Integrating Tmat In RVs

Integrating The Tmat System in an RV

Tmat provides cargo organization solutions for all types of vehicles including RVs of all sizes.  When road tripping in an RV, you often need to make the most out of of your limited storage space.  Here is where Tmat comes in, allowing you to create usable and customizable storage space.  

Installing Tmat in an RV

  1. Measure the area you wish to cover.
  2. Purchase the necessary amount of panels (we recommend panels for custom cutting flexibility). Each panel is 1 square foot.
  3. Create a template - cardboard works great for this.
  4. Install your Tmat panels together on a sheet of plywood or similar base.
  5. Transfer template to your Tmat panels.
  6. Mark the outline of your panel on your Tmat system - painters tape works great for this.
  7. Cut out your panels using the painters tape as your guide.
  8. Install your customized Tmat system into the desired storage space.

1st Hand Tips From Customer JH

We had the opportunity to follow up with one of our premiere DIY'er who perfected the install process on his 5th wheel RV.  The insight gained from this conversation should be helpful for anyone considering integrating Tmat in their RV!


 

Question:  What challenges did you face during this build and how did you overcome them?
 

Answer:  My biggest challenge was to make sure that the Tmat system would fit well into my under storage in my 5th wheel trailer. It's a rectangular area that would have one angle cut and another area to cut out for two pipes coming from the top through the floor. I decided to make a cardboard template of the area. Went to a nearby appliance store and was able to get a cardboard refrigerator shipping box that worked perfectly at no charge. I cut it up into different sections and pushed the pieces into all sides and corners. Used Gorilla duct tape to piece together then doubled taped again to make sure it would hold together. Transferred the template to my Tmall panels that were already put together on a piece of plywood. I then used 2" wide Blue painter's tape and applied it around the perimeter of the cardboard templet. Reason being,  the template could move around and mess up my cut, the tape wouldn't move. I put the plywood with assembled panels on top of two 30" x 72" folding tables to make my cuts. Having it elevated and able to move the panels to be cut hanging over the edges of the tables worked out well. The finished cut panels fit my storage area perfectly. 

 

 

Question:  Are there specific tools that you suggest others use to complete a similar build?

Answer:  I used a Saber saw for cutting the panels. I did try a circular saw but had better control with the Saber saw. Used a large square to help keep edges straight on my cardboard template pieces as I had to cut apart the large refrigerator box that really didn't have too many straight edges since it was one very large piece of cardboard. Box cutter, two 30" x 72" folding tables, Tmat rubber mallet and a 6" Orbital sander with an aggressive 6", 60 grit sanding disc that did a great job of trueing up my edges both horizontally and vertically that made my perfect fit sanding on the side/cut edges with the blue 2" tape to follow the edges. The saber saw got close and the sander made it a perfect edge.

 

 

Question:  Anything else that others who want to complete this build should know about?

Answer:  My primary reason for this build was to provide a solution to "securely" store a heavy and expensive portable Inverter/Generator in my RV under storage which it does and even better than I had expected. It really works well. Also, I like how I can store my 5 gal. gas fuel container for my generator safely and securely. All the other items I store are a bonus with this system. Many trailers and 5th wheels don't have built in generators not to mention people that have "Toy Haulers". This system would work very well for these applications in my opinion. 

 

Got questions?