Posted 2008-03-07 10:42 AM (#78913) Subject: New Innovative Way of Removing Mats Single-handedly?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 602 Location: md
I don't have any body that will help me remove my mats for cleaning. I have not pressure washed floor and it is an 05.. The step-son won't loan me his pressure washer, so I am going to have to purchase one.
Posted 2008-03-07 11:00 AM (#78915 - in reply to #78913) Subject: RE: New Innovative Way of Removing Mats Single-handedly?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 795 Location: Tenn/Ala.
Walkin- Our detail lady here has a pair of Vice-Grip brand welding clamps that she uses. The look similar to a double C clamp, but are easy to clamp on, then drag the mat anywhere it needs to go. You should be able to find them at any good automotive supply store like a NAPA, Carquest, etc.
Posted 2008-03-07 11:03 AM (#78916 - in reply to #78913) Subject: RE: New Innovative Way of Removing Mats Single-handedly?
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
A C clamp, rope and bumper of a vehicle will get the mats out of the trailer, but then you will need help reinstalling them. Isn't there a handy man or neighbor that can help for 15 minutes?
I can get our mats out by myself using a pair of pliers, but to accurately reinstall the mats, my wife has to help.
The trailer floor should be definitely cleaned off and allowed to dry out. The smallest of the electric power washers will work well enough for this job. However, once you use a washer and realize how handy it is, you may want to consider the initial purchase of a larger unit. You might consider renting one to try different sizes.
It's too bad your step son's consideration is so lacking.
Posted 2008-03-07 11:04 AM (#78917 - in reply to #78913) Subject: RE: New Innovative Way of Removing Mats Single-handedly?
Regular
Posts: 65 Location: league city texas
Ditto on the vise grip pliers. That is the easiest way I have found so far, other than pulling them over in half over and over till they are out of the trailer. Whew!
Posted 2008-03-07 1:06 PM (#78928 - in reply to #78913) Subject: RE: New Innovative Way of Removing Mats Single-handedly?
Member
Posts: 12
Location: Wichita, Kansas
I would call a mobile power wash business and have them come out, remove the mats and wash the trailer. I've done this before, inside and out for $75. I dried the inside of the trailer while they were doing the outside and they put the mats back in. I was their first horse trailer customer, but they quoted a price we were both happy with! There is also a truck stop here that will do the same thing.
Posted 2008-03-07 2:27 PM (#78934 - in reply to #78928) Subject: RE: New Innovative Way of Removing Mats Single-handedly?
Expert
Posts: 2614
This sounds like a good suggestion,and saving on your back.
Barring this,I'd get a small pressure washer anyway.They are good to clean a lot of things around your house,and the only thing I've found to clean out stock tanks well.
And,I'd bide my time until stepson needed a favor.
Posted 2008-03-07 2:59 PM (#78942 - in reply to #78913) Subject: RE: New Innovative Way of Removing Mats Single-handedly?
Veteran
Posts: 147 Location: santa clara, ca
For moving them you could try folding them in half and sliding a rope in and dragging them: that's how me and my fiancé' moved them....although we both are rather tall, athletic and young....
Another thing you could do is get come clamps and rope, like people above menitoned, and saddle up the horse and twist the the rope around the horn(making sure that you can release it in case the horse bolts) and have he/she pull out the mats....I haven't done this yet, but we do drag the arena with our shire this way (untill we get a proper harness)
Posted 2008-03-07 4:35 PM (#78951 - in reply to #78913) Subject: RE: New Innovative Way of Removing Mats Single-handedly?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 824 Location: Kansas
I swear by my Equifoam mats from Dow. 27 pounds for a 2x8 section and I only have one of those in my slant load, the other mats are smaller, therefore lighter weight.
Posted 2008-03-07 6:27 PM (#78960 - in reply to #78913) Subject: RE: New Innovative Way of Removing Mats Single-handedly?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 303 Location: Grapeland, Texas
I use two vise grips also. I am alone too and have no one to help and am a 60 yr. old female and don't have to much trouble. It is harder to get them back in at times, but I manage. I have used ropes before and prefer the vise grips.
Posted 2008-03-07 10:59 PM (#78977 - in reply to #78913) Subject: RE: New Innovative Way of Removing Mats Single-handedly?
Veteran
Posts: 122 Location: Monroe, WA
I use vice grips to move them. The back mat in my last trailer was too big and heavy. I tried the fold in half and us a rope, that started ripping the mat. I finaly cut the mat in half and it made life so much easier. This made each mat in the trailer about the same size.
Posted 2008-03-09 12:04 AM (#79063 - in reply to #78957) Subject: RE: New Innovative Way of Removing Mats Single-handedly?
Expert
Posts: 2828 Location: Southern New Mexico
I do the same as chadsalt. I will pull them out in the spring to inspect the whole floor though. The only problem I have with the mats is when I haul empty the wind blows between the gaps (about 1/4") in the floor boards and moves them out of place. Then when I go to load I have to move the mats back into place.
Posted 2008-03-10 2:25 PM (#79206 - in reply to #78913) Subject: RE: New Innovative Way of Removing Mats Single-handedly?
Member
Posts: 32 Location: Paige, Tx
What we did to help remove mats easier was drill a small hole in one corner and use a hay hook to drag them in and out. You could put many things thru a hole and pull the mats out. Nancy
Posted 2008-03-10 7:44 PM (#79236 - in reply to #79206) Subject: RE: New Innovative Way of Removing Mats Single-handedly?
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Originally written by Tintilly on 2008-03-10 2:25 PM
What we did to help remove mats easier was drill a small hole in one corner and use a hay hook to drag them in and out. You could put many things thru a hole and pull the mats out. Nancy
The "T" handle on a hay hook sounds a lot easier than my pliers. Good idea and thanks.
Posted 2008-03-11 5:35 PM (#79311 - in reply to #78913) Subject: RE: New Innovative Way of Removing Mats Single-handedly?
Regular
Posts: 99
I use a vice grip and leaf blower- lift the mat up, place the leaf blower (the more air the better) under the mat( won't work on a wood floor) the air will allow you to float your mats as long as you have a solid surface under the mats. Won't help getting up into the trailer but a big help in putting them where you want them on your floor. Works even better in the barn cleaning stalls.
New Innovative Way of Removing Mats Single-handedly?
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