If you find yourself in a situation where you have to haul dirty or oily equipment in the bed of your pickup truck, you may wonder the best way is to keep the bed from getting stained or filthy. If so, use the tips below to protect your truck's bed.

Spray The Bed With Silicone Lubricant Spray To Prevent Oil Stains

Before loading your truck bed with oily rags or mechanical equipment, use a silicone-based lubricant spray to apply a thin layer on the bottom surface. The spray creates slick, protective barrier that keeps oil from penetrating the paint and causing unsightly stains.

After you have hauled and unloaded your cargo, clean the bed by using a broom first to sweep out any dust or other debris. Then, spray the bed with a hose. Any oil should easily glide off of the surface. Once you have rinsed the bed, use a lint-free mechanic's cloth to wipe up any residual oil.

Line The Bed With A Tarp Or Sheet To Keep The Surface Clean

Another way to protect the bed of your truck is to line it with a large tarp or sheet to keep any dirt, mud or oil away from the surface. This can be especially useful if what you are hauling has sharp edges, since the physical barrier can help prevent scratches in the paint.

To line the bed, pull the tarp or sheet across the top, pulling the edges over the sides. Then, push it down around the inside walls of the truck bed, leaving a little slack so that the tarp or sheet will not pull off when the cargo is placed on top of it.

Once the barrier is in position, place something in each corner of the bed to secure it, such as a brick or small rock. If you will be filling your truck up with equipment or junk, use bungee cords to secure the tarp or sheets against the walls of the bed so that nothing scratches or dirties the sides of it.

The above tips can help keep your truck's bed from getting overly dirty if you occasionally haul dirty loads. However, if you find you are frequently having to use your truck for this purpose, you may want to contact a truck equipment and supply store that sells accessories to see about having a durable, protective liner installed.

For more information, contact a company like The Hitch House.