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Introduction

RV  Floor In the last few years, RV sales have reached their highest revenues. As more and more people learn about these camping trailers, they are convinced to get one and start their travel adventures. Many people decide to live permanently in an RV; some might only use it for summer travels. Either way, living in an RV has pros and cons. It has countless pros, and above all, it is the most cost-effective mode of travel.

However, at the same time, the biggest flaw of living in an RV is its maintenance. RVs require constant maintenance. Once you hit the road, you will experience various issues of space, smell, leakage, ripped floors, etc., on your way. To avoid mishaps and have a smooth drive throughout your trip, you will have to follow some maintenance steps every day to avoid facing major issues. 

One of RV owners’ most prominent issues is soft flooring, which is difficult to prevent and costly to fix.

Let’s look at the most common causes of soft flooring, how to identify soft spots and how you can fix them on your own. 

Major Reasons Causing Soft Spots On RV Floor

Soft spots on your RVs floor are common and often appear after a few months of traveling when it has spent quite some time outdoors in rough weather conditions, so eventually, water will get inside. Soft spots might be difficult to notice but will, ultimately, ruin your trip. The reason for soft floors in an RV can be numerous; some of them are:

Water Leakage 

When you are using an RV frequently for days, you will soon find water damage somewhere inside. This water leakage can be from an external source, for instance, rainwater, leaking through windows, and tiny leaks around your camper. Or it can be due to interior issues as well. There is a constant use of water inside an RV. 

There are drainage pipes, kitchen sinks, coolers, geysers, etc., all surrounded by water pipes. Unlike your home, which stays in one place, an RV moves around on rugged tracks, and it is very common for these pipes or tankers to start leaking. These leaks might not be visible unless they cause huge damage. Soft spots due to water damage can also be because of high moisture inside your RV. The most common way to detect water leakage in your RV is through a soft spot on the floor. 

Floor Breakdowns

In most RVs, the flooring is made with the sandwich method. This includes foam and plywood stuck together. Both these materials are lightweight and hence preferred in manufacturing. However, being lightweight, they are also softer than other building materials. With time, the foam layer gets soft and undergoes wear and tear. This might be due to kids jumping on the floor, heaving material layers down, walking around with camping shoes, etc.

Whatever the reason, it is evident that the foam will start to break down after some time. This will cause your floor structure to be damaged and is referred to as a soft spot. It is better to solve the problem before it becomes unrepairable. 

Poor Manufacturing Decisions 

Having your RV structure made by a professional is always a good investment. DIYing stuff inside can lead to issues like soft spots in the long run. For instance, if you have used some sort of adhesive to keep the subfloors attached, the adhesive will eventually fade off due to moisture or wear and tear. This will move the layers and create a soft spot around your RV floors. Some people use supporting materials to make the adhesive layers last longer, but eventually, it will cause a problem. The major issue with this is that you will have to rip off the entire floor to find the start of this manufacturing fault.

Improper Insulation Indoors 

Insulation is crucial for temperature adjustment inside an RV. While traveling and staying the night in chilly places, good insulation is necessary. Apart from the discomfort, poor insulation can also lead to condensation and moisture on the subfloors. Condensation caused due to poor insulation leads to moisture getting trapped in the wall. Apart from soft spots on the floor, this moisture will lead to mold growth and a bad smell throughout your RV. This might also cause allergic reactions, hence will need an immediate replacement. 

Lose Seals And Cracks

Using low-quality seals on windows and doors is always a bad idea. These seals will lead to wear creeping in and more leaks. The leakage through these faulty seals will cause soft spots and mold growth.

Spotting A Soft Spot On Your RV Floor

The major issue with soft spots is that they do not show up until damage gets out of control. However, finding spots on your RV floor should be a part of your daily maintenance routine. Let’s take a look at some easy steps you can follow to find soft spots:

• A visual inspection of your floor. Look for bends, sink-in spots, mold, or any other abnormal change on the floor and walls. 
• Walking barefoot around your RV. If you feel any soft area or sink in foam, that is your spot.
• Compression due to weight. 
• Checking for water dripping sounds in your kitchen and bathroom area. 
• Leaked pipe spots might show up as mild wetness in the affected area. 
• The floor dipped in due to walking over it. 
• Unleveled ground.

Getting Rid Of Soft Spots On Your RV Floor

• Once you check the floor thoroughly, it is time to get rid of soft spots. The sooner you remove these, the better and less costly they will be. Firstly, if you feel something compressed or uneven, remove the top layer; this can be easily pulled away as it will be soft and soggy. If the floor underneath is rotten, discolored, or soft and tearing apart, get your tools together to find the root cause of the damage and get to solving it. 
• If the damage is caused due to water leakage or a faulty pipeline, you first have to find the cause before it ruins the entire structure of your camper. Do visual inception of all water bodies and look for wetness on carpets or curtains.
• After finding the affected area, remove all the layers to get down to the subfloor. You will have to take out nails and staples during the process. Hence, it is better to keep pets and children out of the van while you solve the issue. 
• Cut down and remove the affected area. To be on the safer side, it is better to remove anything near the affected area. To avoid mildew and mold from spreading later on from one dramatic piece. This floor is usually very soft and will easily come off without the use of tools. However, some people might get an allergic reaction to mold, so wear a mask and gloves. 
• Keep removing the layers till you get to the dry bottom layer. It is better not to reuse any of the affected wooden pieces as they might start the molding again.
• Once you’ve removed all the damaged plywood, you will have to remake a strong base to layer the subfloors again. While creating the base, try using the same material used in the rest of the floor. This will keep it leveled and won’t ruin the outlook, either.
• While replacing the floor, add supporting material to avoid the trouble from happening again. These can be cleats, waterproof sheets, etc.
• High-quality plywood, bolts, screws, etc., redo the flooring structure. This might be a long procedure, but getting rid of any soft spots is better before ruining your entire RV structure and getting sick from mold growth. 

This entire process can get complex if the damage is more than expected. Not finding the root cause of leakage and soft spot will lead to redoing the floor over and over again. If you think you won’t be able to do the replacement on your own, contact your RV builders or any other private support team helpers. If you have insurance, most charges will be covered, and you will get the best help to redo your flooring.

Prevent Soft Spots At All Costs

You can prevent soft spots on your RV floor by:

• Checking for leaks and loose seals.
• Ensuring proper ventilation and insulation to keep away moisture.
• Being gentle and avoiding walking with heels or camping shoes.
• Resealing pipes and sink cracks.
• Doing regular maintenance checks.

Conclusion

Having a soft spot on your RV floor is a menace. However, with the steps mentioned above, you can easily replace and change it to be as good as new. If you think the damage is out of control, you can seek professional help; they will repair the entire issue and ensure it doesn’t happen again. Luckily, numerous professionals are available to help you find and get rid of soft spots. Apart from finding and repairing soft spots, being a responsible RV owner, you should regularly inspect your camper and catch any problem before it gets out of hand.