Nice job. I've always been bewildered with carpeting in living areas of RVs, especially in the 70s when everyone smoked. Nothing holds onto dust better than a carpet.
That's a nice upgrade. Our trailer had indoor-outdoor carpeting glued to the vinyl floor by the previous owner. That stuff is hard on bare feet. And, it traps dirt underneath, as we found as the glue started to dry out and fail. The original vinyl floor was one large piece that was installed before any of the fixtures were installed. Mrs. and I always talked about a new floor that would install one piece at a time. Ultimately we sold that trailer. Your project is well done.
Nice install Steve. . Looks very modern and clean. Should last for years. I hope the country opens up pretty quick so you can go enjoy your van again. Great content & editing once again. Keep it up.
Steve, that air conditioner front will come off with just a little effort. There is many rattle can paints made for spraying plastics. A coat of paint would do it well.
I'm glad you're safe Steve. Never know what could happened out there all alone in a wide open desert with lots of UV killing air bound viruses. Vinyl is so much more utilitarian and easy to clean. Screws in the base shoe look fine and even, a dab of white paint to match if you must. No floor sealer? I see water marks at the shower door. You could have used for instance GACO Deck Coat under the vinyl as a sealer. The carpet will breath but the vinyl won't and may trap moisture under it. Time will tell. It would have actually been possible to use GACO as the new floor, filling the seams and putting down the recommended coats and if you want the grip coat, finish with that. The seat idea will work really well. Remember some of Justincredible's mods to his Explorer Dora. I don't think you'll be needing the stripper pole. Anyway, take care.... PS: How's the minisplit working? My brother came up here for a month to escape the LV heat.
If a hose to the fresh tank or pump goes, I will have a couple of inches of water in there- and so the easily removable base board so I can disassemble the floor in reverse order and let everything dry out. (I remember Happily Houseless and his FUBAR). That Mini-split is the best thing I ever did. I would not be out there working on the X without it. Hundred plus degree days as far as the forecasts project. I has the heat pump feature also for the winter.
@@XplorerSteveDIY I don't recall happily houseless's FUBAR. I recall he was building a van and then his channel imploded with the brain tumor, then meeting Jess and moving to a South Dakota house. A brief hint of restarting his channel which fizzled away. Quick recap. I sure like those minisplit systems. I installed a 24k btu GREE with 2 12k wall units. They heat and cool amazingly well. It's on the to do list for my house.
I have a 97 Dodge Ram 2500 van former passenger van converted to a campervan which I've lived in for almost 3 years. After many spills I've taken up the carpet in the main area and I'm so ready to do this!
Love that van.Your attention to detail calms my OCD.Hehe.I am surprised that AC unit cover has not been painted yet. My money says you have been waiting to upgrade.
Glad to see you back and updating the van and that is a pretty flooring but the rest of that carpet needs to go...maybe a rubber matt in the cab area. Great idea with removing the 3rd chair...looking forward to seeing your improvements. The explorer is still one of my favorite vans...always enjoy seeing people make them more personal.
Nice how you started in the middle and adjusted for the sides. Nice clean install. Looking forward to your third seat/desk upgrade. Hope you can get out XPLORING soon!!!
Wow, Steve! Awesome upgrade! I love the way that your mind thinks EVERYTHING through!! You're saving yourself a lot of headaches in the future!! Welcome back!
Nice work Steve. Looks great! I’ve compiled with this idea. Though I still like the feel of rug in my van. Definitely will be easier to clean. 👍 Stay Safe
Probably get an area mat/ rug or anti-fatigue mat for the area between the shower and stove. It would serve double duty. I like the feel of carpet on a cold morning, but it had to go.
I have a 98 xplorer. My 3rd seat was missing and I actually needed one. I installed a double seat from a ford transit van on L track that can face forward, or you can turn it and put the back against the wall and use it as a "couch".
