Marriage line in floor/vinyl flooring

[Mischelle]

We have a 1996 Skyline double wide who's livingroom carpet MUST be removed because of previous owners pets.
We have laid a beautiful vinyl plank that looks like oak in the livingroom and diningroom and would like to continue it into the livingroom.

My question is, what is the purpose of the metal strips that they have attached over the floor seam between the two halves? Is there a structural reason for them? I am trying to decide if I should span the mariage line with the planks or begin the pattern on the other side of the metal strips and cover the strips with some kind of trim piece such as you would use when butting up against another flooring material as in a doorway.

[Eugene]

The thin, sheet metal strips are there to keep the carpet from wearing at the joint.
Here is what you need to do.
Make sure any gap is filled with wood, and make sure the floor sections are lagged together under the home. I lag at each joist bay.
Any lags should go through the shims.
Use floor filler to smooth the area.
If your home is properly installed, and does not move at all, span the area after you fill the gap.

[Mischelle]

Eugene- Anyway of achieving the same kind of stability from the inside. Neither my husband or I would be able to get to the seam from underneath without removing the insulating blanket not to mention the tight quarters and there is not a soul locally that is willing to crawl under this house.

[Mischelle]

Could we remove the strips, and recess some metal plates every few inches or feet to span the two sections? i was wondering, too, if a person could fill the small gap with insulating foam strips.

[Eugene]

It needs to be solid wood. If you can't get under the home, you could place plywood strips in the joint, and toe nail the screws. Just make sure the heads are slightly recessed.
A floor leveling compound needs to be applied over the gap as well.

[Mischelle]

JUST the answer I was looking for, Eugene! Thanks so much!

[robert p jones]

I would like to know if they make metal strips that cover the marriage line that would match the color of the laminate on the floor. In other words a colored metal strip for the floor marriage line