Looking for advice on what kind of locking mats to go for in our awning. Should we go with the solid one's or the ones with holes. We are going to put down a ground sheet then a breathable ground sheet and then mats on top. Any help with this would be great. Should have said that we are seasonal so we won't be lifting then up and down.
well there would be no point putting down the breathable groundsheet seeing as you have no intention for lifting them, and no point putting a breathable on top of a ground sheet either
We use the solid ones directly onto gravel, so far over 5 years , had no problems at all except for the occasional tile corner curling up. taped down from underneath.
We have very course gravel so no problem with damp.
Great to walk on. Cost Co pack of 8 app £14
I have never used the solid ones, therefore, I cannot comment about them.
However, the ones with holes are very good at reducing the amount of mud going into the tent for certain.
Aldi's have them again on Thu 26 March btw.
DK
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We had both holes and no holes, trouble with holes was chair and table legs getting stuck in holes,.
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We have the holey sort, but then they normally sit directly on grass, and we like to give it half a chance to breath, at least.
If it was to go on top of a non-breathable groundsheet, particularly in an enclosed awning or similarly sheltered from rain, then there's no need for the holes, so go for the full ones.
As Joflo says, some legs/feet can get caught in the holes.
Thanks All, we have been to Aldi today and got the solid mats. Now just got to fit them. Going to the van tomorrow to get started. We tried a few caravan places to get them but with no luck. One place a only 3 pack of 4 and another only had 5 of 4 so waiting for the Aldi ones we saved money because they come in packs of 6.
Not long got back from the weekly shop at Aldi. Had a passing nosy at these mats, not that we need any.
The good news is, these mats are 600mm square (some are only 500mm). But they seem a fair bit thinner than the ones we got about 2 years ago (from elsewhere, but can't remember where!). I'd guess these are about 10mm thick? Ours must be at least 15mm, if my mind ain't playing tricks!
All guesswork mind. I haven't measured them!
I guess they'll be fine on grass, but might be something to consider if anyone's planning on using them on stoney/gravel hard standing?
EDIT:
Having said that, I paid around the same, maybe a pound more (inc delivery) but only got 4 in a pack, as opposed to Aldi's pack of 6 tiles, so that maybe cancels out that little bit of negativity?
EDIT AGAIN:
Just noticed that Aldi link does confirm they are 10mm thick, so at least I guessed that right!
I'll try and remember to measure (the thickness of) mine some time soon, just for future reference!
I popped into Aldi yesterday to pick up a few things, and can confirm the mats are the same as the ones I bought back in 2012 at 60cm x 60cm x 10mm.
DK
------------- Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest & Play!
- 2027: ? NL+DE+FR
- 2026: FR+DE
- 2025: 17/77
'24: 10/49; '23: 9/47;'22: 8/46; '21: 9/34
* Ex-tenter
* Treat life events like a dog: if you can't eat it, play with it or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away!
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Topic: locking mats for a awning
