Cat Ultra Tough Heavy Duty Truck Tailgate Mat Pad Protector

In this review the Cat Ultra Tough Heavy Duty Truck Tailgate Mat is presented for truck owners who need a strong, waterproof tailgate cover that doubles as a work surface. The bottom line: it is a heavy, extra-thick rubber pad that protects bare metal tailgates from dings, dents and scratches while providing a sturdy area for tools and gear. Installation is straightforward for those comfortable trimming rubber and drilling into bare metal, and the mat's weight and thickness make its protective claims credible.

Key Features

• Heavy Duty Construction: The 62in x 21in mat is made from thick rubber and weighs about 15 lbs, delivering robust impact and abrasion protection for a pickup tailgate.
• Waterproof and Weather Resistant: The rubber material sheds water and resists weathering so it helps prevent rust and corrosion on a bare metal tailgate.
• Trim-to-Fit Design: The pad can be cut with scissors or a utility knife to fit specific tailgate dimensions, allowing a tailored fit for many pickup models.
• Multifunction Work Surface: The durable rubber creates a stable, non-slip surface for using tools and staging equipment directly on the tailgate during jobs or projects.
• Durability: The material resists cracking, splitting and deformation under heavy-duty use so it maintains protection over time.
• Includes Installation Hardware: The package is intended to include screws for fastening to bare metal tailgates and requires a 9/64 drill bit for installation.

Who It's For

This tailgate mat is well suited to tradespeople, landscapers, contractors and DIY owners who frequently haul heavy tools or equipment and want to protect a bare metal tailgate from impact and abrasion. It also fits owners who value a multifunction tailgate that doubles as a temporary workbench or staging area on site.

Owners of trucks with plastic tailgates should look elsewhere because this pad is designed specifically for bare metal tailgates and is not compatible with plastic surfaces. People unwilling to trim material or drill into the tailgate may prefer a no-drill, model-specific cover instead.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Thick, heavy rubber construction gives reliable protection against dents, scratches and heavy tools.
• Waterproof, easy to clean material that resists cracking and long-term deformation.
• Trim-to-fit capability lets users customize the pad for different tailgates and creates a sturdy work surface.
• From a trusted brand with automotive accessory experience, offering sensible build quality.

Cons

• The included screws are reported inconsistently by buyers, so replacement fasteners may be needed for a secure install.
• Requires cutting and drilling during installation, which adds time and basic tools to the setup process.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Cat Ultra Tough tailgate mat is a practical, heavy-duty protector for truck owners who need real impact resistance and a usable work surface on a bare metal tailgate. It offers solid value for tradespeople and frequent haulers thanks to its thickness, waterproof build and long-lasting rubber construction, though buyers should be prepared to trim and fasten the mat and possibly source better screws if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this mat be trimmed to fit any truck tailgate?
Yes, it is designed to be trimmed with scissors or a utility knife so you can customize the 62in x 21in pad to your tailgate dimensions.

Is this compatible with plastic tailgates?
No, the product is intended for bare metal tailgates and is not compatible with plastic tailgate surfaces.

Are screws included and what tools are needed?
The mat is intended to include hardware screws and requires a screwdriver, power drill and a 9/64 drill bit for installation; some users reported issues with the supplied screws and sourced replacements.