Belly Pan Removal

[timmy67]

We own a 1985, 25' Soverign. We have had it for 3 years and have been very happy with everything so far. We knew there would be work involved doing repairs and with attempting renos. There have been a few speedbumps but we have completed putting in a new dinette, new floor, kitchen counter and sink, new curtains and some other minor fixes here and there. Now comes the big job. Replacing the belly pan. On our way home from the Oregon coast two weeks ago, a portion of the belly pan that was not fastened to the frame peeled away in the wind and wound up scraping along the road. We crossed the border and I wound up taking the entire section off. When we got home I removed the forward section as well. This was a job I was planning for next spring but it has come up a little sooner. I will also be replacing the water tank cover since it has some corrosion issues also.

What I am curious about is, any fixes the forum members can suggest with regards to the rotting cross member shown in the pic. I am thinking about adding a piece of angle iron and bolting them together but any other suggestions are appreciated.

The trailer is up on blocks and gives me lots of room to manuever so I'm not concerned about not being able to operated under the trailer.

Thanks in advance and as I mentioned any advice to not only the cross member question but any other advice is welcomed.

Tim

PS: the first picture is nearer the back of the trailer and is good shape for now. I only need to add some new fasteners

[gonorthwest]

Here's a picutre of some outriggers which I pieced up out of 16 guage steel with new 1/8" thick steel angle to receive the load leverlers. Where there was enough of the original outriggered left, I riveted to it. The outrigger that was completely replaced was bolted to the frame. The aluminum piece at the rear of the wheel well is to prevent future rust. The outrigger had failed and permitted road spray into the cavity.

[Becky B.]

Tim,

I replaced the belly pan & my son/husband repaired some outriggers on my 1986 Sovereign. I had a thread about it called "Terrified of the bellypan!" You might find some useful stuff in that thread. Have a grand time!