Best Flooring For RV / Camping Vehicle

Life in RVs and camping vehicles is a combination of adventure, freedom and simplicity. 

You can live in RVs or just travel and rest. If you dream of a vacation lifestyle that feels just like home, you’ll need a towing vehicle equipped with all the essentials.

Flexibility is the key to RV’s lifestyle. Life on the road is full of surprises. That’s why your RV floor should be as adaptable as you are. You need to find a floor that is suitable for rigorous conditions, so it is easier to venture into uncertainty.

It’s not always easy to choose the right type of flooring. But, don’t worry. You’ve come to the right place to determine your needs and solve your problems. We bring you the most popular RV flooring options.

Some Factors to Consider When Choosing RV Flooring

1. Pay attention to durability, because RV flooring withstand constant use and varying weather conditions. 
2. Water-proof options are ideal to prevent damage from moisture and mold.
3. RVs are under weight restrictions, so a preferable solution is to consider installing a floor with minimal weight.
4. Whether you’re hiring a professional or DIY, it’s not always simple to install the chosen floor in your RV.
5. Look for flooring that’s easy to clean and maintain.
6. Comfort is one of the crucial factors, so insulations against cold and heat are on the top of the demands.
7. While the functionality is crucial, choosing interior design of your RV is also important.
8. Consider the total cost of flooring and think about how much it will cost now and in the future.

Top Flooring Options and Designs for RVs and Camping Vehicles

1. Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring has become increasingly popular in RVs and camping vehicles due to its versatility, durability, and affordability. Available in sheets, tiles, or luxury vinyl planks, this option offers several advantages:

• Water resistance
• Durabilty
• Easy to maintain
• Variety of styles and designs
• Relatively inexpensive
• Lightweight
• Can be installed as a floating floor

On the other hand, you should pay attention to some of disadvantages:

• Low insulation
• Prone to scratching and denting
• Not biodegradable

2. Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is another popular choice for RVs, offering a balance of costs and aesthetics. It consists of multiple layers, including a wear layer, design layer, core layer, and backing layer. 

Pros:

• More affordable than hardwood
• Good resistance to scratch and dents
• Wide range of wood-look designs
• Relatively easy to install
• Lightweight compared to real wood flooring

Cons:

• Less water-resistant than other options
• Can be noisy
• Not suitable for areas with high moisture
• Prone to easy damage

3. Carpet

While less common in modern RVs due to cleaning and maintenance concerns, carpet still has its place, especially in bedroom areas where comfort is a priority. Consider some pro-et-contra facts about carpet flooring:

Pro:

• Warmt and comfort
• Good insulation
• Reduce noise in the RV
• Various colors and textures to suit different styles
• Relatively inexpensive

Contra:

• Difficult to maintain
• Prone to allergens and odor
• Not ideal to wet areas
• May require more frequent replacement
• Can be challenging to install properly

4. Rubber Flooring

Rubber flooring is an excellent choice for entryways, bathrooms, and kitchens in RVs. While it may not offer the same aesthetic appeal as some other options, its practical benefits can outweigh this drawback in certain areas of your RV.

Benefits:

• Extremely resistant to wear and tear
• Almost perfect water resistance
• Good insulation and sound dampening
• Comfortable underfoot
• Easy to clean
• Slip-resistant

Drawbacks:

• Limited design options
• Could have a strong odor
• May be more expensive
• Can be heavy 

5. Cork Flooring

Cork flooring can be an excellent choice for RV owners looking for a unique, comfortable, and eco-friendly option. It’s particularly well-suited for living rooms and bedrooms. However, it’s important to weigh the higher cost and maintenance requirements against its benefits.

Pros:

• Antimicrobial and resistant to mold
• Excellent insulation and sound dampening
• Comfortable and warm
• Environmentally friendly
• Various colors and patterns
• Eco-friendly

Cons:

• Can be expensive compared to some other options
• More easily prone to dent and scratch
• Requires regular sealing to maintain water resistance
• Can fade if exposed to direct sunlight 

6. Linoleum

Linoleum can be a good choice for RV owners looking for an environmentally friendly option with good durability. It’s suitable for most areas of an RV, though care should be taken in high-moisture areas.

Advantages:

• Natural, biodegradable materials
• Durability and resistance to wear
• Naturally antimicrobial
• Wide range of colors and patterns
• Relatively easy to maintain
• More affordable than some other options

Disadvantages:

• Prone to damage by sharp objects
• May require periodic waxing to maintain its appearance
• Low water resistance
• Can be challenging to install

Installation Considerations

There are several important factors to consider:

1. Ensure the subfloor is in good condition.
2. Calculate the total weight of your chosen flooring to ensure it doesn’t exceed your RV’s weight limits.
3. Choose and install flooring that can handle the temperature changes.
4. In areas prone to moisture, consider installing a moisture barrier beneath the flooring.
5. While many flooring options can be installed DIY, professional installation may be worth considering.

Maintenance and Cleaning Tips

• Sweep and vacuum frequently.
• Use cleaning solutions designed for your flooring type.
• Prevent staining or water damage.
• Use mats at entrances.
• Schedule regular deep cleaning sessions.

Cost Comparation

Here’s a general range for each option, per square foot:

• Vinyl: $2 – $7
• Laminate: $1 – $5
• Carpet: $1 – $4
• Rubber: $3 – $8
• Cork: $3 – $12
• Linoleum: $2 – $5

RV Lifestyle

• Most RV owners spend about 28-35 days per year living in their RVs.
• 190 miles is the average trip with RVs.
• Almost 40% of RV owners have kids at home.
• Nearly half of all campers choose a state park as their camping destination with RVs.
• The most expensive RV ever sold was $3 million! 
• Canada is the biggest importer of US-made RVs.  

Conclusion

Selecting the perfect RV flooring involves considering factors like durability, maintenance, comfort, style, and cost. Various options exist, each with its own advantages, such as vinyl for durability, cork for comfort, and laminate for budget. Combine different flooring types for optimal results and long-lasting satisfaction.