Have you ever wondered how thick the floor of your RV slide-out is? If you have, you’re not alone! Many people are curious about this and for a good reason. After all, your RV’s slide-out is a key part of its functionality. So, what is the answer to this question? How thick is the floor of an RV slide out? Let’s take a look!
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How Thick Should Plywood Be For Camper Floor?
When choosing the right plywood for your camper floor, thickness is important. The most common thickness for camper floors is 5/8 inch, which provides a good balance of strength and durability. However, if you are concerned about weight capacity or plan to do a lot of off-roading, you may want to consider using 3/4 inch plywood instead.
This thicker plywood will add extra weight to your camper, but it will also be better able to withstand rough conditions. Ultimately, the right plywood thickness for your camper floor will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
What Is A Camper Slide Out Floor Made Of?
When shopping for a new RV or camper, you may see the term “slide out” used to describe a feature of some of the models. But what is a slide-out? Simply put, a slide-out is an extension of the floor space in your RV or camper that can be deployed when the vehicle is parked. Slide-outs are usually located along the side of the RV or camper, and they vary in size depending on the model.
Most slide-outs are made from several panels using substrates and surface coatings designed by each RV manufacturer.
These include raw oriented strand board, raw plywood, MDO overlays, and plastic and vinyl overlays. The material used will depend on the climate in which you plan to use your RV or camper.
For example, RVs and campers used primarily in warm, dry climates may have different slide-out floors than those used in colder climates. Ultimately, the type of flooring you choose for your RV or camper slide-out should be based on your personal preferences and needs.
What Kind Of Plywood Do You Use For Camper Floors?
The amount and weight of the gear you plan to store in your camper will help you decide what kind of plywood to use for your camper floor. If you plan to store heavy gear or gear that is wet, such as fishing gear, kayaks, or stand-up paddle boards, in your camper, you will need to use thicker plywood than if you are only storing light gear, such as sleeping bags and tents.
Many RV manufacturers use 3/4-inch thick CDX plywood for their floors because it is durable and can withstand the weight of heavy gear and the moisture from wet gear. However, if you plan to store only light gear in your camper, you may use thinner plywood, such as 1/2-inch thick CDX plywood.
No matter what thickness plywood you use, ensure it is rated for exterior use so it can withstand the elements.
How Do You Install Flooring Under An RV Slide Out?
Following is the way to install flooring under an RV slide-out.
Plan The Installation
Before you start the installation process, it is important to plan. Begin by measuring the area where the slide-out will be located. Then, determine the type and thickness of plywood you need for the job. Once you have all the tools and material you need, you are ready to begin!
Remove The Old Flooring
If there is already flooring under the slide-out, you will need to remove it before installing the new plywood. Use a pry bar to remove nails or screws that are holding the old flooring in place. Then, carefully lift the old flooring out of the area.
Repair The Subfloor And Install The Underlayment
Once the old flooring has been removed, then you will need to inspect the subfloor for any damage. If there are any cracks or holes in the subfloor, you will need to repair them before proceeding.
Place The Laminate Floors
After the subfloor is repaired and the underlayment is installed, you can place the new laminate floors. Begin by placing the first piece of plywood in the corner of the room. Then, use a power drill to secure the plywood to the subfloor with screws.
Repeat this process until all the pieces of plywood are in place. Then, trim the edges of the plywood with a saw, so they are flush with the walls.
Work On The Slides
Now that the floor is installed, you can begin working on the slides. If your RV or camper has two slides, you must install them one at a time.
Install The Floors On The Odd-Shaped Areas
There are often odd-shaped areas in an RV or camper that need to be addressed when installing new floors. These areas include closets, pantries, and cabinets.
To install the floors in these areas, you will need to measure and cut the pieces of plywood to fit the space. Then, use a power drill to secure the plywood to the subfloor.
Finish The Installation
Once all the pieces of plywood are in place, you can finish the installation by trimming the edges and installing molding or baseboards.
This will give your RV or camper a finished look and help protect the edges of the plywood from damage.
How Do You Replace The Floor On An RV Slide Out?
Over time, the flooring on an RV slide-out can become worn or damaged due to wear and tear. When this happens, it is important to replace the flooring to maintain the structural integrity of the slide-out. The first step is to remove the old flooring. This can be done by carefully prying up the floorboards with a putty knife or other tool. Once the old flooring is removed, the next step is to install new flooring.
Various options are available, but it is important to choose a durable material that can withstand heavy use. After installing the new flooring, it is important to seal the edges to prevent water damage.
Finally, adding a layer of padding to the new flooring is also a good idea to provide cushioning and comfort. Following these steps, you can easily replace the flooring on an RV slide-out
Should RV Be Level Before Slide Out?
RV slide-outs are a great feature that allows more space inside your vehicle. However, before you put your slides out, it is important to ensure that your RV is level. This will help to prevent damage to the slide and make it easier to open and close. You can level your RV by using leveling blocks or jacks.
Once your RV is level, you can put your slides according to your owner’s manual instructions. By taking the time to level your RV before putting out the slides, you can help ensure that your vehicle is safe and comfortable.
Summary
Regarding the thickness of your RV slide-out floor, you will want something durable and withstand a lot of wear and tear. We have outlined the typical thicknesses for these floors, but if you want something more specific, reach out to the manufacturer. When selecting what type of flooring you want to put down on your slide-out, ensure that it can handle the weight of the RV and people walking on it. With all this in mind, we hope you feel confident in making your next RV slide-out purchase!
