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RV Renovation
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DIY Tutorials

How to Install RV Flooring

Project
Remodel
Room
RV Interior
Cost
$500
Skill Level
Beginner

Are you beginning a camper renovation and not sure what flooring to go with? There are lots of RV flooring options to choose from when you are replacing your camper flooring. Here is what I recommend plus how to install your new flooring!

The Best RV Flooring Replacement

If you’ve done hours of research like me, you’ll find out that there is no right answer. Some RVers go with laminate, vinyl, tile, or even hardwood.

So let me tell you what I decided to go with and why.

Pros of RV Vinyl Plank Flooring

Vinyl plank flooring is a great choice when you are replacing your camper flooring. I chose TrafficMASTER Luxury Vinyl Gripstrip Planks for 5 reasons:

  1. 100% Waterproof. In my opinion, you need something 100% waterproof because having water come inside your camper is inevitable. Even if it’s just a slight mist that blows through the screen door during a summer rainstorm.
  2. Lightweight. Out of all the vinyl plank flooring on the market, this brand is the most lightweight you can find. In a camper renovation, you should always be aware of the weight and be sure to stay under the GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) for safety reasons.
  3. Durable. I have vinyl plank floors in my home with two dogs and after 5 years, the floor still looks brand new. The vinyl planks have held up even when they get the “zoomies“ and run as fast as they can but just slip on the floor with their nails.
  4. Glueable. With the flex of an RV while being towed, as well as temperature fluctuations, the flooring should really be glued down to prevent buckling, separating, and cracking. The glue will give it a secure hold. Plus gluing helps alleviate the hollow sound as you walk on it.
  5. Availability. This vinyl plank flooring can be found at Home Depot. Let’s face it, everyone has a Home Depot relatively close. You can’t beat the convenience of just running to Home Depot and picking up the flooring, or having it shipped right to your home. Most custom flooring stores will take 3-4 weeks to have the product ordered and ready for pickup.

Cons of Other RV Flooring Ideas

Those are all the reasons why I chose vinyl planks. So let me shed some light on why I didn’t go with the other flooring options.

  • Click-Lock Luxury Vinyl Planks: Most of these options are thick and heavy. If you winterized your camper and experience below-freezing temperatures, the cold weather makes the click-lock seams brittle and you could risk them breaking.
  • Laminate: It’s not waterproof. Any water exposure will cause it to swell.
  • Tile: With the flex of the camper while towing, tile and grout are susceptible to cracking
  • Hardwood: It’s heavy, prone to scratches, and not waterproof.
  • Vinyl Sheet: This is actually a great option to consider. The only reason I swayed from it was that it’s harder to install as an individual DIY’er, takes 3-4 weeks to be ordered, and I fear the slideout tearing it since it’s not as durable as the vinyl planks.

How to Install RV Flooring

Check out the easy step-by-step instructions for your RV flooring installation.


Shopping List

Instructions

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Frequently Asked Questions About RV Flooring Replacement

Here are some commonly asked questions about RV flooring replacements.

How do you get the flooring underneath the slide?

How did you trim the front edge of the flooring on the slide?

How do you keep the slideout from scratching the flooring?

More RV Renovation Ideas

Don’t be intimidated by the idea of replacing your camper flooring. Whether it needs to be replaced because it’s dated or due to water damage, replacing your RV floor is an easy project.

Let’s roll on with your RV renovations. Luckily, Happy Glamper Co is an expert in all things DIY RV renovation and has tons of guides to help with your next project.

Do your RV floors have water damage? Check out this guide to repairing water damage.

Ready to tackle your RV cabinets? Check out this complete guide for painting RV cabinets.

Love the look of shiplap but not the price tag? Try this $1 Sharpie Shiplap for a timeless look. 

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Check out all the RV renovations that are in progress, or we have completed so far. You can find links to all the products used, paint colors, and other helpful resources.

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