Jo and I are currently camping NW of Pagosa Springs and since I have been dragging in a wee bit of dirt, she came up with a question. You see, Jo doesn't do forums, so I get to ask any questions that she comes up with. And usually, they are good questions.
What are all of you using for an outdoor carpet or mat at the RV entrance to keep out dirt and other stuff?
We have debated whether to get an indoor/outdoor rug, or something that is plastic and easy to hose or sweep off. What are your thoughts and ideas?
Thanks in advance for any replies.
Terry
Luvglass said
09:00 PM Aug 24, 2009
We use a bristly plastic door mat that you can get at Walmart or Home Depot. It shakes out easily and stores in the basement when we move.
two travelers said
09:54 PM Aug 24, 2009
I have this nice 10x 8 plactic woven rug that I got fro QVC but you can get them at Wal Mart and in the Camper supply catalogs... I usually put a standard out side door mat at the bottom of the step and a standard entrance rug that can be thrown in the washer inside the door... We camp in state parks and what not so we are usually on dirt not a concert pad...I also have a handy dandy vacum stick that sits out in case someone name not to be mentioned tracks something in ...patti
phyllen said
04:37 AM Aug 25, 2009
We have an indoor/outdoor carpet we use. We also won a Plastic type carpet at the Good Sam rally last year. I actually prefer the indoor/outdoor.
And of course, we put carpet pads on the steps. Catches lots of the dirt and makes the steps safer in damp weather.
Sandra said
08:03 AM Aug 25, 2009
I used to use just a regular rug but last week I bought one of those outdoor scratchy mats. Much better! I also usually leave the broom outside in case anyone might like to sweep their boots off when they come in from wandering around doing photograpy (my DH). We also take our shoes off at the door - usually.....
Howard said
08:23 AM Aug 25, 2009
Terry,
I think we use the same kind of door mat that Fred uses. I believe it is the Durascrape made by AstroTurf. Here is the Camping World link:
We use that mat 100% of the time no matter where we are parked. It's wonderful. We started out with a more conventional door mat, but that went away quickly. The coarser bristles on the Durascrape work much better and, though it looks prickly for bare feet, it's not.
We have a patio mat as well. It's the Leisure Mat from Camping World:
We started out with the usual 9 X 12 reversible patio mats that almost everyone uses. But we quickly learned that those things fade fast and disintegrate over time. The Leisure Mat a little more expensive, but it is much more durable. It's a 7 X 15 mat. The biggest problem with it is that it only comes in green, so it doesn't match most rigs.
Cindy T said
08:52 AM Aug 25, 2009
We use the 9x12 patio mat from Camping World, then at the bottom of the steps we use a small outdoor mat for wiping feet, on each step are the individual step covers, then inside the rig is an indooor throw rug that's washable. We also keep a broom by the door to sweep out dirt quickly. All of this works well together to keep things clean even though we always boondock & are playing in the dirt a lot!
bjoyce said
09:52 AM Aug 25, 2009
We also have a boot scraper that I put out when it is really dirty out.
thebearII said
10:13 AM Aug 25, 2009
Same as Fred, Patty & Howard the patio mat and the durascape door mat.
It's amazing how much dirt comes out of that door mat when you shake it after a few days.
And since we tend to camp where the weather is nice we wear sandals most of the time so we usually take them off and go barefoot in the RV.
Camper_Boy said
08:10 PM Aug 25, 2009
We have a mat that we got from a lady who custom makes them in Florida. They are not "plastic" but a really nice, pliable vinyl material that comes in many colors. They let sand, dirt, and water pass right through them, so they stay really clean and hardly need to be shaken out when you pack up. They also fold up nice and small. This is a great mat - much nicer than the ones you get at Camping World or anywhere else. They are more money, but well worth it.
The company is J & J Sunshades, and the website is
We use a 3 x 6 piece of indoor/outdoor carpet covered with two high qualifty door mats.
But it really doesn't matter. The best anyone can do is "reduce" the dirt tracked into the rig. If that weren't a true statement, we wouldn't be having this discussion.
Terry and Jo said
09:00 AM Aug 26, 2009
Thanks, everyone. This is a lot of help.
Perhaps we can now keep peace in the family.
(Just kidding. After nearly 41 years together, I think we are pretty well adjusted to each other.)
Terry
Judy said
10:25 AM Aug 26, 2009
We also purchased a mat that is big enough to run along side our rv, we love it. Bought it in Florida and its like the one Camperboy posted in the above entry. The wind does not pick it up and dirt and sun will not hurt it. Its wonderful and well worth the money we spent for it. We bought the shade for the awning also. Comes in many colors. They will cut as much as you need and there are also rements. You can use it on grass and it will not hurt the grass. We bought it in Center Hill, Florida. southwestjudy
We use the 9x12 patio mat from Camping World, then at the bottom of the steps we use a small outdoor mat for wiping feet, on each step are the individual step covers, then inside the rig is an indooor throw rug that's washable. We also keep a broom by the door to sweep out dirt quickly. All of this works well together to keep things clean even though we always boondock & are playing in the dirt a lot!
