Outdoor Mat under awning

[jrennich]

I am looking to get a mat for under our awning and was wondering if anyone on here just uses a tarp instead of the outside mat. The cost difference is almost 4:1 so I thought I would ask if there is any reason why using a tarp would not be a good idea. Any suggestions?

[grhodes50]

Tarps will get slick when wet, which would be a hazzard.
Also some campgrounds only allow the mats designed not to kill the grass underneath.

[mTn_biKer65]

We picked ours up from Walmart for a decent price (sub $50) and haven't had any issues after a years use.

A quick shake & rinse usually keeps it looking as good as new.

[dimurrrw]

Originally Posted by grhodes50

Tarps will get slick when wet, which would be a hazzard.
Also some campgrounds only allow the mats designed not to kill the grass underneath.

Also, tarps tend to blow around unless staked down and, if your "patio" is in even a slight depression, you can end up with a swimming pool under your awning.

[08flagvlite]

I bought a piece of green indoor/outdoor carpet from H.D. You can get the size and amouht you want, water passes through it, and i just fold it over a few times and roll it up, then put a bungee cord around it. Works very well for me! Randy

[Labzy]

We have 3 bamboo mats 4x6, that I have out on the deck. I'm just going to roll them babies up and take with. They dry fast, and are easy to clean :-)

[beanpup]

buy the patio mat! we were skeptical at first and it is now one of my must haves...my in-laws made their maiden voyage with us last week and they have a small patio mat that came with their camper and the one thing my mother-in-law decided she needed to invest in was a bigger patio mat! we got a 9x12 at walmart for 39-49 $ and it is awesome. as some people said it drains water as well as dirt and really saves the inside of the camper...and cleans with hose and broom when you get home...even if it is really dirty, and if you don't have a large area to lay it out to dry, you can lay it over your grass without fear of it killing the grass! we love ours and won't be without...also it is very light weight for its size...we thought about getting indoor outdoor carpet, but are really glad we didn't because of the weight issue (we org. bought when we had our pup last year...glad to have it now for our new tt)

[BOBFIDY]

Originally Posted by 08flagvlite

I bought a piece of green indoor/outdoor carpet from H.D. You can get the size and amouht you want, water passes through it, and i just fold it over a few times and roll it up, then put a bungee cord around it. Works very well for me! Randy

I did the same at Lowes...where I retired from....told them I wanted 4' off a 10' wide roll. Works perfectly for us.

[g0tr00t]

We bought something similar to this.
Deluxe Reversible Patio Mats - 9' x 12' - Product - Camping World

What I like about it is that at the state parks with the dirt/sand we park on, this thing is great since it filters out through the weave and doesn't get dragged into the RV. It's also easy to clean and dries fast after you rinse it out.

[papap]

We got a piece to fabric that they use for road underlayment. It is a black weave tarp. Works really well. But not much cheaper than the mats. We have been using it for years. But now that they have these new mats and we have a new MH . We also plan to get at mat. LOL

[yvesm]

get the outdoor mats, they drain the water, dry quicker and some allow just enough air and light to go trough so they wont kill the grass

[jrennich]

Thanks for the information everyone. Looks like we will just get a outdoor mat.

[brianb]

Tarps would probably look pretty bad and be slippery when wet. Mats can be a little pricey but they are worth it. Decent ones are light, easy to fold, and keep the mess down in the camper. I bought mine from an ebay store "rvtravelmats"

His prices were really good (for the 9x18), and it included a nice carry bag and stakes. He sells a number of sizes and styles, and the item arrived in no time at all.

rvtravelmats items - Get great deals on Outdoor Rug Beach Mat Camping Mat Blue Floral 9x18 items on eBay Stores!

[hockeytownmom]

Originally Posted by mTn_biKer65

We picked ours up from Walmart for a decent price (sub $50) and haven't had any issues after a years use.

A quick shake & rinse usually keeps it looking as good as new.

Same here.

[bikendan]

get the awning/patio mat, you won't be disappointed!