I like the NEW flooring Steve .... I've installed the vinyl laminate many times (in finished basements, sun rooms, pool houses, etc), wherever moisture could be a problem... they hold up fairly well .... The only thing that seems to wear the top layer is sand particles .... So removing one's footwear before entering will solve any issues !! .. Look forward to your upcoming upgrades, to your Explorer :) :) :)
@@XplorerSteveDIY If it doesn't try the Congoleum lifetime stuff. I've installed it. Tough as nails, 3 times thicker than regular peel n stick vinyl flooring and the same all the way through the material.
Did you ever do a video of your RV battery bank(s)? I do not remember one and i did a search and could not find one. That would make a great video if you upgraded to lithium (LiFePO4).
@@XplorerSteveDIY Of all the upgrades i have made to my Class B RV my favorites are installing the solar panels, replacing the AGM batteries with lithium batteries and getting rid of those ugly decals/stripes/stickers. Your video of you removing your decals is one of my favorite. Your RV looks SOOO much better without them!
I like the aluminum trim, but not really a fan of those giant nuts holding on the white trim pieces. I would have maybe had some sort of white cover that could be removed to expose screws underneath? Still, like how the floor came out.
It does look much brighter! I can't wait to see the custom seat. I have a lot of projects that I have to do in the garage but it's sooooo hot in there. I know you installed the mini-split, but is your garage also insulated?
I've been following your video's as I also have a Pleasure way 1998 also on a dodge platform. Very similar to yours. Thanks for the creative ideas. By the way does your rear wheels (axle) set inwards ( shorter) compared to the front axle. I've been told these units were built on a truck axle and when the body was expanded they didn't expand the axle. Some people put wheel extenders on but I've heard they put undo stress on the wheels and axle.
@@XplorerSteveDIY My ride is stable and seems fine... it just looks funny with the rear wheels looking closer together than the front wheels. it has air bags installed. I didn't know yours was a dually.
@@philc.9280 Phil, I have a 99 Coach House, also very similar to Steve's. Rear axle is actually 4 inches shorter than front (I don't have a dually). Been thinking of an offset wheel in the rear or maybe even a wider tire back there, plenty of room.
@@johnroyer3191 I never got a good answer from anyone about installing 2 or 3" spacers between the tire and wheel hub. One article mention putting too much stress on the axle which I could see. I guess the older the vehicle gets the less I care about fixing it up. I took off some of the old faded decals and gave it a good polishing since some campgrounds ask for the age of your RV now.
@@philc.9280 Wasn't aware of the age thing. My goal is to look half as good as Steve's. I will get there, just love tinkering with it. Going to a tire shop next week to see about a wider tire/wheel on the back, will let you know what they say.
Sorry but did you mention what kind of subfloor you have? Just curious because I have a 2000 road trek and I’d love to replace some carpet but the subfloor is fiberglass and I’m not sure what glue would stick. (it gets plenty hot too from the muffler ). Are you satisfied with the gorilla glue?
About how long did it take you in toto to do the flooring, including carpet removal and finishing? I also have those folding seats in my Xplorer, and I want to take them out to open up that area some more, since it's usually just me, so I wonder what else they were attached to? Nothing structural, I hope...
How long? around 8hrs but I didn't keep track. A lot of in and out of the van. Few trips to Home Depot,. Besides the two big seatbelt bolts and nuts. there were some 1/4 screws that would not back out. I cut those. Around 6 in all for the little ones plus the two. Had to cut some carpet loose from the surround. .
@@XplorerSteveDIY Thanks, I was wondering how much time to budget for doing the job. I've got a few irons in the fire as I try to pivot my skills for the pandemic world. (live sound engineer)
Typical government logic--Close down 1.6 million acres of wide open space and send everyone back to a closed in area of 650k populous. And then tell you it’s for your own safety.
“For my safety” that backhanded comment made me smile
Nice job. I've always been bewildered with carpeting in living areas of RVs, especially in the 70s when everyone smoked. Nothing holds onto dust better than a carpet.
You and me both!
