replacing carpet with vinyl

[Rig Mullin]

I decided to replace the carpet myself with vinyl. We just ripped out the carpet. Our only problem at this point is how to deal with the ragged end of the carpet under the dinette area slide. We were able to rip it out from under the sofa but the dinette was a different problem. Ideally we should move the slide further out and cut the carpet but that doesn't seem practical. How do we either cut further back or cover it up somehow after we have layed the vinyl? Any suggestions?
Rig Mullin
02 Seabreeze LX

[Theberrys]

When we did our floor I had the same problem. It's not the carpet as much as the staples. If the staples aren't all removed the Laminate doesn't lay flat on the floor and the slide has trouble moving. I used these pilers 16" Long Reach Pliers Set and pulled out the carpet and staples. It's a good bit of work but IMO a lot better than removing the slide, which I wasn't willing to risk.

It came out OK and I can't see any carpet under the slide.
http://cid-ae67fff392766057.photos.l...loor%20Project


Dick

[two2go]

Can the dinette bases be removed? I need to look under the seats to see if they are screwed into the floor. I am considering floor replacement also.

Dick (Theberrys), nice job. The laminate looks nice. We are undecided about flooring. The laminate seems pretty heavy and I am concerned about weight.

[Rig Mullin]

We have figured out a solution to our problem. We
went outside under the slide and pulled down the vinyl molding that is just
under the slide and there was the carpeting. We used a nail removal bar and
lifted up the carpeting to loosen the staples and then pulled the carpet
from the inside until we had it all out. As far as the vinyl floor is
concerned, we are going to use self adhesive 12" square Armstrong vinyl
tiles that will cost us under $200 to cover the living area back to bedroom
but not including the bedroom. You wouldn't believe the amount of dirt that
was under the carpet, padding and on the plywood floor. With 2 dogs and
ourselves, we sure amassed quite a bit of dirt. A vinyl floor is our answer
for quite clean up and looking better than stained old carpet. I don't
believe that the weight of the tiles will be that much. Have never added it
up but can't be too much.
Rig Mullin

[Rig Mullin]

After we finally got all the carpet out and figured we'd use self-adhesive 12X12 vinyl tiles I thought I'd better do some research on these things. Saw some info that was alarming such as corners coming up after just 3 weeks etc. Turns out we really have to be thinking about floor movement while driving and most important, the extremes in temperature when unit is stored in summer or winter. We are going to be using a commercial grade vinyl tile and put it down with spreadable adhesive that is designed for temperature extremes. It's still a 12X12 vinyl tile but is very high quality and the adhesives is designed to really stand up to all the problems you might encounter in a motorhome. The tile is called Knight Tile from a company called Karndean. Carries a 12 year warranty. Do the research before doing a job like this can pay big dividends.
Rig

[Elkhartjim]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Theberrys When we did our floor I had the same problem. It's not the carpet as much as the staples. If the staples aren't all removed the Laminate doesn't lay flat on the floor and the slide has trouble moving. I used these pilers 16" Long Reach Pliers Set and pulled out the carpet and staples. It's a good bit of work but IMO a lot better than removing the slide, which I wasn't willing to risk. It came out OK and I can't see any carpet under the slide. Floor Project - Windows Live Dick

A really nice job.

[two2go]

Good thought on the quality of the tile. After all that work, you don't want the tile shrinking or lifting. Lots of folks are using Allure planks that stick to each other. I like the look, but need more convincing that they would stand up to the environment in a RV. The temps in our coach does range from 10 below to over 110 degrees in a year's time, and that is way beyond the design specs for most standard residential grade flooring. Then add the flexing and vibration. Carpet and sheet vinyl end up performing quite well in all that.

[bldrbob]

When I removed the carpet I found that there were some screw heads that would have showed thru vinyl. Some were high enough that I hollowed the back of the flooring so the planks would lay flat.

[krnlueck]

Check out my blog for what we did. We basically just cut the carpet as close as possible, stapled it to the side of the slide out base and then covered it with trim to match the vinyl. There are lots of pictures step by step. Maybe it will help you.

Florida-Georgia Camping, Kayaking and Exploring

[speed racer]

With the proper equipment you can jack the slide up about two inches so you can get under the dinnett.

[bldrbob]

When I worked on the floor I ran the slide all the way out then back in a couple inches.Then from the outside I raised the slide by using a lever against a block to spread the pressure and placing blocks between the floor and track.
BOB