Cedar Creek Laminate Floor Failure - Buldge

[Ron Brogan]

We own a 2001 Cedar Creek 5th Wheel that has been generally problem-free since bought used in 2003. The trailer has a wood-grain laminate in the kitchen area that extends from the aft end of the kitchen to the steps to the upper room. It looks similar to Pergo and is installed in strips with three simulated boards in each strip

This morning I noticed a noticable bulge in the floor about the size of a football. The flooring has raised about 1/16" to 1/8". It extends across one strip and and the edge of an adjacent one. It also involves an end joint. My first thought was water since the hot water heater is under a cabinet about 1 foot from the buldge. However, on inspection there is no sign of moisture under the cabinet or anywhere around the buldge. Even the floor seams that are very slightly separated show no signs of moisture, dried sediment or staining. No ceiling leakes above.

I described it to my RV dealer (an honest, straight-shooter) and he suspects simple laminate failure and nothing more ominous. He tells me that the floor is similar to Pergo but a different material. It is also a floating floor and if I have installed Pergo (I have), replacement should be fairly straight forward. Apparently the floor panels are assembled on the bench in the factory and laid in place in one piece. He has only seen one similar and case mine sounded like that occurance.

QUESTIONS: Has anyone experienced this with a Forrest River or any other product? Should I be worried obout moisture, with no signs of stain, sediment or other usual signs around the site of the bulge? Is the repair as straight-forward as we think it is (I would probably replace the floating floor in place, not on bench).

We are planning a trip fairly soon and the fix can certainly wait unless there reason to suspect a more serious problem. BTW, this trailer does have a full under-belly cover.

Any input will be greatly appreciated.

[greg weeks]

yes mine did that

[MRimmer]

With no sign of water I would say flooring failure. I worked in the flooring business for many years and have seen some of this before.

[c214dick]

We have the same flooring in our 02. It's Armstrong so you may want to contact them for additional info. If you want, I can give you the contact info that came with mine.