I hope this doesn't change the price when you get ready to sell it to me
your camper is the legendary classic vehicle
That's a nice upgrade. Our trailer had indoor-outdoor carpeting glued to the vinyl floor by the previous owner. That stuff is hard on bare feet. And, it traps dirt underneath, as we found as the glue started to dry out and fail. The original vinyl floor was one large piece that was installed before any of the fixtures were installed. Mrs. and I always talked about a new floor that would install one piece at a time. Ultimately we sold that trailer. Your project is well done.
Nice install Steve. . Looks very modern and clean. Should last for years. I hope the country opens up pretty quick so you can go enjoy your van again. Great content & editing once again. Keep it up.
Steve, that air conditioner front will come off with just a little effort. There is many rattle can paints made for spraying plastics. A coat of paint would do it well.
I'm glad you're safe Steve. Never know what could happened out there all alone in a wide open desert with lots of UV killing air bound viruses. Vinyl is so much more utilitarian and easy to clean. Screws in the base shoe look fine and even, a dab of white paint to match if you must. No floor sealer? I see water marks at the shower door. You could have used for instance GACO Deck Coat under the vinyl as a sealer. The carpet will breath but the vinyl won't and may trap moisture under it. Time will tell. It would have actually been possible to use GACO as the new floor, filling the seams and putting down the recommended coats and if you want the grip coat, finish with that. The seat idea will work really well. Remember some of Justincredible's mods to his Explorer Dora. I don't think you'll be needing the stripper pole. Anyway, take care.... PS: How's the minisplit working? My brother came up here for a month to escape the LV heat.
If a hose to the fresh tank or pump goes, I will have a couple of inches of water in there- and so the easily removable base board so I can disassemble the floor in reverse order and let everything dry out. (I remember Happily Houseless and his FUBAR). That Mini-split is the best thing I ever did. I would not be out there working on the X without it. Hundred plus degree days as far as the forecasts project. I has the heat pump feature also for the winter.
@@XplorerSteveDIY I don't recall happily houseless's FUBAR. I recall he was building a van and then his channel imploded with the brain tumor, then meeting Jess and moving to a South Dakota house. A brief hint of restarting his channel which fizzled away. Quick recap.
I sure like those minisplit systems. I installed a 24k btu GREE with 2 12k wall units. They heat and cool amazingly well. It's on the to do list for my house.
My favorite van upgrader is at it. Well done sir. Thank you for documenting for us.
Its like you have a camper for every outdoor occasion. Nice job!
I have a 97 Dodge Ram 2500 van former passenger van converted to a campervan which I've lived in for almost 3 years. After many spills I've taken up the carpet in the main area and I'm so ready to do this!
Good luck. It's a good move.
Love that van.Your attention to detail calms my OCD.Hehe.I am surprised that AC unit cover has not been painted yet. My money says you have been waiting to upgrade.
You're an excellent instructor; I've learned a lot from watching your videos. I finally subscribed, by the way !
Thanks for the sub!
Nice to see the Xplorer again
So awesome to see you making videos again. Looking forward to the future ones you mentioned!
More to come!
The white vinyl floor sure make it looks brighter, cleaner and feel bigger when you step inside.
Glad to see you back and updating the van and that is a pretty flooring but the rest of that carpet needs to go...maybe a rubber matt in the cab area. Great idea with removing the 3rd chair...looking forward to seeing your improvements. The explorer is still one of my favorite vans...always enjoy seeing people make them more personal.
Iv had a couple of 230 and id say it looks like a fresh paint job or Steve did a great job with the finish
2 videos in 1 week!?!?! Christmas is early! Thanks Steve! Hahaha
A fine job Steve. Nice upgrade. Looking forward to seeing what's next for the X machine.
I need similar flooring for my entire house Steve! Thanks!,,
Nice modification, you do good work.
Shine on.
Wow - good seeing you again!
Nice how you started in the middle and adjusted for the sides. Nice clean install. Looking forward to your third seat/desk upgrade. Hope you can get out XPLORING soon!!!
Very nice upgrade! I am glad that I put the vinyl flooring my minivan camper too. So much easier to keep the floor clean.
