How to Select an RV Awning Mat

What's Your Camping Style?

• 1

  Consider the types of environments where your RV will be parked. If you are more likely to visit a neatly manicured RV park with concrete parking pads and patios, just about any kind of RV awning mat will do. From AstroTurf to polypropylene, choose a mat that suits your style and will fit in your storage compartment. For campers who enjoy roughing it in wilderness areas or state parks, you'll want a breathable mat that won't kill grass underneath it. One type of breathable mat is made with bamboo. If you'll mostly be camping in dirt, consider thicker mats with extra padding to lessen the impact of rocks on the bottoms of your feet.

• 2

  Measure the size of the area underneath your RV. First, retract your awning, then measure lengthwise, covering the area from the door steps to the other end of the awning. Next, measure out from the side of the RV to the outer edge of the awning. You'll want a mat that covers just inside this area because you don't want too much rain or dirt to fall from the awning onto your mat.

• 3

  Look for an awning mat that has enough anchors to securely stake the mat to the ground. Although many awning mats have ties or grommet holes that will enable you to secure it enough so it doesn't blow away, some mats don't have enough and will require users to add additional weight by placing rocks or heavy objects on top. If you don't want to go on a scavenger hunt every time you need to secure your awning mat to the ground, be sure to pick one with at least three anchors on each side of the mat.

• 4

  Comparison shop for RV awning mats. Although you can find pre-made mats in a variety of sizes and different prices, the price you pay will depends on the materials, who makes it and the overall size. Awning mats made by your RV awning's manufacturer that match your awning fabric will cost more than a pre-made one from a retail outlet. Reversible mats might sound nice, but when one side is exposed to rocks and repeated use, scratches will inevitably appear on the surface, making the second side less attractive. And although inexpensive mats might have a good price, their quality may not stand up to full-time RVing use. All mats should be small enough to roll up and stow away in your RV's storage bin.