Some vans come with rubber padding installed on the floor. My question is this... Would you prefer to remove the padding prior to installing a new truckmount? Or would you keep the padding and install the truckmount on top of the padding? Note: The padding is rubber or vinyl with a layer of fiber underneith.
I would guess over a period of time the heat + any oil spilled or leaked would break down the rubber and cause a mess as the fiber underneath would turn into an oily, grimy mess. Myself i would want a hard surface that is easy to clean and can stand up to the heat and abuse long term. Perhaps you could just trim out a section where the TM will sit and put a drip pan in place like Rob Allen did on his baddest TM project.
pull it all our and treat the inside with a truck bed coating like line-X or the DIY stuff herculiner. They are chemical resistant and easy to clean.
I pulled it out, and put herculiner. If there is any water leak or spill that padding in the botton will never dry.
The coatings are nice. But we have left the rubber matt in one of our vans and used a drip pan under the machine and never had any issues with keeping it clean or chemical eating threw the rubber.
I always remove the rubber mat and the fiber underneath. Then install 3/4" plywood. Never had a floor rust out. If you leave the mat and fiber pad, one overflow and that fiber pad is wet for life.
I just pulled the tm out of the van today that had the rubber matt. If you like I can take pics of the top view and also pull it up and show you the under side it was used for 5 years like this. I have no idea what it looks like under the matt. Let me know I'll do it tomorrow if you like.
That would really be helpful. I am buying this van on Saturday and will be installing the unit next week so I really need to make a final decision. Thank You!
I would pull it Ara. Nothing is worse than a flooded truck with that stuff in it. Mildew will stink. Pull it and Rhino line it.
lining is definitely best no matter what is left on top, rubber or wood. Definitely pull the fiber no matter which you do though. A good liner looks more professional and lasts way longer than the wood or rubber if you use it by itself.
I put plywood and then I buy the wide runner carpet off the roll at my local hardware store and cut it to fit, then I leave it loose laid so I can take it out to clean it or easily replace it if I need too. Also i seal the plywood with floor paint before i put the carpet in and let it dry for a couple days.
