Probably a dumb question but here goes...

[ddupre]

I was wondering if you can lay the floor down without building a frame. Just bolted directly to the frame. The trailer I have seems to be very sturdy with crossmembers every 18 inches. I do not plan to insulate the floor since it will be used in the late spring early summer time. This build is a low-budget build so I'm trying to cut corners if I'm able to. Are there any cons to this that would prevent me from bolting the floor directly onto the trailer. I will be using three-quarter inch hardwood plywood.

[Dale M.]

It would basically depend on floor thickness and material.... Something like 3/4 inch (minimum plywood) would probably be sufficient.... I never understood the need for a framed floor but for (one) space for insulation and (two) people feeling metal frame of trailer was not of sufficient strength to maintain "shape" or prevent "racking" while in motion....

Dale

[Woodbutcher]

I bolted my floor to the frame, and I only used 1/2" plywood. There were supports about every 18" on mine and it worked out fine.

[robfisher]

I bolted my floor to the frame, and I only used 1/2" plywood. There were supports about every 18" on mine and it worked out fine.

Same here.

[Kevin A]

I bolted the 3'4" plywood floor directly to the frame, I also added four inches of insulation (the mattress) on top of the floor.

[rowerwet]

3/8" marine mahogany plywood bolted directly to the frame, works great, the mattress takes care of insulating the floor. and I have a 6" overhang on each side

[48Rob]

Pretty common, both today with home builds, and in the past with teardrop and travel trailers/trailer homes.

Here is a picture of a 1948 trailer that I redid using 1/2" plywood, as original.
The silver material is to seal the metal/wood contact area.

Rob