Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

I've read all the posts about Polymax and the ultimate recomendations not to use it for walls or roofs due to expansion issues, but I have a different question:

Would it work well for the bottom layer of a floor?

I have also read the arguments that the bottom should be open. While I understand the opinions, I really don't buy into it too much, seems more like preference and my preference would be to have a sealed underside.

I am thinking of building a frame with 2x2x1/8 tubing, then a layer of Polymax on it, then 2x2 framing/insulation and Plywood on top of that. Seems like it would make a good "underbelly" type of material. Seems like it would weather proof the bottom very well. My thought would be to apply a sealant between the trailer framing and the Polymax, then also between the Polymax and the framing. The wall and roof sheets will cover the frame rails, sealing the sides. (I am doing a Jim Dandy inspired profile in a 5' wide x 10' long)

I am getting ready to order a sheet to get my build starting, but wanted to check with the experts first.

Thoughts??

Cdash wrote:I've read all the posts about Polymax and the ultimate recomendations not to use it for walls or roofs due to expansion issues, but I have a different question:

Would it work well for the bottom layer of a floor?

I have also read the arguments that the bottom should be open. While I understand the opinions, I really don't buy into it too much, seems more like preference and my preference would be to have a sealed underside.

I am thinking of building a frame with 2x2x1/8 tubing, then a layer of Polymax on it, then 2x2 framing/insulation and Plywood on top of that. Seems like it would make a good "underbelly" type of material. Seems like it would weather proof the bottom very well. My thought would be to apply a sealant between the trailer framing and the Polymax, then also between the Polymax and the framing. The wall and roof sheets will cover the frame rails, sealing the sides. (I am doing a Jim Dandy inspired profile in a 5' wide x 10' long)

I am getting ready to order a sheet to get my build starting, but wanted to check with the experts first.

Thoughts??

My thought is you have made up your mind about sealing the floor. Good for you. I like an insulated floor too.

Only concern I have is about water intrusion. I have repaired a few commercially built campers for friends. The repairs were always the same for the most part. Rotten floors due to water being trapped. All of the trailers had a sealed floor. The worst was a sheet of reinforced poly sheet with particle board on top of it. A door leak let water seep under the poly sheet and the whole floor rotted away.

If I were to put a bottom protective layer like you are doing, I'd provide some type of ventilation to allow condensation or trapped water that might get in from above a way out. The problem with this is keeping water from splashing in from below... Guess that's why some folks think an open floor bottom is best.

I don't know if you are aware but they make a 4 x 8 x 3/4 sheet of recycled rubber. Very stiff and would be a great floor material. Had I had $$$$ enough it would have been my choice as the floor material. Cuts and drills just like wood but made out of recycled tires. Face is smooth and would be totally impervious to snow water salt and will never delaminate. I think it was about 56 bucks a sheet but no other supplies or steps to protect it.

bobhenry wrote:I don't know if you are aware but they make a 4 x 8 x 3/4 sheet of recycled rubber. Very stiff and would be a great floor material. Had I had $$$$ enough it would have been my choice as the floor material. Cuts and drills just like wood but made out of recycled tires. Face is smooth and would be totally impervious to snow water salt and will never delaminate. I think it was about 56 bucks a sheet but no other supplies or steps to protect it.

How about the weight was it much more than wood

what is the name of this rubber product and would it hold up to being used as the walls, floor, and possible the roof? Is it sold in any other thickness than 3/4"...

Could this be used as the external layer of a sandwich wall?

A quick Google search turned up several web sites offering such material.... I'm sure there are more.

http://www.rubbersheetroll.com/general_ ... r_land.htm

http://www.rubberform.com/products/Indu ... ubber_Pads

Was right on the shelf in Menard's in 1/2" and 3/4" thicknesses.

Sorry to report it is probably 2-3 times as heavy as 3/4 plywood but again you have no other gallons of goop to slop on with this product.

As I said I would definatly have used it for the floor had the money been available. I personally think it would even have better insulating properties than plywood. I have no info to back it up , it is just a gut feeling.

I have a partial sheet of 3/4" in my galley in "Chubby". The only reason I knew about it was when I bought the used HF trailer that my tear is built on the previous owner had added a sheet for the floor to use as a utility trailer.