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Main Forum => General Discussion => Topic started by: Bangorbob on May 01, 2021, 10:35:02 am

Title: New Flooring Cover
Post by: Bangorbob on May 01, 2021, 10:35:02 am: I finally started the floor covering project. Not as many staples as I thought. As you can see in the pictures there was some water leakage. The wood is not flakey just stained. I sealed all the outside side panels about 4 months ago. I believe this is old stains. Will be using sterling oak lifeproof vinyl planks.
Title: Re: New Flooring Cover
Post by: rbrown0248 on May 01, 2021, 06:05:40 pm: Looking good. I'm about to do the same after I replace the microwave / convection oven.
Title: Re: New Flooring Cover
Post by: Ron Dittmer on May 01, 2021, 06:41:38 pm: I agree in that the subfloor is not water-damaged, just having water-marks.

I see you have a little water-mark near the main entry door. Do you know what caused that?
Title: Re: New Flooring Cover
Post by: Bangorbob on May 01, 2021, 06:46:12 pm: Quote from: rbrown0248 on May 01, 2021, 06:05:40 pm
Looking good. I'm about to do the same after I replace the microwave / convection oven.

Thanks. BTW, I took Ron D's suggestion on the bolts holding the microwave. Works great and stops most of the noise. Will be posting a couple picture of progress later.
Title: Re: New Flooring Cover
Post by: Bangorbob on May 01, 2021, 06:48:05 pm: Ron, Don't know what water mark near the main entrance. If you are looking to the left of the door, that is about a 1 inch gap as the other side of the door also has a gap.
Title: Re: New Flooring Cover
Post by: Ron Dittmer on May 02, 2021, 10:13:11 am: Quote from: Bangorbob on May 01, 2021, 06:48:05 pm
Ron, Don't know what water mark near the main entrance. If you are looking to the left of the door, that is about a 1 inch gap as the other side of the door also has a gap.
The darkened plywood along the transition wall behind the passenger seat.
Title: Re: New Flooring Cover
Post by: Bangorbob on May 02, 2021, 10:20:28 am: It appears to be a stain like the one behind the drivers seat. I would have to guess that it leaked at the seams on the outside. I would even try to guess how long ago it leaked, but it is not rotted which is a good thing. I am the 3rd owner and I think the original owners did not take care of it very well. The 2nd owners are kinda like me. Fix and do preventive maintenance.
I have sealed everywhere I could one the coach.
Title: Re: New Flooring Cover
Post by: Bangorbob on May 02, 2021, 10:25:20 am: Updated pictures. Will be putting barrel chair and tables bases back in.
Title: Re: New Flooring Cover
Post by: Volkemon on May 02, 2021, 11:19:03 am: RE: Stains on the floor

If you look on the outside, there is the trim that covers the transition between the wall and the lower fiberglass valence.

On our 2006, the seam behind was NOT sealed. It allowed water in just like you have there, then it would puddle in the step well.

Removing the trim on the outside, sealing behind it and replacing the trim has resulted in NO leaks since. 2o2
Title: Re: New Flooring Cover
Post by: Bangorbob on May 02, 2021, 11:28:57 am: Volk, After reading your initial write up, I immediately went out and got some clear sealant and sealed those first and then everything that was attached or had a seam. It's incredible when you start looking around an RV how many possible placing for leakage there is. I believe the drip rail closest to the driver door over the slide out canopy has got to be one of the worst designs I have seen on an RV. It directs the water almost at the seam of the slide. Anyway, I built a longer gutter extender for mine.
Again, thanks.
Title: Re: New Flooring Cover
Post by: Ron Dittmer on May 02, 2021, 06:38:39 pm: I had wondered if water on rainy days swirls around and gets blown upward where the floor meets the backside of the transition wall there, a condition every PC owner might experience and should seal better.

I also wondered if it would have been a good idea to buy some cheap vinyl flooring or self-stick tiles to adhere over the raw plywood to level it and to prevent floor squeaks. While driving, you wouldn't want to hear some irritating squeaking sourced right there behind the two front seats.

