FAQ

• Do I have to be an RV business owner to purchase Diamond Board? 

No, Diamond Board can be purchased at nearly any RV business in the US as long as they are willing to buy our product through one of the nationwide channels of distribution. (These distributors require accounts to purchase and may request the RV business to apply.)

• How do I replace my damaged/rotten RV slide out room floor?

It is a job that most, handy with tools, can accomplish. We recommend watching your favorite RV tech on Youtube and following their instructions.

• How much does it cost to replace an RV slide room floor?

It has a lot to do with location and experience. You may find that service centers charge between 16 and 40 hours of labor based on the size of the slide out room and what it contains (bed, furniture, appliances, etc...) The average cost of labor is around $200 per hour and parts can range from $2500 and up.

• Can you replace just the bottom of an RV slide out floor?

I assume this question refers to pulling the slide completely out of the RV versus holding it up with jacks and dropping only the floor. RV techs handle this both ways. I have been told that the best way is to completely remove the slide out room to reach a few key screws on the sides of the floor near the interior walls. I have also been told this adds more labor than the customer is willing to pay for the amount of sleep they might lose over a few screws. Be clear about your expectations with the RV service professional or yourself, whoever is doing the job.

• What material is best for replacing an RV slide out room floor?

I will be biased in this one but I will also explain why. We designed Diamond Board with materials we felt safe using in our own RVs and around our children and pets. Some options on the market will fail quickly when they come in contact with moisture. Others will hold up to moisture but possibly expose your family and pets to V.O.C.s from compounds used to protect the flooring. Some of these compounds are so harsh they can corrode metal and cause the fasteners to fail over time.

• Why do RV slide out floors rot?

Many causes can lead to damage in an RV slide out floor. Rubber seals wear out over time. RVs need to be level. A growing concern for many is that some classes of  RVs were designed to take a few trips a year and now they are a year round home for many families. Exposure to inclement weather and seasonal changes in temperature are a factor. Proper maintenance and winterization can help. Window seals can leak. Rollers under the slide out floor can fail and damage the floor's protective layer when expanding and contracting. Checking the bottom of the floor when the room is fully extended to make sure the floor edges are firm and there is no damage to the moisture barrier on the floor can help maintain its integrity. Common places to find rot are the exterior corners and under windows. The floor may protrude from the bottom of the wall if it starts to swell from water damage.

• Can I repair a soft RV slide out floor?

Most RV manufacturers use OSB for the slide out room floor. When it comes in contact with water it will start to swell. This can cause soft spots. The damage will lead to problems with opening and closing the slide out room. This can damage the system that pushes and pulls the room in and out. The cost of repairing these systems is significant. I am not aware of a way to repair soft floors. My suggestion is to replace the floor and find the leak before your slide out room gets stuck open on vacation while you're 1,000 miles from home.

• Where can I buy a replacement RV slide out floor panel?

Diamond Board can be purchased at almost any RV dealership and service center nationwide. As for other options, specialty lumber companies often want to sell pallet quantities of special order wood. RV manufacturers don't like their OSB floors being sold to the public for repairs because they only buy what they plan to use building new RVs. Without proper distribution, it is likely the cost of shipping will far outweigh the cost of the floor. Most companies will charge for freight and to crate the floor for shipping. Not to mention the wait time can be months depending on which option you choose.

• How thick is an RV slide out floor panel?

Our most common thickness is 1 inch. We also offer a 3/4 inch. We have had requests for as thick as 2.5 inches. Always measure your floor before you buy one. We have had manufacturers give the wrong size based on mid year model production changes. Look for a spot that is not swollen from water damage and measure the thickness. 

• How long does it take to replace an RV slide out room floor? 

It can be done in 4 to 8 hours with a preconstructed panel like Diamond Board. Some factors are; experience, furnishings (bed, furniture, appliances), location, tools and locating the cause. If it has a full wall of kitchen cabinets it could take a full week. This is only looking at labor. Ordering parts could extend the amount of time and the work load that arrived ahead of you.