Lots of rotten floor

HiHoAgRV · 08-10-2009, 08:11 PM

Well, we knew when we got the 34' that it had floor issues in the front, BUT it is SLIGHTLY worse than I thought

. I had hoped for a 2' x 3' section but there is enough damage to justify a full 6' section, side to side.
Tomorrow I'll finish the stripping of the interior from the door forward and start pulling the lower panels. I can't see where the curb side lower panel has a joint so I suspect I'll just roll it back toward the dinete.

The good part is it's only 1/5 of the floor that has issues, if this was a 16' trailer it would be almost 1/2 of the floor!

HiHoAgRV · 08-11-2009, 12:19 PM

This morning I removed everything that was bolted or rivited in the way of the floor removal. It looks like a 4' long section will get me back to good solid wood. I am amazed at the lack of bolts or screws that hold the front together. 10 bolts and 2 wood screws are all that goes thru the wall/floor joint in the first 4 - 5 feet of the trailer. I think I can access everything needed from below by removing the banana wraps and peeling down the belly skin.
Now for the bad part, working outside of the airconditioned interior!

Lumatic · 08-11-2009, 01:13 PM

A 91, to me, would be just broken in. What caused all this rot in the first place? I assume part of the answer is particle board vs. real plywood.

whitelight · 08-11-2009, 01:24 PM

Quote:

I assume part of the answer is particle board vs. real plywood.

Agreed, as particle board more prone to moisture damage - need to determine where the water was coming in that created this mess and repair.

What motivated Airstream to use OSB for the flooring on certain models? We have a '96 34' Ltd and it definitely has 5/8" tongue & groove marine plywood throughout the floor - we know, as we ripped out all the old carpeting recently!

Lumatic · 08-11-2009, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whitelight

What motivated Airstream to use OSB for the flooring on certain models?

$$$$$$$$$$$$. My $.02 worth

HiHoAgRV · 08-11-2009, 04:22 PM

Yup, OSB flooring in one huge piece as best I can tell. Once I pull the carpet I'll be able to see exactly how big the pieces are. Here's the bummer - 19/32 thick and milled down at the edges to 1/2 inch. Geeze that ain't much meat!

I got the curbside portion pulled today, the few bolts that were there are cut and removed, except the one big one that goes into the front of the frame.

Now I need to find a source for 19/32 or 1/2 Marine ply in my area, get some POR and start the reassembly.

HiHoAgRV · 08-11-2009, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lumatic

A 91, to me, would be just broken in. What caused all this rot in the first place? I assume part of the answer is particle board vs. real plywood.

Owning a '77 that we use on a regular basis, it seems odd to me also that the '91 is in worse shape. The damage was caused my leaks, no doubt. With all the rain clouds and thunder outside, I may get to look for the leak in a moment!

Jim & Susan · 08-11-2009, 04:38 PM

Gees, what a mess. Looks like my '73. Your frame looks to be in good shape, is that just surface rust? I didn't use marine grade ply on the new floor. I used regular ply, epoxied the edges in about 6 to 8 inches, then varathaned the rest (top & bottom). Do you have a way to mill down the 3/4 to fit the 1/2 channel? I'll be following along to see how you do it.

Jim

Lumatic · 08-11-2009, 06:03 PM

I wonder if there is anything you use as a proflactor, so to speak, to keep the rest of the stuff from going south or at least prolonging the inevitable. Penetrating epoxy resin?

Airslide · 08-11-2009, 06:30 PM

Isnt this floor rot thing so discouraging? I used to think about airstream as the all aluminum trailer that cant rust and if it leaks so what.. Its all aluminum. Obviously I was very new to the game. This actually seems to be the achilles heal of the airstream? Glad you have a plan and found the leaks. Its going to look great when its finished.

Vin

HiHoAgRV · 08-12-2009, 07:46 PM

I ran by the Big Orange Box on the way home, no 19/32 external grade ply but I did pick up a sheet of luan for a pattern and an assortment of pvc fittings...see if you can guess what this is

?

Hint - the previous owner left me a little present that I really wanted to get rid of

.

HiHoAgRV · 08-12-2009, 07:48 PM

Pic.

Wabbiteer · 08-13-2009, 11:20 AM

Deeded you some Black Hills properties did he?

HiHoAgRV · 08-13-2009, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wabbiteer

Deeded you some Black Hills properties did he?

Uh, yup....and my sewer cleanout is 6" up hill so with $17 worth of pvc fittings and a little review of the Sewer Solutions web site...a home made version works great!