GMC Carpeting

[robert m fukumoto]

I want to replace the carpeting in my motorhome. Any recommendations of
type, style, or installation? Rubber back or jute back with a pad? Cut
pile, loop or Berber (I want to get rid of the shag)? Is this glued down or
stretched?

Ed

I recarpeted my 76 Palm Beach this summer with a low pile, commercial carpet. I think this
type of carpet is the most durable and shows wear the least. The carpet had a jute back and
I used a fiber (not foam) pad that is similar to the padding used in automobiles. I couldn't
figure out how to stretch the carpet with the limited space so I laid down 1/4" thick by one inch
wide strips along the edges and stapled the carpet into these strips. In the cockpit, this wasn't
possible so I stapled thru the carpet into the floor.

A suggestion that I got from the mailing list that worked well for me for the engine
compartment hatch was: put the pad down but leave a 1 1/2" border around the door without
any padding. Fold over the carpet and staple directly into the wood. Do this on both the hatch
and the areas to either side of the hatch. The folded over carpet will meet each other and
form a nice seam.

Bob Fukumoto
76 Palm Beach (Denver)

 

[robert m fukumoto]

Bob,
Thanks for the info. Any other tricks I should know? Did you get the fiber
pad at a carpet shop or auto shop, like J.C. Whitney?

Ed Hatter
Omaha

Ed:

Bought the pad at the same place I bought the carpet. I used a 12x15 piece of carpet that
allowed me to do the lower section of the coach in one piece (but I have a tilt up bed in the
rear that lessened the length requirements). The cockpit was done with three separate pieces
taking care to keep the knap of the carpet flowing in the same direction. I used the old carpet
as a pattern to cut the new carpet, leaving ample excess to cut off after I put it in the coach.

Good Luck

Bob Fukumoto