[monocoque]

Originally Posted by FC7039

I will try to get photos.

The X bracings are 1x2 and the bottom cross is 2x4. The long lengthwise are also 2x4s. They are just screwed into the channels. The picture was taken before the two long boards running lengthwise were put into place. They actually run under the cross 2x4s kind of a strong back if you know what I mean.

Step by step.
1. Put in cross bracing along the floor and screw to the channels

2. Put is more bracing to stabilize the body

3. Using a pry, lift each cross bracing off the frame and slip in a shim (I used pieces of 2x4 laid flat) Work around until the body is now sitting on shims between the frame and the braces. Repeat this until the body is high enough to put in long lengthwise braces (I used 2x4s on end. They will not provide the strength laid flat. You may need to fabricate longer pieces by bolting 2x4s together). As you pry and insert shims the body will flex some.

4. Fasten the lengthwise braces to the cross braces by toe nailing them together

5. In the same process of prying and placing shims, lift the long braces off the frame until you can slide in 4x4 landscape timers. These need to be about 10 foot long.

6. Again in this same process, now using some support outside the frame, I used cinder blocks, lift each corner and shim until high enough to pull the frame out. This can be done with two people, one lifting the 4x4 and the other inserting the shim. I used a jack by myself.

7. Quickly and carefully pull the frame out and lower the body. It looks very precarious sitting up high. If it should have fallen, who knows the damage that would have been done, not to say the crying.

This detail sure helps me visualize the process. At least at this point in my thinking I plan on leaving two sheets of flooring attached to the shell this would substitute, I think, for at least part of your 2X4 cross-bracing. I could always add a few 2x4 if the plywood floor doesn't provide enough cross support. Cross bracing to support the upper shell could be toe nailed into the flooring.

Hopefully one man alone can lift a corner, or section of the shell, to insert shims between the frame and the plywood/2X4 bracing --even though my trailer is 29 feet and weighs more than yours. (I think I'll remove the A/C to shed even more weight). I'll definitely put in length wise braces underneath the flooring for added support AND so the lower skins and floor channel clear the ground. The 4X4 timbers and the cinder blocks are a good idea too.

At this point raising and lowering the shell is the main thing. I need to be able to eventually lower the shell back to near the ground either by slowerly removing shims are gradually lowering with a jack. What kind of jack(s) did you use?

Your right about the shell being precarious sitting up there on cinder blocks. This would be the be-extra-careful-zone especially during the process of pulling out the frame! I'm picturing a carefully balanced house of cards! Definitely something to do on a windless day.