Community Forums

Jon Mopar · 08-12-2012, 07:05 PM

I have a '01 Class A with 2 slides on a Ford chassis, and although I love the cozy feeling of carpet (and am very careful with it), unfortunately not everybody is as careful....and I know that light-beige carpet probably isn't the best thing to have in it.

So I am thinking about what to replace it with. The kitchen has a small bit hardwood from the factory. Someone suggested hardwood, which might look nice if done properly, but I was worried about twisting, squeaking (while driving), expansion, chassis flex etc. Others says thick industrial quality vinyl floor is the best choice.

What are your experiences?? Can hardwood actually work?? I don't want my rig to get noisy and squeaky.

Also, I have one spot in the floor near the hall that has a bit of bounce in it (every unit like mine I've been in is like this, they have a metal floor base I believe), what can I do to fix this? I also feel a couple of bolts protruding out of the carpet a bit, might have to see what they're holding.

clyon51 · 08-12-2012, 07:42 PM

We used 'Allure' a solid vinyl laminate type flooring on the entire coach. So far we are very pleased. Others have used a regular laminate and are also happy.

We had a section of hardwood in the kitchen. It took me 2 days to get it up as it was glued to the subfloor. There was nothing wrong with it and after 13 years, it never gave or squeaked. So, I would have no issue installing all hardwood.

The reason we went with 'Allure' is it was inexpensive, super easy to install (just a utility knife), water proof and easy to clean. Some laminents will swell and disfigure if water lays on them. So you will want to investigate that if you go that route.

The main thing in an RV when it comes to a solid floor, is the temperature change it can experience. Some materials need to float and others can be glued down. Ceramic is an option too, but there is a weight issue. Plenty of threads on this subject here, take your time and see what others have done.

sdennislee · 08-12-2012, 08:43 PM

Look at LVT, Luxury Vinyl Tile. Looks like ceramic, less weight than wood or ceramic, much better looking than vinyl.

Jon Mopar · 08-13-2012, 11:28 AM

thanks for the advice so far. I like wood, but think it might look too out of place.

docj · 08-13-2012, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sdennislee

Look at LVT, Luxury Vinyl Tile. Looks like ceramic, less weight than wood or ceramic, much better looking than vinyl.

We used Alterna, Armstrong's luxury vinyl tile, to replace the carpet in front and the ceramic in the kitchen. Alterna is not all that much more expensive than Allure and is rated for light commercial use. In most applications it is "grouted" with a special grout that makes it look like ceramic tile.

We rejected laminate because of the fact that we were using it in the kitchen and laminates can have issues in wet areas (I know lots of people use them in kitchens, I'm just stating a fact that they can absorb water at seams which can cause them to bulge). We did consider wood, but were concerned that the finish on pre-finished flooring products (Bruce, etc) would scratch from the dirt and grit that gets tracked into a MH.

If you wish to look at the Alterna product line, go online and find a dealer since it is only sold through selected dealers and we encountered some large residential dealers who didn't even know of its existence.

bigenna · 08-13-2012, 05:01 PM

We installed Allure last summer. Took lots and lots of time getting all the measurements and layout just right, and making sure all the joins were done properly and it came out looking great.
When we went to check things out in the cold weather there were several areas where the "planks" joined that had separated, leaving quarter inch gaps.
They are still there in the heat of this summer, however slightly smaller due to expansion in the heat, I guess. I suppose we will be back to bigger gaps again this winter.
Needless to say we are very disappointed and short of ripping out the whole floor, can't think of a fix for this.

bsinmich · 08-13-2012, 05:36 PM

We have kept the light beige carpet and get spots but my DW found out that a can of brake cleaner will remove spots perfectly. Our carpet still looks like new even if the MH does get a strong odor at times.

Ernie Ekberg · 08-13-2012, 05:51 PM

check my profile

Jon Mopar · 08-14-2012, 07:46 AM

I've kept the beige carpet looking good, but it's annoying having to get out the bristled vacuum every other day. My last 2 MHs had vinyl, and it was so nice to just sweep it out.

Theberrys · 08-14-2012, 08:03 AM

Our Laminate Project has held up for over two years now, no problems. Here are some pictures of our floor project.
https://skydrive.live.com/?cid=AE67F...2766057%211681

We used the Dupont Brand from the Homedepot. Here is a link to the selections http://www.homedepot.com/Flooring-La...#/?c=1&393=393

You do need to buy this tool kit. http://www.homedepot.com/buy/floorin...it-179564.html Without the wedge in this kit it's impossible.
Watch these videos and you'll be a lot better off. http://www2.dupont.com/Laminate_Floo...on_videos.html

We liked this product because of the locking method and the fact that it has the backing pre installed, so there's nothing needed between the floor and the product.

It took us about five days to complete the job from just behind the cockpit chairs to the bedroom door.

Just be sure there are no staples left in the floor and that the slide has no protruding screws on the bottom surface.

OH Yea we really like it. The Throw Rugs now stay where we put them, and cleaning up after the Dogs is easy, with the central vac I installed. But that's another story

Dick