Prior to installing new carpet, obtain a floor plan of the RV to secure accurate measurements. You can do this yourself by measuring the space and creating a map of the carpeted area. Add one inch on all sides. Reverse the drawing and create a pattern that can be applied to the back of the carpet using a drywall T-square and a felt tip pen.

Tools you will need include a good quality carpet knife with extra blades, firm metal scraper, needle-nose pliers, a stretcher, spray glue applicator, air-powered staple gun, carpet staples and a broom or shop vac. Choose a good quality carpet designed to stand up to the wear and tear of RV use. Monaco National Parts has a wide inventory of carpet designed to match furniture and valances in their RV product line. Plan on also installing new padding under the carpet, in a thickness suitable to your personal preference.

Remove all furniture and loose items from the carpeted area. Whether or not to remove the slide room is up to the RV owner. It may be possible to install carpet with the slide room intact by gluing the replacement piece under the raised lip.

Insure proper overhead lighting as well as adequate power to operate electrical tools. Remove old carpet and padding. Thoroughly clear the floor surface of molding, glue, staples and screws. If the underlying floor shows evidence of staining, you can neutralize the soil with an enzyme solution available through most hardware stores.

Apply glue to floor surface and cover with padding. Next, place carpet on top of padding and stretch in place. Staple carpet corners to hold carpet in place as you trim away excess using the knife. Finish securing the carpet by stapling along edges.

After installation, vacuum the carpet to remove loose fibers. Ventilate the interior 48-72 hours to dissipate chemical smells. Shedding is normal when carpet is new and can be removed by vacuuming. Sprouting may result from a stray pile. Clip stray threads using specially designed carpet scissors. Shading may differ throughout the room due to natural lighting and is considered normal.

Help maintain the carpet in your RV by removing shoes at the entry door. Remove dust and soil from the carpet with regular vacuuming. Make three to five slow passes across the carpet, in both directions for a thorough cleaning. Remember to access underlying carpet in slide rooms to remove dust and debris that can collect in those areas.

Have the RV carpet steam cleaned one or two times per year, depending on use. Use caution with do-ityourself machines. Application of too much soap can leave excess residue that creates rapid re-soiling. Over saturating the carpet with water can lead to mold growth. For best results, employ the services of a professional carpet cleaning service.

Carpet Seam Tools.