Carpeting for off-season warmth

[sacrawf]

We keep warm in the pop-up while winter camping with the furnace and heated matresses, and use throw rugs on the floor. However, I have been thinking about cutting some quality thick carpeting to custom fit the entire floor and having it bound or getting the supplies to bind the edges myself, so all of the floor is covered with carpeting without gaps for better insulation and maintain a nice finished appearance.  I would remove the carpet when not camping in the cold and for cleaning.  I would use the rubber no-slip pad material available at any home supply store under the carpet to protect the vinyl from abrasion caused by the rough carpet backing and to provide additional insulation.

I have done a search of past posts and find several people have used carpet remnants, etc., but no mention of a custom fit removable carpeting.

Has anybody done this project?  Does anybody have experience with the cost of carpet edge binding or ease of using the do-it-yourself carpet binding kits?

Any thoughts on what carpeting would provide the best insulation and ease of cleaning? I was thinking of a heavy residential berber carpeting. It seems that there would be adequate space under the refrigerator and cabinet doors for the height of the carpet and pad.

[dthurk]

Have you considered one of the foam backed carpets as opposed to the jute backed carpeting?  That would save you the step of cutting the pad in addition to cutting the carpeting.  I would think the insulating value would be equivalent.  I would also think the foam backed carpeting would not unravel, saving the step of binding the edges if you were able to cut it tight enough.  Unless you're able to sew the binding to the carpeting, the binding won't last long anyway on the jute backed carpets, as you propose.

[GeneF]

When I purchased a used 98 Mesa, the previous owner had cut indoor/outdoor carpet to fit the camper.

The edges were not bound.  I can't remember if it was one piece or a couple.

However, it did not last long in the camper.  I got tired of having to pull up all the carpet, shake it out, sweep the floor and then reinstall the carpet.

If you are using a thicker carpet, it will be heavier and most likely contain more dirt when you go to shake it.

[Cheryl]

We carpeted the entire floor of our 1976 Coleman Valley Forge with foam backed carpet for foot warmth and heat retention during the off season. Didn't need to bind it and it definitely made it nicer on the feet during the cooler months. We took it out during the warmer camping season and rolled it up and stored it in the garage loft. Did this for the 5 seasons we owned it and the carpet went with the camper when the new owners picked it up. A far as I know they are still using it this way.
Cheryl

[JimQPublic]

Make sure your fridge door will clear whatever you choose.  Mine only has about 3/16" clearance.

[wavery]

If you are considering this project to make your camper "Warmer" inside, I'm afraid that you may be disappointed.

It would keep you from putting bare feet on a cold, hard floor in the morning but it will do little or nothing for actual heat retention.

Remember hot air rises and cold air falls. Any or all of your heat will be lost closer to the ceiling. In fact, You may find that carpet could be slightly more helpful in the summer with the AC running. It may help keep the hot air from the outside (under the camper) from penetrating the floor and adding BTUs to the inside.

Heating and cooling is all about adding BTUs (heating) and removing BTUs (air conditioning). Carpet will do nothing for adding BTUs to your camper and it will do very little (if anything) to reduce BTU loss.

As far as keeping the camper clean, we find it much easier to sweep the dirt out of the PU with hard floors. All carpet does is hide the dirt. Once the dirt becomes intolerable, it is a real chore to get all of the dirt out IMO.

[K_and_I]

I wonder if a decent pair of slippers would accomplish the "warm feet" function as well or better without the cost and trouble of carpet. Just a thought.

K-DW
and_I

[dee106]

well us northerns like putting carpet down, on the floor to help keep the feet warmer, i also put a small fan on to move the heat /ac around better

[tlhdoc]

Having some type of carpet on the floor makes it so much nicer in the cold.  Some people have cut carpet to custom fit their PU.  I camp in the off season (look at my March camping picture) and use throw rugs that cover the entire floor of the camper, except for about 6 inches at the rear of the camper.  One by the door, one under the dinette, a runner down my "hallway" and a throw rug by the galley.  I also have 2 rugs covering the floor of the shower.  Have you considered insulating the underside of the PU?  You would have to be careful of the lift system cables.

[ScouterMom]

My 73 starcraft has old vinyl on the floor, and it's become sticky over the years.  The previous owners put some berber-type carpet down (just double-sided tape on the edges) and apparently NEVER took it out to clean or vaccuumed it - that carpet was disgusting!  We took it up and threw it out. Sticky floors are better than gross floors!

Temporarily, I put down those bright colored pads that link together like puzzle pieces. they sell them for kid play areas or in dark grey for workshop floors.  They sweep off easily and can be removed easily - I can scrub them with soap and water if I need to. they kept our shoes from sticking to the floor, and since I didn't cut them to fit, I can use them in the garage.  They also make a great 'porch' for the camper on the ground outside!

 However, I like your idea of having a rug you can REMOVE, shake and clean.  I have seen carpeting that you can get- like a bathroom carpet - that has rubber backing. you can simply cut it to size and no edging needed.  They can be washed in the washing machine.  I'd look someplace like bed & bath stores.  It won't add much insulation, but it won't be like cold tile, either! And it's thin - it sholdn't interfrere with your fridge and doors.

laura