Wow, Steve! Awesome upgrade! I love the way that your mind thinks EVERYTHING through!! You're saving yourself a lot of headaches in the future!! Welcome back!
I haven't stopped RVing except during the height of 'Rona. South Dakota is nice this time of year.
You make it look so easy
Very timely Steve. I am about to do the same project in my 98 Xplorer. Looks good! Thanks for posting!
Great color choice- very clean and neat!
Thank you! Cheers!
Enjoyed the video. Excellent work as always. Looking forward to future videos. Thank you for sharing.
Great video Steve, im waiting for that mini split upgrade because anybody who owns one knows how quiet and effecient they are. lol
Looks Awesome, love the silver trim.👍
Looks great, man! Lookin' forward to the next one
Looks Great 👍
No matter the subject, your videos are always top notch and interesting to watch. Great work Steve!
Looks great!!! Nice clean finish.
Always enjoy your tinkering around. Good to see you're doing well. Peace!
Nice work Steve. Looks great! I’ve compiled with this idea. Though I still like the feel of rug in my van. Definitely will be easier to clean. 👍
Stay Safe
Probably get an area mat/ rug or anti-fatigue mat for the area between the shower and stove. It would serve double duty. I like the feel of carpet on a cold morning, but it had to go.
Hey Very Nice very nice indeed I like what you have done and continue to keep it going
Hey Rev Dave. Thanks for sticking with me all these years.
@@XplorerSteveDIY Yw man its been my pleasure
Really enjoy watching your videos Steve thanks for the awesome content!! Can't wait for what you have coming up next 🙌
nice job!!! great to see your videos.
Great job Sir, I figured you go with an off white color to hide the dirt better but it looks great, meticulous as always!
Great work!
Beautiful job!
Thank you! Cheers!
That looks so sharp! Such an improvement.
Yep, carpet had to go. It was time.
It's been a while. Thanks for another inspiration.
I have a 98 xplorer. My 3rd seat was missing and I actually needed one. I installed a double seat from a ford transit van on L track that can face forward, or you can turn it and put the back against the wall and use it as a "couch".
yesterday the voice for the animated Xplorer Steve popped into my head and was trying to recall where I had heard it
I like the NEW flooring Steve .... I've installed the vinyl laminate many times (in finished basements, sun rooms, pool houses, etc), wherever moisture could be a problem... they hold up fairly well .... The only thing that seems to wear the top layer is sand particles .... So removing one's footwear before entering will solve any issues !! ..
Look forward to your upcoming upgrades, to your Explorer :) :) :)
Time will tell if the "wear layer" is as advertised. Good tip.
@@XplorerSteveDIY If it doesn't try the Congoleum lifetime stuff. I've installed it. Tough as nails, 3 times thicker than regular peel n stick vinyl flooring and the same all the way through the material.
Great job, love to see your DIY videos as you're so meticulous!
I've been wondering when you were going to throw some Composite flooring down
You on your way to the North Country to see the Master Welders Family and do a little fishing or goat milking
Looks great.
Looks nice! You always make things appear so easy to achieve. Thanks for the video!
Editing magic. It was actually a frustration filled project.
@@XplorerSteveDIY You hid that very well.
@@HumbleVoyager Now, like the X-files, _"The truth is out there."_ 😂
Did you ever do a video of your RV battery bank(s)? I do not remember one and i did a search and could not find one. That would make a great video if you upgraded to lithium (LiFePO4).
There is a few vids of me in there when i installed solar. I wouldn't go lIthium as a part timer because of expense. I will go AGM here shortly.
@@XplorerSteveDIY Of all the upgrades i have made to my Class B RV my favorites are installing the solar panels, replacing the AGM batteries with lithium batteries and getting rid of those ugly decals/stripes/stickers. Your video of you removing your decals is one of my favorite. Your RV looks SOOO much better without them!
I just did this to my RV, excellent upgrade!
Good job Steve! How much to redo my rustbucket? Of course I'd supply you with a never ending flow of Mai Tai's while you're working on it!
Hello Al. I hope all is well with you in paradise. I love the Mai Tai.
