Flooring Replacement in Fifth Wheeler

Question

The intense cold we have had for the last several weeks (this morning as I write this is -20 degrees F again), caused the vinyl flooring in my trailer to split right down the length of the kitchen area. Our trailer is 10 years old but in great shape even after our recent Alaska trip. My question is has anyone in the colder climates that have four seasons changed the OEM vinyl flooring to something else? I have been reading of the Home Depot product called Allure its a semi sticky vinyl planking material that looks wonderful. Then there are also some great wood planking patterns on sheet vinyl. I am just wondering which material would handle our temperature extremes better. The OEM vinyl floor was not glued down and after 10 years just couldn't take it anymore. Some people have told me that if it was glued down to start maybe this would not have happened. The individual planking material would have a little more forgiveness for expansion and contraction is properly installed. Can anyone comment about this situation maybe from their experiences

Are there any other options that I haven't thought of? Thanks for any ideas or suggestion you may have.

donn0128 · Answer

Allure has been a great option for lots of people.  If you have slides you just need to be aware of the height difference between sheet goods and Allure.  It is pretty easy to lay, so it makes a good DIY project.  No slides, another option is marine carpet.  It is available at Lowes or HD in a variety of colors.  Water does not bother it, and if it gets nasty after a few years, simply throw it out and lay a new piece.  Laying it down with double sided carpet tape is a simple way to secure it.

mfl · Answer

The floor covering cracking has been a problem for years, in the cold climates. I have a neighbor that is a RV dealer. He has had new trailers on the lot, with cracked flooring, after sitting over the winter. The factory sends new vinyl out, and he has a guy that does a good install.

Some of the new models (I suppose higher end) have flooring in them now, that is not supposed to crack from cold temps. My previous FW flooring cracked all over, the last winter I owned it. I had no problem earlier years, but that last one, with temps down to -40F took it's toll.

My FW that I have now, has the newer "cold proof/crack proof vinyl". So far so good. It has been a very cold winter!!

Jerry

ncrugrat · Answer

I put the Allure in a motor home (prof installer) and it went in easy and looked great. After 2-3 years, I did see places where the joints contracted and left gaps. I've since sold the motor home, but if I had to do it again I would go with a nice solid vinyl sheet and glue it down. For the Allure (vinyl too), you need to make sure to get all the nails and anything lose off the floor or it will show through.

One thing to add is the Allure I used had the adhesive edges. I noticed last time I was Home Depot that the allure vinyl now had a type of snap and clip connection. This may do better in the cold weather.

buc1980 · Answer

I heard that Alure have problem in the cold climate .Why don't you think at laminate flooring?

supreme_oppress · Answer

Allure doesn't recommend or warranty installations in unheated spaces.  People do it anyways.  I put it in mine a couple years ago and like it.  No problems so far and temps below -40.

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Flooring Replacement in Fifth Wheeler

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