I installed the same type of wood-based interlocking flooring at home in our office. The company that sold me the flooring also sold me a very thin rolled subflooring like a construction paper, used to eliminate creaking and squeaking. I recall him saying that vinyl flooring accomplishes the same thing.
Title: Re: New Flooring Cover
Post by: Volkemon on May 02, 2021, 09:18:01 pm: Quote from: Bangorbob on May 02, 2021, 11:28:57 am
Volk, After reading your initial write up, I immediately went out and got some clear sealant and sealed those first and then everything that was attached or had a seam. It's incredible when you start looking around an RV how many possible placing for leakage there is. I believe the drip rail closest to the driver door over the slide out canopy has got to be one of the worst designs I have seen on an RV. It directs the water almost at the seam of the slide. Anyway, I built a longer gutter extender for mine.
Again, thanks.

Very impressive SIR! You are a MAINEiac. :)(: Green Mtn Boy here.

Let those who follow note what WORKS. 2o2
Title: Re: New Flooring Cover
Post by: Taildragger on May 02, 2021, 09:57:25 pm: Interesting problem. I experienced wet carpeting after driving in torrential rain. Appears water is coming in thru floor.
Title: Re: New Flooring Cover
Post by: Bangorbob on May 02, 2021, 10:18:45 pm: Volk, Actually Michigan but that's ok. My oldest son works in Bangor-Washington.
Taildragger, I think Ron D was possible alluding to that. I will be under the RV tomorrow and just take a gander to see if it possible.

Will report back.

BTW, would you bolt the chair over the tile OR cut ta square for it to sit directly on the wood? I'm thinking about just bolt on top.
Title: Re: New Flooring Cover
Post by: Volkemon on May 03, 2021, 10:34:15 am: Quote from: Bangorbob on May 02, 2021, 10:18:45 pm
Volk, Actually Michigan but that's ok. My oldest son works in Bangor-Washington.
Taildragger, I think Ron D was possible alluding to that. I will be under the RV tomorrow and just take a gander to see if it possible.

Will report back.

BTW, would you bolt the chair over the tile OR cut ta square for it to sit directly on the wood? I'm thinking about just bolt on top.

D'oH! There are OTHER Bangors? roflol I stand corrected. :)(:

I would just bolt he seat over the flooring.
Title: Re: New Flooring Cover
Post by: Taildragger on May 03, 2021, 02:35:01 pm: Update on earlier observation.

After driving through a heavy rain and experiencing a wet carpet episode, like many others are commenting on, I made note of the area affected and considered the possible source might be the seam between the Cab and Fiberglass Shell. I applied sealant to the underside of the floor structure.

Carpet wetness is in the center aisle! Limited to the area where the coach and Cab join. Mostly, behind the "dog house" and threshold into the living area.

Today, with the PC parked, there has been a heavy rain. I checked and the carpet is wet in the same spot.

Makes me wonder. Those who report sealing the seam behind the door might have the issue figured correctly.
Title: Re: New Flooring Cover
Post by: donc13 on May 03, 2021, 06:25:14 pm: Did the carpet ever dry? It would be quite unusual while parked to have rain from the roof get in, especially without the ceiling getting wet.

Likewise, it'd be real odd for a bad seal underneath the coach to be causing wetness inside.

But of course, if the carpet never dried, which would be likely because of high humidity (thus Torrential rain) it'd still feet wet from leaks while driving.
Title: Re: New Flooring Cover
Post by: Taildragger on May 03, 2021, 07:36:04 pm: Several days lapsed since the carpet was saturated. In the meanwhile, a carpet shampoo vacuum was used to remove water.

After today's rain the floor is again soaking wet. The Cruiser was parked when it accumulated this puddle.

I didn't mean to claim the roof leaks. Instead, I believe water is coming in thru the sides and descending the seam and collecting on the floor. Other respondents suggest the water trough above the door ends about even with the trim concealing the cab to cabin joint and directs the water accumulation into the joint. That flow descends onto the floor behind the cabin seats. From there is seeks a low spot to accumulate and seeps towards the center of the floor space behind the doghouse/engine cover.

