RV Outdoor Rugs
For some people, one of the most fun things about camping is setting up camp and making their site feel like a little home away from home. There are of course several things that go into creating a cozy and functional campsite. The awning, for example, is an important part of any setup, and chairs are definitely a must-have. Another crucial item? Outdoor rugs for RV camping.
RV outdoor rugs do a lot of things for a campsite. They set the stage, so to speak, giving you a place to call your own. They also help keep your outdoor furniture from getting too dirty, and they help clean your feet before you walk into your RV, ensuring your floors stay as clean as possible.
As you can see, you will definitely want one of these outdoor RV rugs. That said, there are some things you’ll want to know first. If you’ve been wondering which are the best outdoors RV rugs, how to care for your rug, or anything else about camping rugs, read on. We will discuss all of these things and more.
What is the best material for an outdoor rug?
One of the most important things to look at when shopping for an RV outdoor rug is the material it’s made from. Some materials are better at preventing mildew; some are natural and better for the earth; and some will help keep sand away.
Best Overall
Polypropylene is one of the most popular materials for outdoor rugs. This is a synthetic material that is tough and heat-resistant. It’s breathable enough that grass does not die under the mat, and is mildew-resistant to boot. Lastly, this material has anti-fatigue qualities and dries quickly.
All of these things come together to create what is probably the ideal outdoor RV rug material.
Sand-Free Option
Another great option is woven high-density polyethylene. The weave of this fabric keeps sand from gathering on the outdoor RV mat, making it ideal for sandy environments such as beaches.
This particular material is not as resistant to UV rays or heat as polypropylene, but it is tough, water-resistant, and resistant to cold temperatures. This material is also breathable, helping keep grass green wherever it goes.
Recycled Material
In some cases, you can find RV outdoor patio rugs made entirely of recycled plastic. These are nearly as weather-resistant as the materials mentioned above, meaning they will last quite a while. Best of all, because they’re made using recycled materials, you can feel better about your purchase and how you’re treating the earth.
Great for Kids
Finally, there is the option of foam. While this particular material will mold if left outdoors, it is a great option for taking outside for a few hours, especially if you have a baby or small children who need a clean and dry place to play out of the grass or dirt.
For health reasons, we look for foam material that is PVC-free and phthalate-free. We also appreciate a foam outdoor mat that is thin enough to be folded or rolled easily for storage.
Best RV Outdoor Rugs
Now you know what material your rug should be made from, but that doesn’t necessarily make choosing an outdoor rug any easier. You see, there are an enormous number of RV camping outdoors rugs out there. With so many options on the market, making sure you get the best-quality product can be a little daunting.
Lucky for you, we’ve already done the research so you don’t have to, and we’ve listed the best of the best below. Choose one of the outdoor rugs from this list, and you can rest easy knowing you’re sure to be satisfied with your selection.
Ming’s Mark Mats
A fantastic option for the vast majority of RVers, Ming’s Mark Mats are made using polypropylene. Therefore, they are some of the toughest rugs on the market. These RV outdoor mats stand up to heat, sunshine, and rain without issue. They can be rolled or folded away for storage, come with a carrying bag, and weigh very little, making them easy to take along on any trip.
One of our favorite things about the Ming’s Mark Mats is the fact that they come in so many styles. Whether you’re looking for something big or small, colorful or plain, there is a great option for you!
It should also be noted that very similar mats are sold by Reversible Mats and Stylish Camping. All three brands are good, so if you like one pattern over another, going with one of the other two brands will be just fine.
Camco Reversible RV Outdoor Mats
Camco Reversible RV Outdoor Mats are also a fantastic choice. These mats are also weather-resistant and lightweight. They do not come with a carrying bag, but they do include rust-resistant grommets on each corner, allowing you to stake the rug down should you see fit.
The best thing about the Camco mats is price. You simply cannot beat the low price of these mats. This means you can own more than one mat without breaking the bank, giving you an opportunity to try all the styles available.
