Update your RV: Install your own carpet

One of the biggest ways to make your older RV feel new is to install new floor coverings. Face it, after full time living in your RV, those, "show every spot of dirt" carpets that manufacturers so thoughtfully install begin to look a bit doggy.  Can you replace it, or will you need a professional to help? Much depends on the design of your rig.

Rigs without slideouts aren't usually too difficult for the careful do-it-yourselfer. Slide outs can create problems, depending on how they operate. In our rig, where our slideouts drop down even with the main floor, an overlap of carpet from the slideout covers over the seam where the two floors meet. The overlap is a factory hemmed edge--if we replace the carpet, we may need to get someone to install a hem for us.  Your rig may have entirely different setup; it's best to examine everything cautiously before undertaking a carpeting job.

If you decide to make a go of carpet replacement, here are some tips. You'll likely find that when your rig was built, the carpet was laid on the floor platform, then partitioning walls laid over the carpet (and kitchen vinyl, too). You'll need to cut out the old carpet, cutting right along the edges of cabinets and walls. A specialized carpet cutting tool can help in most areas; a sharp utility knife will be needed in tight corners. If you carefully cut as close as you can, you can use the old carpet as a template to cut the new one.

In our fifth wheel, when we replaced the living room carpet, carpet tape and tack strips never entered the picture. Rather, the carpet was laid out flat and stapled along the walls. A metal termination strip was placed between the kitchen flooring and the carpet, and it's never been a problem in several years of living. Some RVers have found that often a carpet really doesn't need to be tied down at all. If fit properly, then "held down" with furniture, it stays in place, and then occasionally it can be lifted and dirt and sand (which invariably finds its way through the carpet fibers) vacuumed out. 

Is carpet really the way to go? It's up to your taste. We HATE the light colored carpeting in our current big trailer. It shows every spot of dirt. When replacement time comes, we may opt to install laminate flooring. In our fifth wheel, the manufacturer had carpeted throughout the rig. Have you ever dreamed of a shag carpet in your kitchen and bathroom? We installed laminate flooring in both kitchen and bath and have never looked back. It's wonderful stuff. True, it's cooler on the feet than carpet, but it's a whiz to clean up, and no more stains. In our fiver living room we installed low pile commercial carpet in a dark blue that appealed to us. It's been down for years, and we've used an extractor to clean it. We were happy with that choice, oh so much better than the current stuff in our "big" trailer.

Whatever choice you make, be sure when you shop, check out the "remnants" section of the floor covering retailer. Many RVs are small enough that you can often find small lots of laminate flooring, or "end" portions of carpeting that will fit just fine, and save you a bundle.

Are pre-paid debit cards right for you?

RVers, like most everyone else, have different backgrounds and needs. But traveling, particularly for those who fulltime or snowbird, can added certain complications to the lifestyle, and the area of finances can be one of them. Some RVers find it difficult to maintain a relationship with a bank. Add to that, the tough economic times have wiped out some RVers credit scores. Some wonder, "Maybe a pre-paid debit card is the answer." You're not alone – according to one source, last year Americans pumped $82 billion onto pre-paid cards. But not all plastic that glitters is the right kind of gold.

While getting a pre-paid debit card is easy – anyone, regardless of their credit-worthiness can get one – these cards to stab you in the back – right where you carry your wallet. Most of the problem lies in the fees. There may be an initial fee to get your hands on a card. A pre-paid card from Walmart can cost you between $3 and almost $5. One card, supposed to be popular for the kid-crowd cost $100 for a year's purchase. But beware, the fees don't stop after you've gotten into the card. Here's the fee structure if you buy a card from Walmart.

Monthly service fee: $3.00
Reload fee at Walmart: $3.00 (yes, they charge you to put money ON your card).
ATM cash withdrawal at non-preferred ATM: $2.00
ATM balance inquiry: $1.00

Some card issuers charge you if you don't use your card – say $3 if you haven't spent any money in three months. All in all, fees can add up in a hurry.

But other problems exist in the market. Americans accustomed to having checking or savings accounts insured against loss may be in for a shock if their pre-paid card company goes out of business. The FTC does not insure deposits on pre-paid cards, and you could be out all of your money if your issuer goes bust.

For those who are trying to rebuild their credit, a pre-paid debit card won't help. Unlike a pre-paid credit card, the debit cards don't go toward any sort of credit rating. While pre-paid credit cards are a whole different subject, if you are trying to get your credit back, you're better off looking into a pre-paid credit card. These too, have advantages over the pre-paid debit card. With the credit card, if you have a dispute with a seller over a purchase, you have leverage and can, in some cases, file a claim against the card. With the pre-paid debit card, got a beef, you're out your money.

Aside from "pin number" protection for your money, a pre-paid debit card will probably do little to advance you financially, and could cost your plenty in the long run.