How to Replace the Floor in an RV Travel Trailer

Replacing the floor in an RV travel trailer is a challenging task. Basic carpentry skills are required. Owning the correct tools will cut costs as renting them can be expensive. Expect surprises, such as insect damage, mold and rotting wood, once the flooring is removed. Replacing the floor in an RV trailer requires the removal of cabinetry and appliances. Get help from another person during the removal stage.

Instructions

Floor Removal Preparation

1




Take pictures prior to floor removal.

Take pictures of the existing interior prior to starting. Make sure that the placement of all cabinets and appliances is captured in the photographs.

2




Disconnect propane tanks.

Disconnect all propane tanks and electricity.

3

Disconnect all sink drains from the wall or floor.

4




Disconnect the water lines.

Disconnect all hot and cold water lines from faucets.

5




Disconnect the gas line.

Disconnect the gas line from the stove and other appliances.

6




Remove all appliances.

Remove all appliances. Most appliances will have to be unscrewed from a cabinet or frame.

7




Remove the cabinets.

Remove the base cabinets. These will be screwed into the walls or wood strips. Check inside each cabinet along the back and sides for these screws. After the screws are removed, lift out the cabinets. Number the cabinets to make reinstallation easier.

8




Remove dinettes and other items.

Remove all dinettes, tables, chairs and other furniture items.

Floor Removal

9




Wear safety goggles

Put on safety goggles.

10




Remove tile flooring with a scraper.

Remove the tile flooring with a floor scraper. Start at the most interior end of the floor and work your way toward the door.

11




Remove wood flooring with a pry bar and hammer.

Remove the wood flooring with a pry bar and hammer. Start at the part of the floor that is furthest from the door then work your way toward it. Slide the pry bar under the wood and hit it with a hammer to loosen and remove the flooring.

Floor Replacement

12

Measure and remove any subfloor pieces that are damaged and need to be replaced. Mark and cut these pieces from -inch, exterior-grade plywood. Use a table saw for accurate cuts. Measure the square footage of the subfloor by multiplying the length of the floor by the width. Use this measurement to purchase peel and stick tiles.

13




Secure screws with a drill.

Replace the subfloor. Use a cordless drill and wood screws to attach the subfloor to the floor joists.

14

Check the subfloor with a level and use wood shims, if necessary, to level it. Vacuum the subfloor to remove all dust and dirt.

15




Install peel and stick tiles.

Snap a chalk line down the center of the subfloor. Repeat in the opposite direction so that the two lines intersect in the center of the floor. Starting in the center, install the peel and stick tiles by pulling off the backing from the tiles and placing them on the subfloor. Continue until the entire floor is covered. Mark irregular cuts on the tile with a pencil then cut these tiles with a tile knife.

16




Replace cabinets and appliances.

Reinstall the cabinets. Replace the sinks and appliances. Replace the dinettes, tables, chairs and other furniture. Use wood shims to level the cabinets and appliances if necessary.