Matting Question

[Bkerk123]

Hi All,

I want to get some matting for the front of the camper to keep down the dirt and leaves being dragged in; Im thinking of just getting some shadecloth, folding it over and sewing the sides, rather than getting the more expensive annex matting on the market.

Does anyone else do this, or should I re-consider buying the Annex Matting?

Cheers!

[nbd73]

Reconsider, it's the best $200 you will spend. There are other posts on this topic on here, do a search. One of the very few modern day "gadget style" purchases that will live up to the hype.  The main key is not to get the matting wet or it will clog. But kept relatively dry they simply work as promised. Could you ask any more?

[Sicilianmama]

We have the cgear mats & they are awesome

[KingBilly]

Just spent three nights on a wet camp ground.  We use Oztrail shade mesh under the CT tent floor and normal shade cloth in the annex (came with our Customline CT).  Both are edged and have eyelets if you need to peg them down (which we don't).  Just need to give the annex floor a sweep each day and all is good.  Handled the wet mud being dragged in by the kids without a problem.  When we packed up, noticed several tents being packed with dirty tent bottoms covered in mud.  Packed our CT up and it was as clean as.  No mud.  Shade cloth was a bit dirty but will fall off when next used.

Just a different opinion if you don't want to spend the big dollars.

KB

[GeoffA]

Hi Bkerk123,

When we were tenters, we had some normal 12' shade cloth. No edging, no eyelets, just drove pegs through it where needed. It went all the way under the tent, and extended out under the awning. It lasted for years.

We got a TrakShak camper, and used the same piece of shade cloth. Again, under the camper floor, and extending out under the awning. It went with the camper when we sold it, still in great condition.

We now have a C-Gear mat that we use with our current camper, if we're setting up for a long stay. Also have an Oz-Trail mat we use with our Black Wolf tent. The Oz-Trail mat (from BCF) was MUCH cheaper, but does the exact same job as the C-Gear mat. It's material and finish is nowhere near the quality of the C-Gear mat, but the price difference reflects that.

I wouldn't ever again put a tent/camper on the ground without some sort of shade cloth mat under the tent/camper floor, and extending out under the awning. They greatly reduce dirt inside, provide protection to the floor, and also, as KingBilly has said, give a clean area to pack up on.....

IMO, it doesn't matter whether you use plain old shade cloth, buy a cheap Oz-Trail mat, or stump up for a C-Gear mat. They will all do the same job, just look and last differently.

My 2 bobs worth.....

 

[Bkerk123]

Thanks for all the feedback!

I'm off tomorrow to get some proper matting; I was sold on the Oztrail, but have seen this one at Supercheap Auto... 

http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/online-store/products/EXPLORE-ANNEX-FLOOR-MATTING.aspx?pid=215732#Description

Either one will/should do the trick!

Once again thanks for your help

[Trex_s4m1]

i bought the same one from supercrap but havent used it yet. not badly priced and should serve the purpose. as all the others will do as mentioned. most of all get out there and give it a trial

[McGirr]

We use these ones...see attatched pics.

They come in different sizes and fold out. The dirt falls through it and so does water. They are think and ideal for rough ground.

You can buy them at asian grocery stores

Mark

[sablesoft]

We have the cgear mats & they are awesome

X2, Cgear is the way to go.

Ray

[SteveandViv]

Hi All,

I want to get some matting for the front of the camper to keep down the dirt and leaves being dragged in; Im thinking of just getting some shadecloth, folding it over and sewing the sides, rather than getting the more expensive annex matting on the market.

Does anyone else do this, or should I re-consider buying the Annex Matting?

Cheers!

We use the shade cloth and do just what you said. Have a few smaller pegs to hold it in place and was 20 bucks verse 250 or what ever.

[fishfinder]

had the same shade cloth for at least 10 years still in good condition no eyelets just drive some pegs through after it is spread out never use the matting so can not comment on that  but why change to something else when the shade cloth works fine

[blue2u]

x3 CGear is brilliant, far better than my old oztrail.

John

[Kit_e_kat9]

We use the cheapest stuff of all.  1 x black outdoor mat with holes for fall through.  It cost $8 from a hardware.  Shoes & thongs (the foot kind) stay outside.  Under the awning, it's all as nature has provided.

Kit_e