Floor building advice, please.

[Miriam C.]

Hi Everyone,
I can't decide on which way to run my flooring. I am afraid if I piece across I will have a weaker floor in that area. The cross members land from the front at 2' and 3'6+" and 6'. I need to cut out for the tires at 3'6" to the 5'9" and 12" in on both sides. Did I miss anything?

I need to get the ply ordered so::
I have a choice of
4' + 2' running the length of the trailer.
Or 3' +3' running the length
Or 4 + 4 running across the width of the trailer. Since the trailer is 6'4" wide and 8' long there is no hope of getting it one piece.

Will be made of 1/4 ply foam 1/2 ply sandwich.
Got any ideas why one is better than the other?

Then My choices for sides are
3/4" x 5' x 10' birch with foam and 1/8 insides

1/4" x 4' x 8' Birch if I can find it with foam and 1/4 insides. (framed)

5' x 5' seems to cost a lot more to put together, but if there is a compelling reason I will sure do it.



Thanks for your help.
Miriam
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[PaulC]

Miriam, I'm not sure about over there but over here our ply comes in sheets 4' wide by 8' long. Why not have 1 join down the middle. Hope this helps
Cheers
Paul

[toypusher]

........................
Will be made of 1/4 ply foam 1/2 ply sandwich.
Got any ideas why one is better than the other?
..............................._________________

If you are doing it this way, just stagger the joints and it should be plenty strong either way. My preference would be to run the joints side to side vs length wise. I just think that it would be stronger, but with sandwich construction (you will use framing also, I am assuming) it should be plenty strong either way. Actually 1/4" foam 1/4" with framing should be plenty strong!

Then My choices for sides are
3/4" x 5' x 10' birch with foam and 1/8 insides

1/4" x 4' x 8' Birch if I can find it with foam and 1/4 insides. (framed)

5' x 5' seems to cost a lot more to put together, but if there is a compelling reason I will sure do it.

Are you saying that you can get 3/4" in 5x10, but not 1/4" in 5x10?? 3/4" with framing and insulation and another 1/8" seems a bit overkill and alot of extra weight. 1/4" with framing and foam insulation, then 1/8" on the inside would be plenty strong. Depending on the exterior finish, you might not need to worry about the joints showing. If you are doing it in a natural finish, then I would suggest that you get Steve Frederick's shop manual and use his methods of construction. If not just us what ever 1/4" material for the outside and frame with foam and 1/8" birch on the inside. If you want insulation, you really do not need the 3/4" material.

Have you looked into Oakume (sp) used in marine applications mostly?? It may seem a little expensive, but you can usually get it in 1/4" 5x10 sheets (other thickness and demensions also). This could save worry about joints.

[IndyTom]

If I understand what you are planning, I would run 3+3 with a joint down the center, but you will have to provide at least a wooden frame member down the center to attach to.

[Miriam C.]

Thanks guys.

Kerry

Have you looked into Oakume (sp) used in marine applications mostly?? It may seem a little expensive, but you can usually get it in 1/4" 5x10 sheets (other thickness and demensions also). This could save worry about joints.

I haven't looked into this, forgot about it. 3/4 is all I can get in this area and it has to be ordered from HD. $64 a sheet doesn't seem too bad when you count the added cost of foam and framing to the others. The extra weight is less than #100. If I leave out heavy framing for insulation.

I will try to find Oakume and the seam phobia will be solved.

Welding today.
Floors this weekend.
Miriam

[Arne]

re 4x8 sheets, ply is usually stronger the long way, so I'll be running my sheets across the frame from side to side, not front to back. But, I do not have a full frame... if you have a full perimeter frame, it probably makes not difference.

With my V shaped frame, it is more of a consideration.

[Miriam C.]

Woopeeeeee

The welds are done. My new 2nd best friend has been welding for 40 years.
He repaired my weld, caught the corners and offered to make extended bolt straps for the springs so I don't have to build up over the wheels. As if thats not good enough he sandblasts so I can get all the rust off and not have to buy springs. And he cut off the support pole brackets in front for me.
Only charged me $12 bucks today and the all will come in under $50 bucks.

I will have to forgo putting on the deck this weekend but--------May put the boards together and get wood for the sides.

I couldn't find 5'x10' quarter inch but I did find some 1/4"x 5'x5' really pretty birch. finish sanded. I guess it will have to do. It is only $15.00ea.

Now if I can just find the Kameleon paint. Our Wally world doesn't carry it.

Soon, soon, soon, Thank you, Thank you. Thank you.
Miriam