New Flooring

[billnelke]

I have a 2001 Fleetwood Discovery 38D. The original flooring is vinyl tile and carpet. I would like to put in ceramic or porcelain tile throughout. Will my floor stand up to this?

[Old Bounder]

Originally Posted by billnelke

I have a 2001 Fleetwood Discovery 38D. The original flooring is vinyl tile and carpet. I would like to put in ceramic or porcelain tile throughout. Will my floor stand up to this?

I would suggest two things;

• Post your questions over on the Fleetwood forum for opinions on chassis or weight concerns for your Discovery and the subject tiles.

• Do some research on the use of ceramic or porcelain tile in an RV/MH.

I chose Vinyl tile after reading many posts of problems with other tile choices. YMMV

[RickO]

I'm guessing that your sub floor should "hold up" just fine but you won't really know what you've got until you begin the demolition. You may well need to add sections of sub flooring and self leveling compounding to prepare a flat surface for the tile.

Although you didn't ask.... considering that ceramic tile can add hundreds of pounds of weight has led many folks here to use some of the new "luxury vinyl" tiles which are really very nice.

Best of luck and be aware of any special considerations you'll need to take into account to ensure that your slides don't scratch your new flooring when operated.

Rick

[Ernie Ekberg]

Don't do it. Your coach flexes too much. Luxury vinyl tile would be better and less weight.

[JDooley]

Allure vinyl flooring comes in tile look and various woods.

[billnelke]

Thank you everyone for your input. I had picked out Allure, but after kicking tires for a motor home with friends I really liked the tile flooring. I think the Allure might just be the way to go. Also thanks for the heads up on the rollers issue, I have heard stories of that too.

[Playtime III]

Our Home Depot has 2"x2" Allure free samples. We picked several to consider at home. All of the samples appeared to be resistant to scratches but if you tilted the sample in direct light, they did show some minor scratches. The scratches on the [plain] "Oak" showed the least of our selected samples. They were on sale and I got free delivery so I bought 16 cases. Just waiting for a spell of 65 degree weather to install it.

[herbc]

I have water damage to the OSB subfloor. Some will have to be replaced. A few small areas are soft and I was wondering if I could use the self leveling compound in a motorhome considering the flexing. And how thick can the applied compound be? Any help appreciated.

Herb

[Ernie Ekberg]

Herb- the leveling compound has to have a stable floor. If your floor is mushy- the compound will break. Can you post a couple of photos to show the damaged areas?

[herbc]

Thanks, Ernie,

I have no idea how to post pictures to this forum.

[Ernie Ekberg]

Herb- in the reply box- go advanced it the button to click

[herbc]

I just AIN'T computer savvy. I have the pictures on an email but cannot access them via this forum. In any case I have ripped out a good 12 x 5 foot section of flooring by taking it clear to most cabinets/walls. All OSB and insulation board are gone. I think I can make this work. I just bought 24 foot 1.5 inch steel tubing and 64 sf of 1.5 inch rigid insulation. I have sprayed all wetted areas with a good mold killing solution although I do not see any mold. Sure smells good, though. Tomorrow I will weld new supports where the flooring meets the cabinets and other needed areas. Scared me to death taking it this far but I do believe it will come out well. Once complete I will try again to post before/after pictures.

[steveclv]

Herb, listen to Ernie - he is THE expert!

If I can persuade DW to let me head back west through Texas we will be visiting him!

I want mine redone in Engineered Bamboo!

[Ernie Ekberg]

Herb, I would disconnect your batteries when you weld. I'm no welder, but that is what a welder told me when he was working on my coach. Ernie