Possibly, having sealed the joint underneath the cabin, I made the problem worse by sealing what might have otherwise functioned as a drain.
Title: Re: New Flooring Cover
Post by: Ron Dittmer on May 03, 2021, 09:35:28 pm: Taildragger,

Given that you have model 2100 with a very over-rated front suspension, I wonder if the extra harsh ride up front encouraged the leaks. I worry about that with our slide-less 2350. Our front axle weighs only 3260 with my wife and I sitting in the front seats. I recently replaced my front springs with softer ones. CLICK HERE (https://forum.phoenixusarv.com/index.php?topic=4168.0) if you want to know more.
Title: Re: New Flooring Cover
Post by: Taildragger on May 04, 2021, 08:25:54 am: .I am currently parked in the Upper Midwest. When the weather allows, I am going to seal the seam behind the doors.

Earlier suggestions lead me to believe others have pinpointed the area as their remedy. Never heard any report of success telling the leak was cured.

I read about the front suspension with interest. That subject includes a wide range of troublesome topics. Among them alignment, shock absorbers, tire balancing, and driver related issues. The point about the rigidity of the front suspension and it causing peripheral problems is worth considering. Thanks for the tip
Title: Re: New Flooring Cover
Post by: Bangorbob on May 06, 2021, 10:34:29 am: Progress on the floor continues. Could not get at the propane tank bolts underneath except with a crows foot and about 14 inches of extensions. I had a friend underneath doing the bolts. He works on his 18 wheeler all the time so I trust him. He said there would be no way to get a nut on a carriage bolt because of framing/etc. ???? ideas please.

BTW, the 3/8 inch carriage just turned in the hole. 7/16 would fit IF I could get them where I live.
Title: Re: New Flooring Cover
Post by: Volkemon on May 06, 2021, 12:51:39 pm: If I am reading correctly, there are nuts and bolts holding the inner LP tank mounts thats are in the way of the flooring. These are installed with the bolt entering from the bottom, and a nut on top?

If so, must be a difference in '08 + models. Mine had bolts inserted from the top, and nuts outside on the bottom. The rear one easily reachable from the wheelwell with a gearwrench..

OK, so lets say you have to install hex head bolts because the carriage bolt shoulders wont anchor.

If you have the bolt installed from the top, there will be a head and washer standing proud, and interfering with the flooring. After install, perhaps use a hand held angle grinder, and reduce the head thickness. 'Make' it a carriage bolt head. It may still be too high. My next step would be to hollow out the flooring on the back. This SHOULD be a very low traffic area, and the lack of support wont matter much. Use the same angle grinder, and carve away. Maybe test first on a scrap piece. (nod)

With either the nut or bolt head on top, instead of grinding the bolt/nut consider 'relieving' or routing out a shelf 1/4-3/8 of an inch into the floor. This will leave 1/2-3/8 " of plywood to support. Get a large fender washer, trace the outline, and use a router, chisel or other available tool to make the pocket to sink the nut/bolthead into. Then hollow out the floor as above, if necessary.

If you can somehow fit a nut on the BOTTOM of a bolt, maybe dont use a washer on top of the flooring. Tighten the heck out of the bottom nut until the head of the bolt sinks into the floor. Lube the bottom nut and washer to make things easier pulling the head into the wood. If the head doesnt go in far enough, hollow out the floor as above. I suppose this may work with a nut on top as well - Assemble things with just a nut on top of the flooring, no washer. Just have to trim off any excess thread.

For a thinner nut, try to get a 'Jam nut'. OR grind off 1/2 the nut. DO NOT round it off like a carriage bolt, unlike the head the nut is NOT attached to the center of the bolt.

Hope any of that helps!
Title: Re: New Flooring Cover
Post by: Bangorbob on May 06, 2021, 01:03:38 pm: Volk, thanks for the reply. The bolts enter from the top, nut on bottom. 2 of the bolts will be covered by the front of the couch-not problem. The bolt that holds the aft end of the gen is a problem. The tile is just a tad taller or even with the head of the bolt. My thought is to just cut a hole in the tile about the same size as bolt head and call it a day. Took at least 2 hrs yesterday figuring out hope to just tighten vey loose bolts holding gen and propane. You are correct in that the aft bolt is in very low traffic area. I have vinyl putty that matches tile and will just mess with covering the head.

Your thoughts are highly appreciated.

r/Bob
Title: Re: New Flooring Cover
Post by: Ron Dittmer on May 06, 2021, 05:21:29 pm: I had a lot of questions, then re-read the chain of posts, and now get it. You can't swap taller hex-headed bolts to low profile carriage in all the places needed.