Fab Habitat Eco-Friendly RV Patio Mat
Hoping to purchase something a bit more earth-friendly? The Fab Habitat Eco-Friendly RV Patio Mat is for you!
These rugs are made using recycled PET plastic from old water bottles and straws. This helps keep plastic out of oceans and landfills while simultaneously reducing the synthetic materials we create, making this the greenest outdoor rug around.
We love that this rug is mold-resistant, UV-protected, and reversible. It is a bit pricey, but we feel it’s a worthwhile investment to make.
CGear Multimat
Our favorite woven high-density polyethylene rug is the CGear Multimat. The fabric used to make these mats was actually used by the military before it was offered to consumers, and it is definitely military quality.
As mentioned above, mats made with this fabric are sand-free. This is because the sand falls through the weave, but won’t come back through from underneath, giving you a sand-free surface to work or relax on, even in the sandiest of places.
This mat can be held down with stakes, comes in a variety of colors, is reversible, and is super small and lightweight.
Skip Hop Doubleplay Reversible Playmat
Last but not least, we must mention our favorite option for those looking to create an outdoor play area for their kids. The Skip Hop Doubleplay Reversible Playmat is made with PVC-free, phthalate-free foam. It features two different fun and colorful scenes, one on each side of the mat.
We love that this mat is relatively lightweight and can easily be rolled away. We also love the soft, squishy surface it provides and find it ideal for baby playtime as well as exercising or standing for long periods.
Can you leave an outdoor rug outside?
Many people wonder if they can leave their RV camping outdoor rugs outside. The answer depends on what type of rug or mat you’re using and how long you want it to last.
In the vast majority of cases, yes, outdoor RV rugs can be left outside indefinitely. That said, if you plan to leave your outdoor mat out for long periods of time, it is best to clean it and flip it from time to time. Additionally, it’s good to note that rugs left out constantly will not last as long as rugs that are taken in after each weekend of camping.
The one exception to this rule is with foam mats. As mentioned before, foam rugs will accumulate mildew and mold if left out in the elements. Additionally, they may begin to crack or fade over time. For this reason, you will want to take foam mats back inside after each use.
Securing Your RV Mat
To keep your rug firmly in place, insert a few tent stakes into the mat. Some mats have grommets for this purpose. The grommets can be made from either brass or nylon. Brass will rust inevitably, and this rust will eat not only into the mat, but also into the grommet. Therefore, nylon loops at the corner of the mat are the best way to secure your mat.
How do you keep outdoor rugs from mildewing?
If you’ve dealt with mold or mildew on an outdoor rug before, you probably want to make sure you avoid having the same problem again. The good news is most outdoor rugs for RV camping are mold- and mildew-resistant, meaning it’s pretty easy to ensure they don’t develop these issues.
By following the simple steps below, you should have a clean, mold-and-mildew-free mat for many, many camping trips.
Clean Your Rug
RV outdoor rugs can get pretty dirty, even when you’ve only been out for a few days. Make sure you clean all mud, food, and other gunk off of your rug before putting it away to avoid trapping moisture. You can do this by shaking the rug out and wiping down any stubborn spots with a wet wipe or damp cloth. Be sure to get both sides!
Let It Dry
After wiping your mat, make sure it is completely dry before putting it away. If it rains during your camping trip, let your rug dry before you pack it away into storage. In some cases, this will mean driving home with a wet rug and allowing it to dry in your yard, but doing so will ensure your rug remains mildew-free.
Store in a Dry Place
Making sure your rug is completely dry before storing it is completely pointless if the place you store your rug is damp. Therefore, you will want to be sure the place you choose to keep your outdoor mat is dry. You might also want to put the rug in a waterproof tub for extra protection.
Flip When in Use Long-Term
If you’ll be using your rug for more than 10 days or so, make a point of flipping it about once a week, shaking it and wiping it down each time you do. This will ensure no spot is staying wet or dirty for long periods of time, helping reduce the risk of mold or mildew.
Now that you have this information, you should be ready to pick up an outdoor RV rug and make your campsite your own. Start shopping now so you can have a great ground covering for your next big RV adventure!
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