sub-floor to frame????

[alloffroad]

What5 is the best method of attaching the sub-floor to the frame. By sub-floor I mean the first layer of wood, followed then by 2x2 fir strips and insulation, then the floor. What screws would be best. The sub-floor will be 1/8" ply coated with water seal and undercoat.

[Cliffmeister2000]

I wouldn't fasten it at all, or maybe use some gorilla glue here and there. Then use self tapping screws through the 2x2s and the 1/8" together.

[kirkman]

My question is why insulate the floor? Your mattress will be insulating you from the floor. To me that would be money you could spend some where else and weight you would save. Just my 2 cents!

[S. Heisley]

Clarification:
Floors should always be fastened down to the frame. Most of us attach the entire deck as a unit instead of attaching individual pieces. In other words, we attach the subfloor to the floor frame and flooring then we attach it all to the frame as one integrated piece, the deck.

If you look in "Teardrops & Tiny Travel Trailers Forum Index -> Teardrop Construction Tips & Techniques", there is a topic on attaching floor to frame that will give you information on both methods: bolting it on or using self drilling screws to attach it.

Floor Insulation:
As far as floor insulation goes, that appears to be a personal decision that may be based on your type of floor, your type of trailer, how cold or warm it gets where you camp, and what amenities you are installing.

Over-all Advice:
Some people will tell you to "Git 'r Done" and sometimes we need that; but, look around at some of the build threads here. You might find some ideas (and pictures!) and things you hadn't thought of. Print or make a note of the ones that you like best so you can refer back to them.

If you have a good plan at the start, you'll be less likely to say the ol' "shoulda, coulda, woulda" bit. Many times, the best way to find out how to do things is by looking at what others have done and these people have done a lot!

As an example, check out Larry & Diane Sorensen's build thread for their Outback Teardrop. I think it's here: http://www.outbackteardrop.com

Successful Wishes to you,
Sharon

[S. Heisley]

Here are a couple more build threads to look at:

The Zephyr:

http://www.nfdc.net/home/cbdb/Teardrop%20Trailer.htm

The Desert Dawg:

http://www.asolidfoundation.com

[alloffroad]

This is an old camp trailer that I am revamping so I need to build the floor a little at a time. I plan on building fold out beds in the future but for now we will be sleeping on the floor on air mattresses. And we do camp in the sierras in plumas county. It gets cold at night and we have ever seen snow during our camp trips. Besides, rigid foam isn't all that expensive. I am ,by far, not an expert builder so I go to this forum for advise all the time. I figure this trailer will be practice. Later I will build an actual teardrop from scratch.

[S. Heisley]

Oh, Brrr! I know what you mean! The Sierras can be in the 30's at night, even in the summer. Yup! I'm with ya! I have been known to tie in old sheets between the tent and the rainfly just to keep it warmer. Anything you can do to stay warmer is a b-i-g plus! Go for it!