I then removed the mat. I used the center of the end of the bed (tailgate opening) as my datum point for measuring the hitch holes. I marked this point with a Sharpie. My first measurement was the center hitch hole from my datum point. Next, I measured out the pattern for the remaining 4 holes off the center hole. Be sure to measure these out as they weren't equal distant from the center hole.
With the mat on the ground, use your Sharpie to mark the same datum point on the mat. You can then lay out all your holes by subtracting the 1/4" (in my case) gap. I traced a roll of tape that was the perfect diameter for the 4 outer holes and I traced a cup for the center hole. I then just did a couple of passes with the RZR knife to cut them out.
Hope this helps. I got great results depsite not having a hole saw.
I would recommend laying the mat in the bed and center it up perfectly all the way around. In my case the mat was about 1/4" from the end of the bed. I then removed the mat. I used the center of the end of the bed (tailgate opening) as my datum point for measuring the hitch holes. I marked this point with a Sharpie. My first measurement was the center hitch hole from my datum point. Next, I measured out the pattern for the remaining 4 holes off the center hole. Be sure to measure these out as they weren't equal distant from the center hole.
With the mat on the ground, use your Sharpie to mark the same datum point on the mat. You can then lay out all your holes by subtracting the 1/4" (in my case) gap. I traced a roll of tape that was the perfect diameter for the 4 outer holes and I traced a cup for the center hole. I then just did a couple of passes with the RZR knife to cut them out.
Hope this helps. I got great results depsite not having a hole saw.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,379
Likes: 1,863
From: Frederick, MD
I used the rear two puck holes. I used a hole saw. Once I did a pilot hole and determined I was good, I inserted a piece of wood underneath the bed mat and drilled away.
When I use the 5th wheel hitch, I just roll the mat up under the tool box.
When I use the 5th wheel hitch, I just roll the mat up under the tool box.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2022
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You must have a thinner mat than mine. I would have to take mine out of the truck to roll it or figure out where the holes need to go.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 837
Likes: 152
From: NE OK
I have a Dualliner mat and cutting it with the hole saw wasn't the easiest, I can't imagine a box knife. I would only do the back two pucks for your use. I took measurements to make sure where to drill and like senix, I drilled pilot holes to confirm I had it right. I drilled the puck holes their actual diameter. I would make them about 1/8" bigger if I did it again, as my mat is thicker and the chain retainers actually rub against the mat, no big deal except one you have wiggle a bit to get the pin in.
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Tuned
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 432
Likes: 132
I have the OEM GN prep and the rubber bed mat on top. I want put holes in the mat to be able to use the hitch with the in. Since I'm just using the GN with a Reese Goosebox and not a classic 5er hitch, I should only require 2 of the pucks for safety chains so I'll probably only cut 2. I'm thinking the 2 in the back nearest the tailgate would be best unless someone has some logical reason to do the other 2 or to do all 4. That rubber mat is pretty tough so I'll probably have to take it out, measure and cut. Probably use a jigsaw. Any advice for this?
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 503
Ahhhhhh, the old lipstick trick for making perfect holes in drywall.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,379
Likes: 1,863
From: Frederick, MD
Had it for several years. I would not say rolling or folding it is easy
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