Replacing Your RV Flooring

09 Wednesday Oct 2019

Tags

RV Carpet, RV Renovations, RV repairs, RV tech tip, RV tips and tricks

It seems every year there is something new and exciting being added to RVs that we just have to have. It started a long time ago with the addition of solid surface countertops, tile, and wood flooring, LED lights, then slide rooms! More and more RVs are continuing to become more like residential homes and the older models become somewhat obsolete.

However, there are several features that we as owners can add to or modify without throwing out the old for the new. While adding a slide room may be a little overwhelming, smaller renovations can be accomplished by a typical DIY handyman with some minor tools.

One question that keeps coming up on the RV Repair Club site is, how can I replace that dingy worn-out carpet in my rig? Changing carpet is typically not a terribly difficult job, however, there are some factors you need to be aware of in the different flooring options and they type of floorplan you have.

Carpet

If you are just replacing old worn out carpet with new carpet, it’s a fairly simple task however, you may find difficult installation issues when tearing up the old carpet. For example, is it stapled in various areas or glued? How is it installed under a slide room? And how do I get the carpet that’s glued to the engine cover and driver/passenger compartment to come off? For this, they tend to use some of the strongest glue I have ever seen. I have had to scrape and tear and eventually had to use a thin underlayment as there were too many carpet fibers, glue clumps and such that the surface was too uneven.

Keep in mind, carpet is very forgiving, it is usually tucked behind a tack strip at the edges or stapled tight up against the wall. Once the carpet is “fluffed” it hides all the seams and edges. Same thing with 90-degree corners such as the entrance steps where two pieces of carpet meet. Simply fluff the carpet and you do not see the seam!

When replacing with new carpet, it’s best to use an “action back” or synthetic backing rather than a jute back or the spongy kind called “kanga back” as these will absorb moisture and stretch. It’s best to go with a medium weight or fiber ounce per yard such as 25-30 as this will be durable and plush without being too thick to work with or clean.

Wood & Tile

If you are looking to replace the existing carpet with a wood product or tile, keep in mind the chassis of your rig will twist with road and campground conditions and this will make the floor twist as well. Carpet will flex where wood and tile will not. These materials typically sit in a residential installation with a consistent comfortable temperature of around 70 degrees. Your RV will sit in storage when not being used and could dip below zero winter or above 100 degrees in the blistering summer. If you are thinking about using a wood flooring product, do some research on the different types of wood and keep in mind the extreme conditions that your RV may experience.

The thickness should be at least 7 mil and have a heavy-duty top finish that can withstand the force of a slide room mechanism (if needed) as it is extended and retracted. Check to see what type of rollers or glide shoe your room has and how it will rub on the floor. You will also want to find a product that interlocks and creates a one-piece floating floor that is less likely to buckle with the chassis issues. This also means you will need plenty of trim pieces to hide the gap and edges at the floor to wall seam, transition area from the driver compartment, and any other gaps from cabinetry and furniture. Quarter round wood pieces works well as well as an L-shaped stair trim made of wood, metal, or rubber which we have used before.

If you are considering tile, make sure the grout is a flexible type and the unit you are installing has a solid foundation and very little flex! Even the large diesel pushers with a heavy-duty chassis and airbags have a problem with tile cracking and popping. Typically tile is not a great option for units that will be stored in below-freezing temperatures. There are several simulated tile products such as Nafco that are interlocking squares and create a floating floor that holds up very well. These have been used by RV manufacturers for several years.

Once again, it’s not impossible, but it’s wise to take some time to identify the challenging areas like the slide room, transition areas, stairs, and working around furniture.

Dave Solberg: Managing Editor, RV Repair Club

For the last 25 years, Dave has conducted RV maintenance and safety seminars, developed dealer and owner training programs, written RV safety and handyman articles, authored an RV handbook reference guide and logged over 100,000 miles on the road in an RV.

