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How to Replace a Rotten Floor in a Camper Trailer

Water causes most of the damage to camper trailer floors. It seeps in through undetected leaks around windows, doors, vents and lights. Eventually, the water ends up collecting in the subfloor of the camper and causes it to rot. Replacing the floor involves removing the floor covering to expose the subfloor and replacing the rotten floor with new wood.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure
  • Pencil
  • Safety glasses
  • Dust mask
  • Exterior plywood
  • Floor scraper
  • Box cutter
  • Pry bar
  • Hammer
  • Chisel
  • Broom
  • Dust pan
  • Shop vacuum
  • Reciprocating saw
  • Table saw
  • Wood screws
  • Furring strips
  • Level
  • Chalk line
  • Peel and stick tile
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove existing flooring. Use a box cutter to cut through carpet. Use a floor scraper to remove tile or glued-down carpeting. Start at a point furthest from the door and work your way toward the door; this makes debris removal easier.

    • 2

      Use a chisel or pry bar to remove any tack strips if the camper had carpeting. The subfloor should be exposed. Sweep the area clean with a broom and dust pan.

    • 3

      Cut out small areas of rotten flooring with a hammer and chisel. Use a reciprocating saw for large areas of rotten floor. Once the rotten wood is removed, measure the open space.

    • 4

      Transfer the measurements of the open space or spaces to a piece of exterior plywood. Large areas will require using more than one sheet. Use a table saw or circular saw to cut the plywood to the correct size.

    • 5

      Insert the plywood into the opening. Use wood screws to fasten the new wood to the frame. If necessary, use furring strips to make the new wood even with the existing floor. Check the floor with a level and use furring strips where needed.

    • 6

      Sweep the area clean and vacuum it to be sure all dirt and dust are removed. Mark a center line horizontally and vertically with a chalk line across the bare subfloor. Cover the area with peel and stick tile, starting in the center and working out toward the walls.

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