I wonder if you can locate elevator bolts with a place for an allen wrench to prevent it from spinning.

Or spiked elevator bolts like this.
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/31Z%2BPtk%2B3AL._AC_.jpg)
Title: Re: New Flooring Cover
Post by: Bangorbob on May 06, 2021, 05:40:39 pm: Ron, The bolts are hexhead the are above the floor. I was able to replace 1 with a carriage bolt, but cannot get at the other from underneath the frame. I attached a picture of my resolution. Ground down the hexhead a little and used a forstner bit and took out enough of the tile that it would fit over the hexhead.
Title: Re: New Flooring Cover
Post by: Volkemon on May 06, 2021, 06:33:29 pm: Quote from: Bangorbob on May 06, 2021, 05:40:39 pm
Ron, The bolts are hexhead the are above the floor. I was able to replace 1 with a carriage bolt, but cannot get at the other from underneath the frame. I attached a picture of my resolution. Ground down the hexhead a little and used a forstner bit and took out enough of the tile that it would fit over the hexhead.

YEAH! :)(: Modify and overcome. :)(:
Title: Re: New Flooring Cover
Post by: Ron Dittmer on May 06, 2021, 09:32:18 pm: Quote from: Volkemon on May 06, 2021, 06:33:29 pm
Quote from: Bangorbob on May 06, 2021, 05:40:39 pm
Ron, The bolts are hexhead the are above the floor. I was able to replace 1 with a carriage bolt, but cannot get at the other from underneath the frame. I attached a picture of my resolution. Ground down the hexhead a little and used a forstner bit and took out enough of the tile that it would fit over the hexhead.

YEAH! :)(: Modify and overcome. :)(:
(exactly)
Title: Re: New Flooring Cover
Post by: Tarnold on May 07, 2021, 08:35:08 am: Look at the product “DAP flooring leveling compound”. Make a mound at the center, and feather out the compound. Makes the protrusion much less pronounced. Used it the same situation in my old chinook.
Title: Re: New Flooring Cover
Post by: Bangorbob on May 07, 2021, 09:21:09 am: Quote from: Tarnold on May 07, 2021, 08:35:08 am
Look at the product “DAP flooring leveling compound”. Make a mound at the center, and feather out the compound. Makes the protrusion much less pronounced. Used it the same situation in my old chinook.

Thanks for the suggestion. When I finished a little grinding and drilling, I had no mound. The bolt is in a very low traffic area.
Title: Re: New Flooring Cover
Post by: Bangorbob on May 11, 2021, 06:24:44 pm: This is an edited picture from Volkeman's thread. My question is: do I have to adjust the rollers that are circled in light blue so they touch the new flooring?
Title: Re: New Flooring Cover
Post by: Bangorbob on May 13, 2021, 09:33:20 pm: I figured the above question out. Leave them tight and NOT at floor level. Anyway, here is an updated pic of my floor. Almost finished.
Title: Re: New Flooring Cover
Post by: Bangorbob on May 21, 2021, 06:08:27 pm: I finally finished my floor project. I know y'all are thrilled!!! Anyway I want to thank Volkman and all the others who provided tech advice and and my questions. As I age every project takes longer cus I don't move like I used to. It ain't perfect, but neither am I.
Title: Re: New Flooring Cover
Post by: Volkemon on May 25, 2021, 09:48:35 am: (cheer) (cheer)THAT LOOKS GREAT!! (cheer) (cheer)

We have one more planned festival in June, then off until November. I am hoping to do our bathroom remodel done in the PC this summer. But your flooring looks really good! Job well done. :)(:
Title: Re: New Flooring Cover
Post by: WillLloyd on May 25, 2021, 09:55:27 am: Looks nice. What type of flooring is it?
Title: Re: New Flooring Cover
Post by: Bangorbob on May 25, 2021, 10:05:06 am: Quote from: WillLloyd on May 25, 2021, 09:55:27 am
Looks nice. What type of flooring is it?

Thanks. It is life proof vinyl planks-sterling oak. From home depot. As Volkman said. Lets see how it holds up givin the fact that it shouldn't be used in RV's. I live in the desert so we have varying temperatures. I do leave my AC set at 90 during the summer. So only time will tell. Of course I will keep the forum informed as time goes on.