RV Repair Club is your go-to online resource for enthusiasts who want quality RV maintenance, repair, and upgrade information – a community where passionate RVers can come together to gather knowledge and share their experiences.

Learn more about RV Repair Club.

Glen P. ~ “We have had excellent and caring responses every time we call Coach-Net and have repeatedly recommended them and will continue to do so.”

What Was I thinking? Things to consider before embarking on an RV Remodel

15 Friday Aug 2014

Posted by Coach-Net in RV Information, Tips & Tricks

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

RV Makeover, RV Reno, RV Renovations, RV Tips

Sometimes, my confidence gets me into trouble. “I should be able to do that, no problem,” I thought, when contemplating our RV remodel. As it turns out, I didn’t really know what I was getting myself into. I let the small size (we have a class B) fool me. After all, how long can it possibly take to remodel a mere 140 square feet of space? Turns out it can take a REALLY long time. If you’re like me and you’ve got the itch to remodel your RV, there are a few things you should consider before you start tearing out those cabinets and ripping the fabric off the roof.

Is it worth it?

I can tell you from experience that a full-on renovation will cost you about three times what you’re thinking – both in time and in money. At some point, you need to inject some reality into the mix and determine if it’s worth it. For example, if your RV is a motorhome, the renovation will only be as good as the platform you’re building it on. Are you building on a gas engine from the 1980s with 150,000 miles; or are you working on a late-model diesel chassis? If the chassis heads south, then your time and money on the remodel will be wasted! And whether or not your RV has a motor, you need to think about things like rust damage and structural integrity. Much like you wouldn’t build a new house on a faulty foundation; try to take the same view with your RV.

In our case, I was working from a 2000’s diesel chassis with only 80,000 miles. The vehicle was sound and had only minor rust. I figured I was good to go ahead.

Know thyself

If you’ve read this far, you’re probably pretty handy. I am too, but I was surprised by the number of different types of skills required in the remodel. An RV is like a miniature house and a car combined. You’ll need the skills to work on both. Those skills you don’t have, you’ll have to hire out, and that can get expensive. Here’s a sampling of some of the skills you’ll need:

Woodworking
Metalworking
Upholstery
Plumbing (freshwater, wastewater, and gas)
Electrical (12 volt and 120 volt)
Auto Body (exterior repairs)

In my case, I have zero auto body skills, my metalworking is very basic, and I had to hire out all of the upholstery. I worked on my design to minimize the things I had to hire out. Be honest with yourself about your skills, and your up-front estimates will be better.

It’s not exactly like building a house

RV construction is different. For example, many of the parts are odd-sized, as I found out when I wandered into my local hardware store trying to match up parts for a shower trap. Also, many of the parts you’ll need are particular to RVs, so if you don’t have an RV dealer or other source for RV parts nearby, you’ll get pretty frustrated waiting for things to be shipped in. (And you’ll be going back lots and lots of times, trust me on this one.)

The other thing that’s really different about RV construction is the attention to weight at every step. Remember, you’ll be driving or pulling it when you’re done. You won’t be building walls out of 2x4s and drywall. You’ll be using thin plywood – make sure you can get what you want. In my case, it took me weeks to find the ¼” thick veneer core plywood I wanted and get it shipped in. But I didn’t figure this out until I was already underway – causing delays in my project.

When you’re done, then what?

This was something I hadn’t considered in the planning phase. Once I was done with the remodel, I didn’t exactly have a 10-year-old entry-level Class B coach anymore. I had something much nicer. I checked with my insurance, and they wanted to do an appraisal to properly insure the RV. And with that, my rates went up a bit. Your registration and DMV records won’t change but insurance may be something you want to check into.

The bright spot here is that Coach-Net has still got your back. Coach-Net coverage extends to renovated RVs the same as it does for just-off-the-lot new ones. If you’re seriously considering the remodel, this is one less thing to think about.

If you’ve considered the above, and you’re not running in the other direction, then an RV remodel might be in your future. It won’t be easy, but in the end, you get an upgraded RV, and the pride in having tackled the project yourself. See you on the road!

