Body lift question

[Belegedhel]

There seems to be a common belief that the inner skins are a critical part of the shell structure. They may contribute something to the system, but when you compare the relate sparcity of the POP-RIVETS holding them in place to the BUCKED rivets every inch or so in the outer shell, you may come to the conclusion that the support provided is minimal. If the inner skins are structural, then so is the belt line trim and the cabinets.

I lifted my shell without inner skins and zero additional bracing, and I have been going camping without the inner skins in place and a nice heavy AC on the roof. No issues.

[JCPOTTERF]

I used deck screws through the ribs to install 2x4 s for bracing. After the shell was off I drove the trailer out lowered the body just touching the grass and staked in 2x4s on all of the braces its been ok so far.

[putback]

Originally Posted by JCPOTTERF

I used deck screws through the ribs to install 2x4 s for bracing. After the shell was off I drove the trailer out lowered the body just touching the grass and staked in 2x4s on all of the braces its been ok so far.

I'm with you on brace and stake. Taking no chances on wind rolling her down the valley like a beer can.

[Frank's Trailer Works]

do yourself a favor, before you drop it back down, remove the bracing. It makes getting the shell back where it needs to be much easier.

[digidad]

thanks for the gantry link!

[thumbelinadj]

ok so No need for crazy bracing Frank? I am looking at all these posts in the Search Results. The complexity looks crazy. About to do the 65 Globetrotter.

[Frank's Trailer Works]

I do not brace. Many do however.

[Frank's Trailer Works]

No bracing except a beam down the center. These photos are from this morning.


Something always snags and puts the shell off center during the lift. It is no big deal when lowering it back down.

[thumbelinadj]

Looks ok! Thank you

[thumbelinadj]

May I see the beam down the center in a photo?

[Frank's Trailer Works]

it's just two 2x4x12s screwed together on edge. That is the distance from end cap rib to end cap rib. The chain fall goes right down through the vent openings and when the beam is lifted it puts pressure on the main three ribs. Very simple stuff. This 22 foot shell is very light. I would guess less than 400 pounds. When tension was put on the chain fall during set up, I accidentally lifted the whole trailer with out realizing it. There is always at least one rivet you cannot find or see before you start to lift. Sometimes even just a burr can hold the whole thing up. I have done this a bunch of times and I am never prepared for the "pop" when the shell actually lets go and the chassis drops away.

[thumbelinadj]

Back to building gantry. I bought 10 inch threaded bolts for the upper part and 8 inch lag bolts for the bottom. Is that right

[thumbelinadj]

What is the edge. Long 4 or 2 side

[thumbelinadj]

This method of using the 2 x 4 was so simple. I freaked out a bit when I didn't get a level raise. It is wonky. I can't believe the door is so heavy that it makes the shell tilt. It's resting very lightly on a 2x10 at the wheel well.

Thank you to sweet Frank for taking my call and Kip responding to all my emails!

Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums

[JCPOTTERF]

Here's a few progress photo's
I had to beef up my gantry after installing the floor. It flipped smoothly
and now it's insulation and belly pan I'm glad I didn't scrap my old pan
I've used it for patterns for the wheel wells and corners. So far So good this weekend was in the sixties and sunny. No tarps for a few days.

[thumbelinadj]

Your belly pan looks awesome. We haven't gotten to the front yet. Im using your pics for guide!

[JCPOTTERF]

Well thats the rear end in those pics . I started at the rear to overlap the layers like shingles on a roof so the wind will not have a place to peel back going down the road .I love your videos and pics on face book. My un named A/S is under tarps for a week or two as were getting a mild winter taste of what I moved away from in Ohio to here in NE Ga. But it only lasts a week or so. Good luck

[thumbelinadj]

Thank you JC! Agree on the wind. it made sense to work that way then I started researching. I found this post. http://www.airforums.com/forums/f219...n-14737-4.html


Using 1' strips of aluminum and pan screws to attach the belly pan.
What do you think?

Glad I haven't made you too nuts with all my naivete on my Glamper Girl page.

Many thanks,
Dena

[JCPOTTERF]

I had not seen that thread yet looks good and strong here's another blog maybe you have seen 1959 Airstream Ambassador Blog not sure if he's on the forums but i've been using some of his ideas. I am sure you've seen Franks blog as well very informative.

[thumbelinadj]

You have been fabulous. It's been very educational reading all your posts. Putting you on my hero list.