Questions about walls/materials/strength/techniques...

[mikeschn]

The 1 by 2s on the subfloor is mainly to give you something to screw into when you fasten your sidewalls to the subfloor.

(Yes, it also gives you a place to insulate the bottom if that is what you want!)

The 1x2's are securely glued to the plywood floor, and the floor subassembly should be bolted to the frame, through the plywood and through the subfloor.

It shouldn't go anywhere.

Of course if you want to build a tank, you could always go to a 2x2 subfloor, or even a 1x3 like you mentioned... (I believe I used 1x3s on my widget subfloor...

Mike...

[kayakrguy]

Folks,

A couple of more questions....I think I am beginning to sound like my grandkids...'why, grandpa?' <g>

Locally there is no one who will do any 5x8 sheet lumber unless you order something like a minimum of 8-12 pieces. While enthusiastic, I am not quite ready to make this a business. So, if any of your HAVE built 5x8 walls/floors using standard 4x8 sheet lumber, I would appreciate hearing how you did that. Also, there is no one I have found locally who will even look at 5x5 sheets of birch (or anything else) for headliners etc. Suggestions?

Thank you again, I have discarded about 23 1/2 bad ideas so far!

Jim

[goldcoop]

Jim-

You are from NJ?

Did ya check custom furniture/cabinet shops?

Or a old time Mom & Pop hardware/lumberyard?

Also check "Rich's List" & "Links, Sources of Supply" above?

Folks have 1/2 lapped/splined/biscuit joined pieces together...

Hope this helps!

Cheers,

Coop

[mikeschn]

Hey Jim,

I joined 4x8 sheets of luan for my weekender...

Steve joined together 4x8 sheets for the Lil Diner...

Arne and lots of others joined together small pieces to make larger pieces...

We've talked about lots of different methods of joining, but by far the easiest one is the butt joint, backed with a framing stick... like this picture... (The joint is behind that really wide framing member...


Steve, instead of hiding the joint, accented the joint, by using a different kind of wood...


You could also cover the joints on the outside like Len did on this Slumbercoach replica...


Also check out Len and Arne in the Hall of Fame...

Anyone else have any joining methods to show?

Mike...

P.S. You could also use biscuits on the frame as long as you are going to cover both side with plywood...

[dhazard]

Jim, To make my trailer 10’ I got a hinge from Grant and will swing out the back 2’ of the trailer.

[kayakrguy]

Coop, Mike and Haz,

Thanks for the pics--beginning to see why some of you are obsessive-compulsive-fanatical about the pics <g> They sure do help--especially when you know what your looking at...!!

Coop, yes, I checked a couple of 'Mom and Pop' places and they basically deal with contractors--HD/Loews have taken the walk-in weekender/teardrop building folks. The M&P's want minimum orders--understandably.

I found Rich's list just after I posted my question...and that can be a valuable source when I am farther along.

I am grateful for your patience and help,

Jim