ladywendolyn
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1964 Golden Falcon
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Post by ladywendolyn on Jun 11, 2015 7:02:29 GMT -8
I noticed, on the brochure I posted yesterday, that the old trailer in the brochure had an aluminum belly pan, with 6 inches of fiberglass insulation.
Does anyone have this quality of belly pan?
Since I am working on a frame up restore, I am trying to think of the advantages of perhaps having a metal shop create this.. BUT...
Would moisture get trapped in it?
What would the actual advantage be?
I am also, now wondering about simply putting a sheet of aluminum under my plywood floor.. Has anyone done this?
The one thing, that really confuses me with these trailers is when I see that the bottom of most of them have a layer of cardboard, or roofing material.. and that is somehow supposed to protect the undercarriage from 1000's of miles of wet driving...
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kimberwarden
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17' 64 Oasis
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Post by kimberwarden on Jun 11, 2015 7:13:17 GMT -8
I share your bafflement (is that a word?) about how the underside of the trailer is supposed to stay dry! I'm astonished that the pressboard-type stuff under my trailer has actually remained dry and intact for 50 years. But from what I've read, metal underbellies don't breathe and they actually cause rot.
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Post by bigbill on Jun 11, 2015 10:32:38 GMT -8
Moisture in a belly pan is a major problem. Cold climate trailers used in cold weather benefit from a insulated belly pan IF it is made in a manor that prevents moisture build up. I have seen a couple of trailers that have used expanding foam as a floor insulation. The owners feel this is the answer, only time will tell.
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RinTin
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Post by RinTin on Jun 11, 2015 11:13:22 GMT -8
There will be lot's of opinions on this subject as there are many ways to build floor systems.
Some type of belly pan is needed for a framed floor with an insulation cavity (as depicted in the brochure you posted) in order to keep the insulation and the cavity dry.
In my opinion, a plywood floor with no insulation has no need for a belly pan.
Wood can be exposed to water and still last a long, long time, as long as it can also dry out. Being in a continuous state of dampness is what allows the mold spores to grow that feed on wood and rot it.
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Post by vikx on Jun 11, 2015 21:50:02 GMT -8
I try to do away with metal bellies if possible and have even drilled holes to allow drainage.. Maybe not kosher, but can't stand the thought of all that warm rot soup...
The old Celotex/fiberboard was tough and impervious to water when properly coated. (a tar like product) Most of the trailers with it have a good floor and joists.
When re-insulating, I use styrofoam which won't absorb water. Fiberglass lets the water sit there.
I'm hoping all of us will store our trailers under cover in inclement weather. Camping doesn't hurt, it's the sitting weeks in the rain and cold that causes seal failures.(freeze/thaw cycle, etc.) If they don't leak, the belly won't be full of water...
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