If you have owned your travel trailer or other RV for an extended period of time – or if you’ve decided to buy a pre-owned RV with the intention of renovating – you may need to consider replacing the flooring. After countless excursions, your RV floors have endured a lot of wear and tear. Over time, they will begin to deteriorate. Whether you decide to hire a professional or tackle replacing the flooring yourself, the process may seem arduous. To help, RVT has these five tips for replacing your RV flooring.
Assess Your Flooring
Generally speaking, carpet in an RV has a lifespan of about eight years. Vinyl planks and laminate also start showing signs of wear within a few years, though they can last longer than carpet. The degree of wear and tear may change, however, depending on the frequency you use your Class C motorhome or other RV each year. One of the major indicators, particularly with carpeted flooring, is the appearance — discoloration, stains, or mold may be evidence it’s time for a change. Vinyl plank flooring may start to come loose, or bubbles may form on the surface from moisture below. Laminate and vinyl planks are also susceptible to scratches, delamination, and warping or cracking. Similarly, RV floors that feel uneven or creak excessively may also suggest a flooring replacement is necessary. If you notice any of these signs, take the time to assess your flooring.
Speak to an Expert
Before hacking away at your old RV floors, it is best to consult with a service professional at an RV dealership or other service business. They may provide helpful advice on the do’s and don’ts for motorhome flooring removal and installation. For instance, RVs that do not contain slide outs will be easier for do-it-yourself projects. Likewise, these experts may also provide keys for success to lay certain types of flooring quickly and efficiently, including carpet.
Choose the Right Type of Flooring
Make sure to choose flooring that will best compliment your rig. It is best to seek out lightweight flooring materials, since adding too much weight to your RV will negatively impact its performance and gas mileage. Though materials such as hardwood are authentic and sturdy, they can potentially slow down your RV. Consider purchasing laminate or vinyl as alternative flooring options. The major draws to vinyl are its versatility, durability, and water-resistant nature. Both vinyl and laminate are quite easy to clean, and the latter is a very affordable option. If you decide on the carpet route, understand that this material requires more attention and care, and it will need to be replaced sooner than both laminate and vinyl.
Be Knowledgeable About Do-It-Yourself Projects
If you are confident that you can install your own flooring, there are a few things to consider.
- Draw a diagram of the interior of your RV. This will give you a “roadmap” of how you should approach installing the new flooring.
- Take all furniture out before removing the floor. Grab the appropriate tools and remove the floor after you have taken out all furniture and appliances. Crowbars and flathead screwdrivers are among a couple different tools that are typically used for removing flooring. It is worth noting that factory-installed floors will run under the cabinetry as well. If you are not comfortable with removing the fixtures, consider consulting with a professional.
- Clean, level, and secure the floors. Make sure the subfloor is as smooth and level as possible before the new floor is laid on top. Check for any damage or irregularities. Repair any damage to the subfloor and ensure that it is thoroughly clean. Once you are ready to install the new floor, be sure to precisely measure the first few pieces, as these will be a guide for the remainder of the flooring.
- Finish the edges. Use trim or molding to cover any exposed edges or gaps between the flooring and walls or furniture.
- Allow the new floor to settle. Imperfections may take a day or two to be revealed. Likewise, if you are using adhesive to install the flooring, it is important to allow ample time to pass so it can dry fully. It is best to refrain from immediately reloading furniture and appliances.
Preventative Measures
Lastly, it is helpful to adopt habits that will increase the lifespan of your new flooring. If you have mostly carpeted floors, it may be useful to take your shoes off prior to entering your living quarters. Likewise, clean up spills or dirty areas immediately. Implement a regular floor-cleaning routine to help keep your floors in top shape.
Remember that these are only general suggestions and not expert recommendations for your specific RV. When conducting your own repairs, you are solely responsible for any personal injury or property damage that may occur. So, when in doubt, leave your flooring replacement to a service professional.
Replacing your RVs floors can seem like a challenging task. However, following these tips will make replacing it less intimidating. Be sure to check out the current listings on RVT.com for new and used RVs if you are ready to upgrade your folding trailer, truck camper, or other RV.
By Alex Hoyes