I like the aluminum trim, but not really a fan of those giant nuts holding on the white trim pieces. I would have maybe had some sort of white cover that could be removed to expose screws underneath? Still, like how the floor came out.
It's a personal choice for sure.
That looks fantastic! Did you build your couch yet? 😍
Not yet!
Yay xplorersteve is back!
It does look much brighter! I can't wait to see the custom seat. I have a lot of projects that I have to do in the garage but it's sooooo hot in there. I know you installed the mini-split, but is your garage also insulated?
Very insulated.
I've been following your video's as I also have a Pleasure way 1998 also on a dodge platform. Very similar to yours. Thanks for the creative ideas. By the way does your rear wheels (axle) set inwards ( shorter) compared to the front axle. I've been told these units were built on a truck axle and when the body was expanded they didn't expand the axle. Some people put wheel extenders on but I've heard they put undo stress on the wheels and axle.
The X is a dually. Xplorer added this feature to the later 240 xl models along with Firestone air ride suspension. Very stable.
@@XplorerSteveDIY My ride is stable and seems fine... it just looks funny with the rear wheels looking closer together than the front wheels. it has air bags installed. I didn't know yours was a dually.
@@philc.9280 Phil, I have a 99 Coach House, also very similar to Steve's. Rear axle is actually 4 inches shorter than front (I don't have a dually). Been thinking of an offset wheel in the rear or maybe even a wider tire back there, plenty of room.
@@johnroyer3191 I never got a good answer from anyone about installing 2 or 3" spacers between the tire and wheel hub. One article mention putting too much stress on the axle which I could see. I guess the older the vehicle gets the less I care about fixing it up. I took off some of the old faded decals and gave it a good polishing since some campgrounds ask for the age of your RV now.
@@philc.9280 Wasn't aware of the age thing. My goal is to look half as good as Steve's. I will get there, just love tinkering with it. Going to a tire shop next week to see about a wider tire/wheel on the back, will let you know what they say.
Steve, just subscribed, yippee!! Could you tell me the flooring brand please? I could only find porcelain tile by Lifeproof. Thanks!
It is LifeProof from Home Depot. Order it online. They didn't have this style in the store. Good selection.
@@XplorerSteveDIY Sorry, meant to ask, did you float it or tack it down? Know you glued in the entry. Appreciate your work.
Living in a van down by the river!! Sorry, the river is closed.
True.
Wow
Sorry but did you mention what kind of subfloor you have? Just curious because I have a 2000 road trek and I’d love to replace some carpet but the subfloor is fiberglass and I’m not sure what glue would stick. (it gets plenty hot too from the muffler ). Are you satisfied with the gorilla glue?
Marine grade plywood. The gorilla glue is good stuff. Probably overkill.
Where do your water lines run from one side of the van to the other? Mine run across the floor with a metal cover.
I likey a lot.
was the flooring easy to install?
About how long did it take you in toto to do the flooring, including carpet removal and finishing? I also have those folding seats in my Xplorer, and I want to take them out to open up that area some more, since it's usually just me, so I wonder what else they were attached to? Nothing structural, I hope...
How long? around 8hrs but I didn't keep track. A lot of in and out of the van. Few trips to Home Depot,. Besides the two big seatbelt bolts and nuts. there were some 1/4 screws that would not back out. I cut those. Around 6 in all for the little ones plus the two. Had to cut some carpet loose from the surround. .
@@XplorerSteveDIY Thanks, I was wondering how much time to budget for doing the job. I've got a few irons in the fire as I try to pivot my skills for the pandemic world. (live sound engineer)
It looks as tho your shower was leaking onto the plywood
Typical government logic--Close down 1.6 million acres of wide open space and send everyone back to a closed in area of 650k populous. And then tell you it’s for your own safety.
I know, right?
That has to be fake news; from what we hear down on this half of the planet, D. Trump would not allow that to happen.
Vintage ? Shameful
Ghetto upgrade
Bravo 👏
So glad I didn't waste my money on an Explorer.