Thermo mats? Rip off?

[quagmire]

My question remains unanswered.

Answer it yourself .... buy exactly the same quality materials, cut it to a template (which you have to make), machine sew the edges, fit stainless eyelets, supply and fit the rubber suction cups with your name on them, place them into a custom-made bag with your name on, take them to the post office and post them to yourself. Now cost that time out at minimum wage plus 35% for national insurance etc and add a 5% administration fee for the financial accounting. Don't forget to guarantee the goods for a year as 'Fit For Purpose'.

Now, how much does that come to ? Bet it don't seem such a rip off now does it.

You want to make your own that's great, others make not have the time or may choose a professional finish ... it's horses for courses.

couldn't have put it better myself Ian!

[Louey]

braun, looking at your other recent posts it seems you have a cynical negative edge to you. You also sound like you have had to spend out on your van when you don't have the beans to spare - Most of us are in that boat!!

We have all bought ours vans and had to spend silly money sometimes on specialist parts, but the same would happen if you bought a different make of van - trying get stuff for a 1974 Toyota Hiace or a 1979 Fiat Amigo, we are lucky that there are a lot of folks making specialist parts for VWs.

The thermal foil from B&Q is good stuff, and cheap at the mo. However it is designed to be fitted internally on a building, the proper thermal covers have multiple layers to them and is designed to be used outside. The proper stuff as already mentioned is a lot thicker........

If you want, use the thermal foil to make internal windscreen covers. They'll do a OK job, especially if you don't camp out all year round.

Cheap
vs
Proper

[highlander1v]

Or you could buy the same stuff as i think they use for the proper mats and its on sale too!
Only £139.99 on offer just now at Screwfix.

superquilt.jpg

[The Bobdogs]

Hmmmm.....
Trimmed, edged, eyelets, and suckers to mount them with....
Pop down to your local poundshop. Windscreen covers...usually loads in stock....and guess what...only a quid each!
I use 6 around the inside of my poptop and they work a treat. Not the perfect size for the glass areas but just overlap two where necessary.
Kept us nice and warm at Langollen!

[sirbraunstonquiffqc]

What a wonderful array of responses. Think i touched on a nerve with some of you. Who'd have thought a subject as serious and in depth as thermo mats would warrant such comments.
Thanks to those who responded with the DIY approach in mind.

[R0B]

well you did ask.and why the sarcasm.believe me thermo mats are pretty serious things.if your camping in minus degrees.ie dubfreeze.

a subject as serious and in depth as thermo mats

[Willoughby]

Nowt to do with the question(s). One day you will work it out.

K

[kevtherev]

Think i touched on a nerve with some of you.

you did with your replies.. rude

[horns]

What a wonderful array of responses. Think i touched on a nerve with some of you. Who'd have thought a subject as serious and in depth as thermo mats would warrant such comments.
Thanks to those who responded with the DIY approach in mind.

Only thanks to those who agree with you?

Why bother asking the question if you already made your mind up?

I agree - it's your attitude that's rather grating on the nerves, not anything to do with silver insulation...

[ninja.turtle007]

Very entertaining to read though.

[D&DCAMPA]

I think I have to say that the responses you got were fair - even if they werent what you wanted to hear!

You asked questions, which people answered and you asked for opinions, which you did not like, what you need to keep in mind is that alot of the people on here have had T25s (or other vans) for years and are well enough informed to part with such advice you are after - they have past experience that can only be a help not a hindrance.

Some people, as you say, dont have the money to buy new mats, we were in that same position, and I looked at the forum for other views on thermo mats, then decided to look for some second hand. within a few weeks I had brought a Just Kampers set off CLUB 80-90 for £40 from a lovely couple that sadly had to sell their van. and In my opinion they are perfect for us, and other friends that have had theirs for years are also happy.

I have found the members on here to be pleasant and courteous, and would hope the same in return, but 'having attitude' and 'being sarcastic' isnt going to help you find out what you need to know! cos believe me most the members of this forum tend to know their ONIONS!!!

I hope that whatever you decided to do is what is best for you.

[A KIRK]

Each to their own when they think something is a rip off or not.

I made my set along with the screen for the pop top, as said it comes down to time and money etc, and whilst mine won't look like bought ones, they were quite relaxing in a way to make, and cost a fraction, however there not quite a 5 minute job, it does take time.

I bought 30sqm of double thermo matt from fleabay for £40, and or me they will do what I need them to. If I had plenty of spare money I probably would buy them already made, but hey I'm a tight git.

My tip if anyone makes one for a side pop top, don't try to make it out of one piece, its a pain in the rear lol

[horns]

Whilst we're on the subject - anyone know where I can get one for the Westy high-top's "extra windscreen"?

[R0B]

maybe sirbraunstonquiffqc has some left on the roll he bought from b&q.and can knock you one up nice and cheap like

[kevtherev]

meee ow