Safe to Tow?

excella80 · 08-18-2009, 06:15 PM

I need some expert advice. I have a 1980 31' Excella that I have pretty much gutted, including the floor boards. I just had a friend look at it and told me I should not move it until I get the floor back in, because that ties everything together. I live 3.5 miles from where I keep it so it is not going far, but does make the trip home often to work on it. When I removed the floor the screws in the end of the outriggers pretty much ripped threw the plywood and are still there. Please let me know if I am ok to move the trailer, or if it should stay parked.

Thanks

aircooled4 · 08-18-2009, 07:22 PM

Oh cool...this is your 1st post! :-)

richinny · 08-18-2009, 08:06 PM

do not move it in that condition! think crushed beer can.

excella80 · 08-18-2009, 08:14 PM

Even with all the screws still in the c channel and outriggers?

richinny · 08-18-2009, 08:21 PM

the floor connects the body to the frame and supports it. your post indicates no floor. so, no, it's not advisable to tow it.

scarecrow · 08-18-2009, 09:47 PM

Welcome to the forum. I too own a 31' foot 1980 excella. We have only taken one trip, but love it. Good luck with your new project.

pbearsailor · 08-18-2009, 10:25 PM

Not sure exactly what you've still got in there holding it, but. . .

I had the floor and belly pan off of my Caravanner and towed it slowly (25 mph) to and from the welder who was 8 or 10 miles away. For sure you've got to have something holding your shell up, something has to replace the floor between the C channel or J channel or whatever you have and the outriggers.

In my case, I cut strips of 3/4" plywood about 6" wide by 18" long and put them on top of the outriggers and under the C channel. They were held on by C clamps. So, my shell was held on by its weight on top of the outriggers and by the steel plate riveted onto the shell at the forward end.

I wouldn't want to go very far this way and certainly wouldn't want to go at all fast, but I'm sure we were fine doing it the way we did. Others may disagree.

And, welcome to the forums. All the answers to your questions will be here.

cheers,
steve

aircooled4 · 08-19-2009, 05:10 AM

Lets get your floor in soon...then you can help me with mine! :-)