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Post by danrhodes on Jan 18, 2015 7:24:10 GMT -8
In most of the photos here, it seems Shastas are made with plywood over floor joists. This trailer seems to be made with just two sheets of 3/4" plywood laminated together and bolted right to the frame. I haven't taken the skin off, but every place I can measure, the total floor is only 1-1/2" thick. Is this possible? If so, How would I replace the rear section of this floor? The metal frame stops at the springs, so the floor needs to be a continuous piece to support this rear cantilever.
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RJ
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Post by RJ on Jan 18, 2015 8:26:53 GMT -8
No metal frame at all from springs back to bumper on the trailer? I'm no expert but that sounds very odd to me sir. I don't understand what is supporting the weight of the construction behind the springs...just wood?
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John Palmer
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Hi, From a vintage trailer guy located in Santa Ana, CA. It's good to see lots of activity here.
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Post by John Palmer on Jan 18, 2015 11:00:31 GMT -8
Some small, low priced trailer's, like a 1953 13' Aljoa did not have a rear "steel frame". The steel frame stopped at the rear spring shackles. It was done just to save material cost. The rear trailer body strength was supported by two "cantilevered" wood 2 by 3's that laid on top of the steel frame.
On the last trailer I did like this, I added 24" of "C" channel to the rear, to match the original frame. I also added a bicycle rack receiver tube, and corner drop down stabilizers.
Of interest to me, they (Aljoa) specifically advertised the next size larger trailer as having "a full perimeter frame"! You have to enjoy the humor in marketing.
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Post by danrhodes on Jan 18, 2015 14:38:44 GMT -8
Some small, low priced trailer's, like a 1953 13' Aljoa did not have a rear "steel frame". The steel frame stopped at the rear spring shackles. It was done just to save material cost. The rear trailer body strength was supported by two "cantilevered" wood 2 by 3's that laid on top of the steel frame. On the last trailer I did like this, I added 24" of "C" channel to the rear, to match the original frame. I also added a bicycle rack receiver tube, and corner drop down stabilizers. Of interest to me, they (Aljoa) specifically advertised the next size larger trailer as having "a full perimeter frame"! You have to enjoy the humor in marketing. Yeah, this one has some 2x4s back there, but not even attached to the frame. I assumed they were in case the trailer bottomed out. The frame isn't really the issue though... How can I replace the plywood when it appears to be the only structural part of the floor?
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elewayne
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Post by elewayne on Feb 13, 2015 16:58:42 GMT -8
Sounds like a full body off restoration.
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Post by danrhodes on Mar 3, 2015 10:37:10 GMT -8
Sounds like a full body off restoration. I guess I'll find out when I can finally get time to start and peel the lower skins. What I was really asking though, is if anyone has heard of this style of solid plywood floor, or if I am just misinterpreting what I am seeing from the outside?
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elewayne
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Post by elewayne on Mar 26, 2015 15:49:02 GMT -8
Mine, a 1949 trailer has a steel u channel frame and some gross members of steel welded to the frame sides. A 2/4 down the center and a couple 2/4's on the ends. I think there are 2/4's at the plywood seams too so it can be nailed to something. Mostly the steel is what's holding everything up though. I think the 2/4's are there for stiffeners only, to keep the corners from drooping and to hole the seams together. These aren't constructed like a house. There really isn't much under them, I was surprised when I got down to the frame. I have pictures of my frame at SilverLodger.com. I even added some more steel when I rebuild it. Wayne
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