You are my hero. For courageous mods to a $30k asset.
Right after TT, that is. Or maybe tied. Either way.
[font size="3"][font face="arial"]Well, I'm no hero. Just makin' a good thing better. The floor was what computer types might call a cut and paste without the paste. And as for Tinkeringtechie and me, we both seem similarly inclined, but I haven't taken a saw to the roof and a perfectly good counter top yet :)).
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We bought a pack of interlocking flooring tiles at Costco for about $20. Plan is to see how far that goes once we get the trailer back, then buy enough to finish the job.
Photo of what we got later.
For my 13QBB I got 2 packages of 4 interlocking tiles from Lowes. Something like $20 a package. I needed 2 packages to make the edges look nice even though I didn't need as many square feet as I got.
These are the ones I got [a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_295099-47189-MB06014_0__"]Floor Tiles[/a]
[quote source="/post/1137/thread" timestamp="1400683561" author="@mitch"]For my 13QBB I got 2 packages of 4 interlocking tiles from Lowes. Something like $20 a package. I needed 2 packages to make the edges look nice even though I didn't need as many square feet as I got.
These are the ones I got [a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_295099-47189-MB06014_0__"]Floor Tiles[/a] [/quote][font face="arial" size="3"]Mitch or Eddie,
How thick are the rubber tiles?
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Here's the ones I got at Costco:
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2906/14054109440_d6258a41b0.jpg)
8 2'x2' tiles for about $20.
I can't see where it says the thickness but I just measured and its about 3/8".
So 16 sq ft for a 13QBB? I have 96 sq ft on the way for my 21RBS. I may have ordered too much.
[quote source="/post/1146/thread" timestamp="1400714175" author="@shovelhead"]So 16 sq ft for a 13QBB? I have 96 sq ft on the way for my 21RBS. I may have ordered too much.[/quote]Go double thick ?
I'll measure tomorrow and post but 3/8 is pretty close, maybe 1/2. I'll tell you though, it's very very noticeable, really improved the feel over just the carpet.
Mitch
Updated: Measures out to a 1/2 inch.
The rubber floor tiles look great. Thank you all for the pictures
HI,
First post BTW: I am picking up my 2013 leftover 16db on friday. I have been surfing amazon and other sites for various options for floor covering. I discovered these on amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DGCDYR0/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1Y2N9V27JJL02&coliid=I3PNNISYVCKSZJ&psc=1
They are simulated wood grain pattern on top of interlocking yoga type matting. I'm thinking I might be ordering some eventually and cutting to fit and then putting the factory rugs back in on top.
They have a few different color options available. black, grey, cherry and oak.
Here's another slightly cheaper option in oak:
http://www.amazon.com/We-Sell-Mats-Interlocking-Flooring/dp/B003R2CIYY/ref=pd_sim_sg_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=1J48A29DTASHNMFY9W4D
Todd
Did our 14DBS with 2 packs of rubber tiles from Harbor Freight. $9.99 each before the coupon.
Veteran move: unwrap them, hose them down with some dish soap, and let them air outside for a week. Everything from HF smells like benzene for a week.
We put the factory rug mats on top. Very comfy.
Those look very nice. We will be taking an Alaskan Malamute with us in our camper and would like feedback on whether this type of product would survive her nails.
I may put them in an area I am creating for a home gym even if they do not go in the camper.
[quote source="/post/2544/thread" timestamp="1407937826" author="@funpilot"]Those look very nice. We will be taking an Alaskan Malamute with us in our camper and would like feedback on whether this type of product would survive her nails.
I may put them in an area I am creating for a home gym even if they do not go in the camper. [/quote][font size="3"]I'm quite impressed with the durability of the mats. As for dog nail effects I think it depends on the [/font][font size="3"]room [/font][font size="3"]allowed for dog acceleration or deceleration. If the dog can really dig in starting or stopping it might be a problem. Inside a camper it's probably not a problem.
