Methods include providing a plurality fabric material layers, applying a plastisol layer between each fabric material layer forming plurality fabric material layers thereby creating a belt carcass, pressing the fabric material layers together with the plastisol layer(s) at a pressure of at least 5 psi to produce a preformed fabric carcass while heating the preformed fabric carcass while heating the preformed fabric carcass to a temperature which is within the range of about 360° F. to about 450° F. for a period of at least 6 minutes, disposing a thermoplastic elastomer polyvinyl chloride alloy composition onto the upper and lower surfaces of the fabric carcass, pressing the thermoplastic elastomer polyvinyl chloride alloy composition onto the upper and lower surfaces of the fabric carcass, and splicing opposing distal ends of the belt in a stepped splice configuration. The layers may be devoid of covering strips of lattice fabric disposed adjacent an abutment of any proximally positioned fabric layer.