pdalber
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Post by pdalber on Feb 23, 2021 7:48:27 GMT -8
I'm getting ready to start rebuilding the floor for my trailer and I want to recreate the original construction. It had 1/4-inch fiberboard-type material on the bottom, framing and insulation in the middle. and 5/8-inch plywood on the top (under the sheet flooring). My question is: What are the preferred modern materials to use in the rebuild? Sould I use masonite/hardboard for the bottom, or is 1/4-inch plywood a better option? Should I use marine plywood for the top, or will good-quality plywood suffice? I already have Tractor Supply fence post paint to coat the underside. Thanks in advance for the advice.
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nccamper
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1962 Forester- 1956 Shasta
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Post by nccamper on Feb 23, 2021 10:00:32 GMT -8
Your fiberboard was under the wood framing? Did your camper originally look like this?
My campers have been metal frame, wood frame, fiberboard, 3/4", quality/fairly smooth/not PT/plywood and floor tiles.
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pdalber
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Post by pdalber on Feb 23, 2021 10:14:19 GMT -8
My fiberboard was directly on top of the metal frame 2
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nccamper
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1962 Forester- 1956 Shasta
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Post by nccamper on Feb 23, 2021 12:20:03 GMT -8
My 1962 Forester was that way in the central drop-down. I would stay with whichever way the manufacturer did it originally. Others may have different opinions. For the most part I work on Shasta campers which are constructed as you see in the picture above.
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Post by vikx on Feb 23, 2021 13:18:57 GMT -8
Home Depot sells "soundboard" which is similar without the coating. It is thicker than your original.
I used 1/8 Masonite (coated on one side) for the belly on my Cardinal and it's working well. Keeps debris and water out and won't collapse over the years. (at least I hope not) I would hesitate using plywood because it is heavier and most isn't the best quality. The layers should be about equal to what your trailer originally had.
The Masonite went on the frame, then joists and cross braces; foam insulation next. I installed 1/2" ply as a sub floor and then 3/16" under layment cross wise on the top. The under layment is smooth for laying flooring.
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pdalber
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Post by pdalber on Feb 26, 2021 15:19:51 GMT -8
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Post by vikx on Feb 26, 2021 22:32:37 GMT -8
I think the plastic shower panels might crack with time. I would use something else...
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pdalber
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Post by pdalber on Feb 27, 2021 16:50:03 GMT -8
I went with the 3/16" Masonite - pictures to follow tomorrow
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