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ProTip if you end up using the foam rubber gym mat type tiles. Be sure to allow for expansion in warmer weather. I installed some and didnt leave enough space and as the weather warmed up I had a bit of a bulge in the middle of the floor. Its nothing a little trimming couldnt fix but it just means a bit of extra work.
I have a 50lb dog and her nails have not made any marks at all. She jumps around the trailer as she likes.
[p]Pics of the dog, or it didn't happen.[/p][p]
[/p][p]I'm not calling you out. I just like dogs.[/p]
Easy
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Finally got around to playing with the mats I mentioned before that we got a Costco:
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5580/14897554496_f86bbe5e7e_c.jpg)
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3924/14733877989_535c0eea88_c.jpg)
1) You can go crazy trying to figure out the layout for the minimum number of cuts. Eventually you just have to go for it.
2) They cut like butter with a box cutter, and trim easily with scissors.
3) One more package might do it next time we're at Costco, but I'll probably get two to be safe.
4) I think they will serve their mundane purpose - just have to see how durable they turn out to be.
We just got back from a two week trip and I think we'll be doing the floor tile trick after getting sick of black socks and feet from the bare aluminum (too bad they didn't anodize it). Anyways, for those with the 21' models, what is the approximate square footage of tiles that you had to buy?
Has anyone that has a trailer with the factory installed vinyl tiles still felt the need to put something over it? If not, would it be a good idea to find out from LL the specs of the tiles they use so owners can pick what they want?
[quote source="/post/2948/thread" timestamp="1409072430" author="@funpilot"]Has anyone that has a trailer with the factory installed vinyl tiles still felt the need to put something over it? If not, would it be a good idea to find out from LL the specs of the tiles they use so owners can pick what they want?
[/quote]My impression was that the factory installed vinyl was continuous, not tiles. My guess is they put one big sheet over the whole floor before they even install the cabinets.
Of course...duh on my part. But still the questions bear answering from someone that has that flooring. Does it work to keep water from underneath the trailer from leaking in? Does it still feel as cold as the bare aluminum, i.e. do you want to put something on top of it?
[quote source="/post/2947/thread" timestamp="1409071887" author="@tinkeringtechie"]We just got back from a two week trip and I think we'll be doing the floor tile trick after getting sick of black socks and feet from the bare aluminum (too bad they didn't anodize it). Anyways, for those with the 21' models, what is the approximate square footage of tiles that you had to buy?[/quote][font size="3"]For the 21RBS I used a total of twenty 2'x2' squares. This includes about two I screwed up while installing and a few more that just would not fit where I needed them. You have to allow extras to assure good finished edges where you need them and the fact that partials may not interlock properly. It's a real jig saw puzzle. I also used other thinner stock I had on hand on some cabinet floor areas. Your mileage may differ ;).
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[quote source="/post/2970/thread" timestamp="1409085340" author="@funpilot"]Of course...duh on my part. But still the questions bear answering from someone that has that flooring. Does it work to keep water from underneath the trailer from leaking in? Does it still feel as cold as the bare aluminum, i.e. do you want to put something on top of it?[/quote][font size="3"]I suspect the vinyl tile or sheet will keep water, dust, and air from infiltrating and it will feel warmer to you feet, but it will add little real insulation. The bare aluminum, because it's an excellent thermal conductor, will feel very cold to your feet and will condense, and even freeze, water. The vinyl will feel warmer because it doesn't conduct heat from your feet as quickly, but it will still feel cold. If there is enough humidity to cause condensation the vinyl may become very slippery and dangerous. No experience here to help you.
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The last time that I installed a vinyl floor, about 25 years ago, you could get an installation kit for a few bucks. It consisted of rolls of butcher's paper, masking tape, scissors, and knife to score/cut the linoleum. Laying and taping the paper will yield a perfect one piece floor pattern. Spread it out on your garage floor and go to town on it. I purchased a 2015 21rbs and it does have solid sheet vinyl applied to the floor which extends the length of the unit including the pass through compartment. The vinyl is somewhat textured and emulates old barn wood board siding. I guess that's a good thing as you won't notice scuffs or dings as compared to a smooth shiny surface.