Taking carpet out - 2005 Fleetwood Southwind 32V

[Broncos1]

Hey all,
The wife and I just picked up a 2005 Fleetwood Southwind 32V.

The good:
One owner
19K miles
everything seems to operate great.

The bad:
She was a crazy cat lady and there was cat pee everywhere.

The main parts affected were the couch and main carpeted area. We have the couch pretty good until we're bale to replace it. The carpet is a different story. We've tried numerous cleaners and chemicals and we can't get rid of that smell. So we're thinking about pulling the carpet out from behind the drivers seat to the bedroom.

We're looking at 3 options
Re-carpet
Laminate hard wood
Vinyl planks

I'm seeing if anyone in a Southwind has any input. I've read a few posts from others that have laid down the Laminate and Vinyl only to have the slide-out scratch it up. It looks like we would have enough clearance, I'm going to slide some cardboard under there and see if I get any marks.

Any tips or input would be great.

Thanks!!

[jhlady]

Here's a tip for you. Before you put anything new down, seal the wood flooring surface with Kilz primer. I will help eliminate the order from seeping back through your new floor. After that the choice is up to you. I removed our carpeting and put down a floating laminate floor and am very happy with it. It wasn't easy due to the tight quarters you are working in and the numerous cuts and angles, but if you are handy with basic carpentery tools you can probably do it. Once you get the carpet up you can take a sample of whatever you are thinking of putting down, along with padding or vapor barrier to check your slide clearance before you proceed. I have had no problems with mine clearing and I put down a padded vapor barrier to make the flooring warmer and quiter.

Good luck with your project.

[Broncos1]

Good info, thanks!