Suggestion on type of wood for floor base?

[Silvrzuki77]

Hey guys, im getting ready to start the wood section of my build (bummer build). I plan on using 1x4 for the floor and then 1/2" or 3/4 ply for the actually floor. For the 1x4 what do you guys suggest i use? Also i was possibly thinking of doin biscuit joints and screws to build the subfloor any suggestions on that?
Here is my trailer i plan on having a 1x4 on each crossmember.

Thanks for any suggestions!

[les45]

Why not bolt your plywood floor directly to your trailer frame brackets? The 1X4 framework underneath just adds more work, more weight, more joints that need to be waterproofed and really adds nothing to the rigidity of the floor. The steel frame of the trailer provides all the support.
I assume that you will be adding some type of framing on top of the plywood to anchor your walls.

[bobhenry]

Plain old plywood and plain old 2x4 spf.

Here is a senario that I have used and it might be of some interest to you....

[bobhenry]

Here is a slightly different version I use on my 4x7 build.

[Silvrzuki77]

Sorry i should of clarified better, the 1x4" or 2x4" will bolt directly to the frame with insulation and then ply on top. Wasnt sure if i should use white oak or something special. Guys think 2x4" would be too heavy?

[Dale M.]

I would go with layer of 1/2 ply for bottom.... 1 inch of sheet foam insulation and a 3/8 top (floor) and put vinyl tile or something on it for nice floor....

You are making it to complicated and excessive work.....

Dale
.

[les45]

+1 on what Dale M. said (almost). Plywood on bottom bolted directly to frame, sandwiched rigid foam insulation above that, and then a thin ply sheet for floor (I used luan to keep down the weight and it is plenty strong on top of the hard foam). Not necessary to add tile or anything but a good coat of paint to the finished floor as it will be covered by the mattress. I bolted my 2X4 perimeter rails directly to the bottom plywood leaving a 3/4" offset for the sidewalls to sit on. Then screwed the sidewalls into the 2X4. Check my journal if you want to see pics of how this was done. Dale is right; you are making it more complicated than it needs to be. Also, the more layers of stuff that you add take away from your interior headroom if you are using 4' high ply for sides and you want to bring it down flush with the top of your trailer frame.

[Shadow Catcher]

If I were to have to replace the floor in CR I would be looking for a composite such as http://worldpanel.com/marinelam.htm or http://www.compositek-inc.com/superdek.htm The second one was engineered by Kaiser for use in aircraft. Forest River uses Compositek http://www.colerainrv.com/pages/compositek.htm
When I did my investigation into what fails in a trailer wood was at the top of the list and what aint wood don't rot.

[Silvrzuki77]

Thanks guys for the input! I know im over complicating want to make sure I am doin right specially since my wood working skills are basically building a piggy bank in jr high. Lol

[aggie79]

I made an insulated floor - 1/4" ply bottom, 1x2 framing (on the "flat"), 3/4" insulation between the framing, and 1/4" ply top. This is plenty strong. No need for 2x2 or 2x4 framing or thicker plywood.

I went overkill on the bottom sealing - 2 coats of CPES, 1 coat of epoxy, and 2 coats of automotive undercoating.

I did not seal the top plywood so it can "breath". I did place some of those foam exercise mats on top of the plywood below the mattress for a finished look.

We've driven through pouring rain and the bottom of the teardrop barely has any moisture on it. As a result I think a couple of coats of exterior enamel - oil based - is plenty to protect the floor.

[_Ryan_]

I used 1x4 poplar for the frame, sandwiched between 1/4" birch ply on both sides, You could also use 1/4" ACX or CDX (if you can find any in this thinkness). Birch was nice since I was 5' wide and it came in that dimention, also it will look nice on the floor when finished. 1/4" was much stronger than I anticipated, and if you plan on insulating I would go this route. If you don't insulate then 1/2" should be plenty. The main thing to think about is how do you plan on attaching your sidewalls. If you frame with 1x4 then this should be plenty and the thickness of the floor itself is only about supporting your weight.

Here's what I did. Good luck!

[Silvrzuki77]

Thanks again!!

[Martiangod]

If I were to do again, Bamboo - foam - Bamboo sandwich 1
Current floor is 1/2 PT with 3/4 Walnut on top
3 inch foam under it with coroplast on the bottom