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fozrun

Lethbridge, AB

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Posted: 10/29/18 06:51am

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Buckeyeclan wrote:

I replace my entire floor this past spring on a 05 palomino hybrid. Found and repairs lots of leaks found before pad during the process. On mine all of the foam and both the top and under side layers of wood were removed. basically all that was left was the aluminum tube and bottom fabric. I made a grid out of 2x material to get some structure then a layer of 1/4 exterior grade ply under all full height walls and cabinets. Then anther layer of 1/4 ply to carry the traffic. Staggered all the joints. I did not use treated material as there is a chance that it could react to the aluminum. I also used the pink solid foam in the gaps of my grid for insulation. This stuff will not wick moisture like the original stuff. I think I have some pictures and will try to post them when I get a chance

So, you ended up with a 1/2" on top of the 2" frame? How far apart where your joists? And does it feel solid now?

Today I start putting the luan under the frame at the front and repair the membrane. Opening it up showed that the entrances for the wiring, propane lines and tank water lines were very poorly sealed with expandable foam that has become brittle and cracked.

Travelstar 21SB, Chev Trailblazer EXT

fozrun

Lethbridge, AB

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Posted: 10/30/18 07:54pm

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Buckeyeclan wrote:

How long was your trailer? After the solid foam, and layers of ply were on the floor did it stiffen up? How far apart were your 2 x grids? 2x4 or 2 x2? I'm at the stage where I have some of my aluminum cross bars down, riveted to the frame. I'm hoping it stiffens up more as I get more sections in and glue down the solid foam and add the 1/2" ply top.

If not I'll have to have some support welded under the trailer. There isn't anything down the middle for the front 5' .

I'll post pics tmw after I get the second section installed. I finished making the front waterproof after rain was threatening this afternoon.

Buckeyeclan

NE Ohio

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Posted: 10/31/18 07:38pm

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Sorry for the delay, I've been traveling for work and very busy. My trailer is a 20 ft box and the grid I put in got the space down to just under 12 in on center. Original was 25.5 in on center. I ripped 2X to match the aluminum tube height. 3 full width pieces in each space. 2 against the tube on each side of the space and one in the middle. Made lap joint to carry the load to the . Outer ones glues and screwed to the tube. Add 2 other short pieces to the width of each space and spaced roughly evenly inside the frame rails to help carry the center long piece. This is where most of the strength came from. Once done the floor is very solid, as strong as new if not stronger

One note, I had almost 3000 lbs of available payload on my trailer from the factory, so I was not worried about overloading with the extra lumber or the 4mm vinyl plank flooring I put in it.

Buckeyeclan

NE Ohio

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Posted: 10/31/18 07:57pm

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Ok an attempt to post the photo
[image]

Buckeyeclan

NE Ohio

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Posted: 10/31/18 08:01pm

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This was my 2nd try at a floor fix. First was using Luan and I still had leaks and it fell apart fast (2 seasons and almost unusable). With this it feels solid under my size 15 feet

fozrun

Lethbridge, AB

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Posted: 11/01/18 02:52pm

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It looks like you have some aluminum joists running across your trailer. Mine has none in the original floor!

I ended up gluing and then screwing the luan to the bottom of 1" aluminum channel. I had riveted L brackets to the ends. I put down 6 mil supersix sheeting and slipped the luan section under the front of the trailer (I had jacked up the sides).

[image]

I then lay the section in then loose laid the 1/2" ply over top and stood on the frame in the section where there is 5' x5.5' unsupported. It flexed quite a bit. I was really disappointed. I woke up the next morning rather sick to my stomach thinking this wasn't going to work and the trailer would be worthless. However I convinced myself that once I riveted the aluminum bars to the sides, glued in the polystyr sheets and screwed the 1/2 ply down to the aluminum channels it might work.

At this stage I dry fitted the styrofoam panels. (Photo needs to be rotated)

[image]

And here it is with the channels riveted to the outside, the polysty glued down and the 1/2" ply screwed into the aluminum channels.

[image]

And it worked! It stiffened up a lot, and this morning after having the glue dry a bit more it hardly flexes. The floor is now to the top of the aluminum outside frame. I'll add another layer of 1/4" luan ply to the outside walls and then install vinyl plank flooring. I also need to tackle the area up to the door.

However the weather has turned cold so I might not do much more until spring. The front of the trailer is now waterproof- I put on some 2" angle flashing, butyl putty and butyl compound sealant to make sure. It's predicted to rain or snow this evening and Friday so it will be a good test