+1 The big rug and the bristle mat before the door mat works pretty well
no hurry said
08:09 AM Sep 13, 2009
Terry and Jo wrote:
Jo and I are currently camping NW of Pagosa Springs and since I have been dragging in a wee bit of dirt, she came up with a question. You see, Jo doesn't do forums, so I get to ask any questions that she comes up with. And usually, they are good questions.
What are all of you using for an outdoor carpet or mat at the RV entrance to keep out dirt and other stuff? We have debated whether to get an indoor/outdoor rug, or something that is plastic and easy to hose or sweep off. What are your thoughts and ideas?
Thanks in advance for any replies.
Terry
-- Edited by no hurry on Sunday 13th of September 2009 08:11:12 AM
KarenInTheWoods said
10:09 AM Sep 13, 2009
About 15 years ago I bought this rubber mat at a camping store (now defunct) in Wisconsin. I think its about 8ft wide and 20 ft long. It's similar to the same material as shelf liner, only stronger. It has been used almost every weekend spring summer and fall for 15 years and holding up pretty good. Not a hole in it. Kids, dogs, chairs, and plenty of camping trips, that is for sure. We just fold it up and toss in a big black garbage for storage in our basement compartments.
All the dirt, sand and water falls through. Hoses off easily and dries fast.
Sorry, there is no name on it or manufacturering mark at all.
TheBobGuy said
12:33 PM Sep 13, 2009
Hi guys...there is a little outfit in Centre Hill, FL that makes the composite woven type of mats that others have mentioned... a material that lasts almost forever and lets the dirt and water go through....on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays, they have their "outlet" open and you can buy this "fabric" by the yard, in any size you want for pennies on the dollar. We have several of them in varying sizes and colors. My favorite one is about 4 ft by 5 ft and we paid $2.00 for it! You can use it just as it is, or you can have them custom cut and sew the yardage into sunscreens, mats, etc.
They also operate the "custom made" booth in the Webster Flea Market and you can spend lots more $$$$ if you want to go there and have them made!
This makes a great "patio" area in front of your door (or wherever), and we then use a bristled mat next to the entry door...really keeps down the dirt in the MH:)
HUGS! M&B
Judy said
12:54 PM Sep 13, 2009
TheBobGuy....this is also where we bought ours love it and I have never seen this fabric until we visited the little store they have in Centre Hill. We once bought one at Camping World once and it soon became mildrewy. So if anyone is near this place in Centre Hill I would highly suggest visiting it. southwestjudy
Beemerchef said
06:24 AM Oct 17, 2009
If you like a cool rug made out of recycled plastic with many patterns available, Mad Mats are it! I just love it... Maybe a bit pricey but so soothing to the eyes...
Be well...
Ara & Spirit
Xeries said
05:29 PM Oct 23, 2009
At the risk of sounding like a wise ass, I would say use an outdoor rug for an outdoor rug.
What are all of you using for an outdoor carpet or mat at the RV entrance to keep out dirt and other stuff?
We have debated whether to get an indoor/outdoor rug, or something that is plastic and easy to hose or sweep off. What are your thoughts and ideas?
Thanks in advance for any replies.
Terry
Terry,
Durascrape Door MatI think we use the same kind of door mat that Fred uses. I believe it is the Durascrape made by AstroTurf. Here is the Camping World link:
We use that mat 100% of the time no matter where we are parked. It's wonderful. We started out with a more conventional door mat, but that went away quickly. The coarser bristles on the Durascrape work much better and, though it looks prickly for bare feet, it's not.
We have a patio mat as well. It's the Leisure Mat from Camping World:
Leisure Mat
We started out with the usual 9 X 12 reversible patio mats that almost everyone uses. But we quickly learned that those things fade fast and disintegrate over time. The Leisure Mat a little more expensive, but it is much more durable. It's a 7 X 15 mat. The biggest problem with it is that it only comes in green, so it doesn't match most rigs.
The company is J & J Sunshades, and the website is
http://www.rvmat.com/
We use a 3 x 6 piece of indoor/outdoor carpet covered with two high qualifty door mats.
But it really doesn't matter. The best anyone can do is "reduce" the dirt tracked into the rig. If that weren't a true statement, we wouldn't be having this discussion.
Perhaps we can now keep peace in the family.
(Just kidding. After nearly 41 years together, I think we are pretty well adjusted to each other.)
Terry
southwestjudy
http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/product/deluxe-reversible-patio-mats-9-x-12-/6121
-- Edited by no hurry on Sunday 13th of September 2009 08:11:12 AM
All the dirt, sand and water falls through. Hoses off easily and dries fast.
Sorry, there is no name on it or manufacturering mark at all.
You can use it just as it is, or you can have them custom cut and sew the yardage into sunscreens, mats, etc.
They also operate the "custom made" booth in the Webster Flea Market and you can spend lots more $$$$ if you want to go there and have them made!
This makes a great "patio" area in front of your door (or wherever), and we then use a bristled mat next to the entry door...really keeps down the dirt in the MH:)
HUGS!
M&B
southwestjudy
Maybe a bit pricey but so soothing to the eyes...
Be well...
Ara & Spirit