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Thermo mats? Rip off?

Posted: 25 Jan 2010, 20:48
by sirbraunstonquiffqc
I had a wander around B&Q today and found some good silver thermal matting at about a £5 a roll. I've seen thermo mats on some VW websites for £70+. Am i being stupid ....... what's the difference? Surely the B&Q stuff is for insulating roofing and would therefore be just as if not better than the mats on offer elsewhere? And the suckers they provide with the mats,can't i just use velcro buttons placed around the inside of the van? Have people got more money then sense or do they know something that i don't?

Re: Thermo mats? Rip off?

Posted: 25 Jan 2010, 21:31
by jed the spread
Have a look at a propper set of mats and that will answer your question. I have had mine for about 4 years now and some silver bubble wrap would not only not have lasted that long but would also look nasty. The real ones arnt bubble wrap with suckers on.

jed

Re: Thermo mats? Rip off?

Posted: 25 Jan 2010, 22:27
by horns
Isn't that a bit like calling a pair of jeans a rip off, because a roll of denim is cheaper?

Re: Thermo mats? Rip off?

Posted: 25 Jan 2010, 23:28
by sirbraunstonquiffqc
My answer then remains unanswered. Think i'll try the DIY approach. Damn sight cheaper and satisfying.All the VW specialists i've dealt with so far seem to think that they can take of advantage of enthusiasts with money to burn (which we don't). I'm reminded of vets...similar situation. People love their pets so much that they're willing to get ripped off by greedy unregulated individuals willing to take advantage.

Re: Thermo mats? Rip off?

Posted: 25 Jan 2010, 23:35
by Plasticman
Dont know where you are but i have bought the proper thermo matting as you csall it from Olearies in beverley, its on a 2 mtr wide roll not that cheap but the propper stuf and works out half price but you have to seam it and fix studs/suckers or w.h.y.
Mike

Re: Thermo mats? Rip off?

Posted: 26 Jan 2010, 02:27
by Willoughby
They know something you dont. :ok

Kev

Re: Thermo mats? Rip off?

Posted: 26 Jan 2010, 08:29
by sirbraunstonquiffqc
My question remains unanswered.

Re: Thermo mats? Rip off?

Posted: 26 Jan 2010, 08:38
by andisnewsyncro
sirbraunstonquiffqc wrote:My question remains unanswered.

So try and answer your question then;
As for any cost being "a rip off"... It's all relative.
:wink:

Re: Thermo mats? Rip off?

Posted: 26 Jan 2010, 09:40
by Ian Hulley
sirbraunstonquiffqc wrote: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.

Re: Thermo mats? Rip off?

Posted: 26 Jan 2010, 10:37
by chuckle-bus-tom
I made my own using the DIY store stuff and shower suction hooks. I don't decree the ones on the Market as a rip-off, but they were out of my budget for a 'non essential' item, and I hvae a pannel van so would be buying more screens than I need (although I have found somewhere selling them separate). I finished mine off with green electrical tape and they have held for one season, although we obviously didn't get any sun damage on them last year!

Give making some a go. I used a roll of brown paper and a roll of masking tape for the templates and a roll of thermal wrap (the excess of which can be used in other cavities for insulation). It took about 2 hours start to finish, with the misses helping to hold and stick the edging.

Good luck!

Re: Thermo mats? Rip off?

Posted: 26 Jan 2010, 15:43
by 72BUG
I made my own too. Ended up gaffer taping them on every time coz they were crapp. Used them 2 or 3 times then bought some proper ones which are spot on. I too balked at the £70 price tag (although there's been several sets on here since at around £40) but I have to say it was money well spent. I suppose it all depends on how often and at what times of year you're gonna use the van.

Re: Thermo mats? Rip off?

Posted: 26 Jan 2010, 18:18
by Gandalf
Ian Hulley wrote:
sirbraunstonquiffqc wrote: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.

:ok

Re: Thermo mats? Rip off?

Posted: 26 Jan 2010, 20:49
by woodmonkey
go to a charity shop, buy a whole extra set of clothes, wear them at the same time as your others, hey presto, warm at a fraction of the cost, or nick them off someones washing line, even cheaper, buy a transit, the're not as overpriced as vw's, live in it, save on a mortgage, eat smart price burgers, drink ace lager, don't shave or have a haircut, there are millions of ways to save to save money, we're not stupid, people talk to each other, get each other's opinions and make an educated decision based on the experiences of friends.

Re: Thermo mats? Rip off?

Posted: 26 Jan 2010, 20:52
by fullsunian
woodmonkey wrote:go to a charity shop, buy a whole extra set of clothes, wear them at the same time as your others, hey presto, warm at a fraction of the cost, or nick them off someones washing line, even cheaper, buy a transhite, the're not as overpriced as vw's, live in it, save on a mortgage, eat smart price burgers, drink ace lager, don't shave or have a haircut, there are millions of ways to save to save money, we're not stupid, people talk to each other, get each other's opinions and make an educated decision based on the experiences of friends.
Woody you are some boy :rofl :rofl

Re: Thermo mats? Rip off?

Posted: 26 Jan 2010, 21:06
by jamesc76
sirbraunstonquiffqc wrote: Am i being stupid ....... ?


Thats the question you have answered yourself!!!!!!!!!!!