RTV Protective Bed

[TWO GUNS]

<FONT face=Verdana color=#ffa500> Being as we all love our RTV's, always wanting to make things a little better for us and the machine. Tried out something and works perfect. After going to Sam's Club, seen a <SPAN class=mainstay-txt151><FONT face="Times New Roman" color=#ffa500><FONT face=Verdana>Grease-Proof Anti-Fatigue Mats ~~~~ They come in 3ft. X 3ft. sections. Purchased two of them, cost was about $45.00 for the set. Cut the second section which made up to a 4ft. X 4ft section. Laid it down inside the bed. Works perfect !!!!!!! Not only does it protect the bed, but sure keeps everything in order, and itemsDO NOTslide around in the back as you are doing your thing. Also, gives a man the " Sure-Foot" when standing in the back of the bed. We were going to get a spray-liner installed in the back as soon as we was able to drive 110 miles to the shop that does the installation. But now, think I like this better, and also saving a BUNCH of money, money saved can go toward other goodies for our RTV. The color of the mat also blends in with the Kubota Orange colors ~~~~~~~~</FONT></FONT></SPAN></FONT></P>

 

[bczoom]

Git 'r done!

I don't know if that would work for me. About 70% of my hauling is outdoor stuff (sticks, stones, firewood, branches, dirt...) all of which get dumped at their destination. I'm going to assume you can't dump with the mats in place.

Now, to qualify my response, I don't have the OEM bed. Mine is made of wood so I don't need to protect it. If it gets beat up, I just build a new one. Mine wood has been going strong for over 3 years now and looking at its condition, I'd guess it'll go at least another 5-7 or more.

Had I stuck with the OEM bed, I may have done something similar but I probably would have used a horse stall mat (since I have them laying around).
Here's an example
http://www.therubberman.com/tru-stallstable.asp

My entire shop floor is covered with these.

 

[TWO GUNS]

Really don't know if I can dump with them in place. I've never dumped !!! Never ran across anything that I had to "dump". Mine is used mostly like a truck bed. The stall-mats would work I guess just as good as anything else. I do know the mats that I do have will not slide, and maybe not let anything else "slide-out" either ..... But my main thing is not letting anything in the bed roll & bang around during movement. That would drive me crazy !!!</P>


On another note. Just had a man that I've been knowing all my life come by the shop. He said he seen the RTV headed to & from the plantation for a few months now. He admitted he laughed when he first seen it. Heard monster stories about different utility vehicles. He came by the shop last week and he did kinda make funny looks as I told him about what this thing could and will do. He couldn't stand it no more. He showed up this morning, asking me if I could take him for a "loop" down the levee some and let him see how this thing worked going up and down the levee, and sort of test drive it for himself. So that I did, and come this Monday morning, he ask me if I would go with him to pick himself up a RTV 900. He left the shop with smile as big as the moon !!!!! Come Monday, we can mark one up for another happy man in this world !!!!!</P>

 

[bczoom]

OK, I see we use our RTV's differently. Mine's used for a lot of hauling/dumping. Occasionally, I use it as a tool box when Mrs. Zoom has a project at the house and my tools are in the back building.

I just got back from taking the RTV for a spin back in the woods. (Saw a groundhog in the yard earlier today so it's in heaven now. I had to bury it before the kids got home). Anyway, on those stall mats I was thinking of, I thought of another pro and con. The pro is the fact they're very thick rubber (mine are 1"). That may act as a decent sound barrier for engine noise. The con is the fact they're very thick rubber (sound familiar?). I believe the rubber alone for the RTV box probably weighs in excess of 80 pounds. That reduces some capabilities and it's a bit cumborsome/heavy for us that are up there in years.

Glad to hear you were able to help someone else fine the benefits of the RTV. I hope he enjoys it as much as the rest of us.