About the Author
A Coach-Net Member since 2013, James Adinaro is a former rocket scientist, current USA cycling coach, and the RV nerd half of “The Fit RV”, the website he maintains with his wife, Stefany. There, you can find tips to keep both you and your RV, on the road.

From time-to-time we have guest bloggers post on our site. The views, opinions and positions expressed within these guest posts are those of the author. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The copyright of this content belongs to the author.

Cool RV Renovations

31 Thursday Jul 2014

Posted by Coach-Net in Tips & Tricks

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Renovations, RV Makeover, RV Renovations, RV Tips

Whether your quest is to behold beautiful landscapes along the way, enjoy a tailgating shindig, fish in popular ponds, or simply the love of a road trip, traveling North America’s roadways is the absolute best way to embrace and behold all that the road has to offer. Before you head out, consider making renovations to your RV that can make your whole journey an even more enjoyable, fun, and unforgettable adventure.

Electric Fireplace

An unquestionably unique addition, as well as an appropriate and sensible investment for RV renovations, electric fireplaces can provide enjoyable visuals during relaxing leisure and keep you warm during cold weather conditions. In addition, you don’t need to wait for the flame to go out before you turn in for the evening and there’s never campfire mess to clean up when you’re ready to get back on the road! They are equipped with a small heater and a fan blower to spread out heat within the general area. Louvers on the electric fireplace enable the hot air to be directed to the area of your choosing. Additionally, an electric fireplace can be used to reduce propane expenses, as well as be used along with the propane furnace to create even more heat during freezing weather conditions. Electric Fireplace Direct suggests a free standing electric fireplace that’s designed to look like a traditional cast iron stove. These models, in particular, are popular because of their aesthetic appeal and because you can easily warm your RV’s “patio” area on a cool evening, can be easily transferred inside your RV to warm up your sleeping area, and then used in your home once you return from your adventure!

Solar Panels

Coming up with the necessary amounts of electrical power for daily function can be quite the task. Generators not only have costly requirements of fuel, but also produce noise pollution. A solar-powered RV system is a quieter and cleaner option that also maintains the charges on your batteries. Solar panels can provide a 12-volt DC power when charging a set of batteries. In order to handle all of your electrical needs, Talco Electronics suggests installing extra batteries during your RV renovations in order to store additional power. After adding an inverter, which increases the 12v DC power to 110v AC power, you are able to run anything from flat screen televisions, microwave ovens, or kitchen appliances as they long as they are within the amperage rating. All items will be operated solely off the bank of batteries.

Wind Turbines

Much like solar panels, wind turbines enable you to generate electrical power without burning any fuel or costing you any money. Not actually storing any power, wind turbines convert the mechanical energy of their spinning blades into an electric current. The power output increases when the wind speed does and the integrated circuitry prevents overcharging, as well as over revving. Having this circuitry also enables direct wiring to the bank of batteries. Once the batteries have been fully charged, the integrated regulator will automatically shut it down to reduce wear.

Slide out Deck

Decked Out RV Products shares lots of unique ideas for slide out decks that can withstand seasonal weather and resist corrosion. An included hand rail can help you climb up onto the deck from the attached step, and the deck can also keep you out of the mud and dust. A slide out deck has enough room for you to sit in a level place that’s clean and dry, as well as making getting in and out of your RV much easier, without hassle. For pet owners, a slide out deck can also help your little or older dogs get in and out without any assistance. Being stowed under the RV during transit, the simple task of pressing a button once you arrive at your destination will bring it out.

The possibilities for cool renovations to your home-on-wheels are seemingly endless. However you decide to improve and enhance your RV, you’ll want to first make sure any changes or renovations keep your RV roadworthy. Just like a home in suburban America, your RV ought to reflect your personality and uniqueness.

Coach-Net

~ Travel and Adventure Blog

Tag Archives: RV Renovations