Forum Discussion

RamblinAnne's avatar
RamblinAnne
Explorer
Dec 28, 2016

Heated Floors

Alright guys, let's talk heated floors. I am about to replace the flooring in my Bigfoot with luxury vinyl planks (looks like wood) and I'm thinking while I'm in there, I may as well put some thin electric heated mats underneath. There are a few brands I'm looking at: Suntouch, Thermosoft, STEP Warmfloor. They are not 12V but the tech I spoke with said they can be used in RVs. I'm still trying to figure out how exactly. Anyone know?? Anyone have any experience with heated floors? Do they really work? Or would the vinyl be too thick to even feel it?

I'm also considering a portable heated mat that you plug in. Obviously more affordable but I like the idea of everything being concealed for a clean look. Thoughts??

Just to clarify, I am aware that heated floors are NOT an adequate substitution for my furnace. They would simply provide comfort and warmth to my always freezing feet.

37 Replies

  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    Someone on here has heated floors squares... Maybe Don PIANOTUNA

    If you are interested in carpet - pick up the 2' x 2' carpet squares from LOWES... They stick down. You can cut to fit around the walls...

    I had free access to a bunch of these when the office I used to work at replaced all of their carpet. I grabbed up all of the dark blue and dark green and put in my off-road POPUP trailer. really nice on the feet in the mornings... The big downside however was no matter how hard your tried - you cannot keep from tracking in outside leaves and things the way we camp off-road all the the time...

    Sure helped out big time putting on the floor of the tent bed ends however...

    Roy Ken
  • New Roadtreks have an option for heated floors. They use the Alde system which heats your potable water for showers as well as the heated floors. I have heard people love them. The same could be installed in your camper. No idea on the cost.

    Alde
  • There are 12 volt heaters that might work. Here's a link. However, no matter the voltage, I would be concerned about the pads shorting and causing a fire.

    I have the 12 volt pads on my holding tanks and dump lines, and, I can tell you they draw a lot of power. If not connected to shore power, they will quickly drain your battery.
  • I don't have heated floors. We do use rugs on our floor. I haven't found them cold with heat and with a heated basement.

    The watt draw for a 6 ft x 30 in is 180 watts according to the Home Depot site for Suntouch. You could power with an inverter. That's quite a lot for a battery based system but possible.
  • I would never put water tubings on RV floor.
    Common conception is that RV floors move a lot, but on my vintage Prevost I marble-up over 50 percent of flooring and did not have a problem. Did not grout them, but with hair gaps you could not tell.
    Would be interesting to hear the electric pad experience.
    TC don't have much of flooring, so that might be insufficient in cold weather, but warm floor sure feels nice.
  • RamblinAnne,

    Have you considered replacing the furnace with a hydronic system and routing heat tubes under the floor? Truma, Alde, and Webasto all make systems that could work. The little circulators sip 12v and they're used on lots of overland vehicles. I love to spend other people's money. ;)

    Bill
  • I assume that you never boondock? and always have electric hookup?
    bumpy