Why you might want to remove the belly pan

[JitneyBead]

My two day axle job was looking more and more like a belly pan replacement - broken rivets, loose sections, corrosion holes.

I'd considered just putting the axles back on and leaving the pan repairs for a later date.

Glad I didn't. 51 years of rodent homes and dirt were under there. A forty pound garbage bag that would have stunk and would have ripped out the pan entirely during the next rain-drive. The good news is that the underlayment and the frame are in good shape - I guess the rodents took OUT most of the fiberglass and made homes elsewhere.

Lesson is: don't ignore it, it will only get worse.

[GoToasterGo]

That looks eerily similar to a picture I have after pulling my belly pan a couple months ago! Nasty stuff.

Taking it off isn't that bad of a job, putting on a new one could be interesting for you. I'm lucky (or unlucky) enough to have the frame flipped over on my rotisserie.

[Dingo Girl]

I did mine on my back on a creeper. I cut the new from the old patterns. Put it on in 2 strips as it was done originally.
I cut 2x4 wood pieces to prop it up to drill then Clecoed it in place.
The worst part is how hard it was on my shoulder, all the drilling with very little room for leverage.
Good luck with your project!

[Dingo Girl]

forgot I used a step of plywood side to side to hold it as well.

[wildhorses]

I found the same when I removed mine, I didn't bother to put it back on, makes it much easier to get to plumbing and wiring!

[graysailor]

What do you suggest to prevent this from happening? Continual cleaning?

[Dingo Girl]

Keep the rodents out will help tremendously. My 67 had gaping

[Dingo Girl]

Sorry hit send.
Gaping holes around the propane lines and the sewer connection. These are fixed with the new belly pan.
They can also enter through the tongue of the trailer & at the slots for the steps to slide in and out on.
I made removable covers of aluminum for all these problem areas.

[JitneyBead]

Originally Posted by graysailor

What do you suggest to prevent this from happening? Continual cleaning?

Maybe don't leave it in the woods? LOL

[MelGoddard]

Originally Posted by JitneyBead

My two day axle job was looking more and more like a belly pan replacement - broken rivets, loose sections, corrosion holes.

I'd considered just putting the axles back on and leaving the pan repairs for a later date.

Glad I didn't. 51 years of rodent homes and dirt were under there. A forty pound garbage bag that would have stunk and would have ripped out the pan entirely during the next rain-drive. The good news is that the underlayment and the frame are in good shape - I guess the rodents took OUT most of the fiberglass and made homes elsewhere.

Lesson is: don't ignore it, it will only get worse.

Why re-install it?
Can't reach anything with it installed, and is the aerodynamic drag that much worse?

[Slats]

Originally Posted by MelGoddard

Why re-install it?

Maybe to keep the underside of the subfloor dry? Wouldn't it get pretty wet driving down the road in the rain?

[Klondike]

Suggest replacing belly pan, omit the fiberglass batt nest material. Cork floor is decent insulation and warm on the feet.

[Re-Pete]

Thanks for this thread, I have a 29' 92 Excella, I'm thinking about removing the old belly pan. I want to check the frame, water tanks, etc. After seeing your pics, I especially want to do this.

For those who've done it where did you find your replacement aluminum, what gauge is it and what was the cost?

My existing belly pan has a ripple like crimping on the overlapping edges. Does anyone know how that's done and why?

Also, currently I'm on an unfinished wooded lot. The ground slopes etc. making it much closer to the ground at the front end. So close, I can't get under it and keep it level. I'd love suggestions on how to elevate the entire body, so I can work under it. We're full-time BTW, so living in it as well.
Thanks,
Pete

[JitneyBead]

Originally Posted by Re-Pete

Thanks for this thread, I have a 29' 92 Excella, I'm thinking about removing the old belly pan. I want to check the frame, water tanks, etc. After seeing your pics, I especially want to do this.

For those who've done it where did you find your replacement aluminum, what gauge is it and what was the cost?



Pete

I was considering these guys because they could do longer pieces.
http://www.airpartsinc.com/1800_5052..._other_RVs.htm

[wildhorses]

Originally Posted by Re-Pete

Thanks for this thread, I have a 29' 92 Excella, I'm thinking about removing the old belly pan. I want to check the frame, water tanks, etc. After seeing your pics, I especially want to do this.

For those who've done it where did you find your replacement aluminum, what gauge is it and what was the cost?

My existing belly pan has a ripple like crimping on the overlapping edges. Does anyone know how that's done and why?

Also, currently I'm on an unfinished wooded lot. The ground slopes etc. making it much closer to the ground at the front end. So close, I can't get under it and keep it level. I'd love suggestions on how to elevate the entire body, so I can work under it. We're full-time BTW, so living in it as well.
Thanks,
Pete

I found a local metal fabrication shop that could get .032 aluminum which is what I used for the spots I repaired.

You'll want to add some strength to the aluminum with a bead roller:
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...0089_200660089

I had some leftover 12 ton jackstands from a previous job I did so I used them to raise it up high enough so I could fit underneath.

Here is a pic of all the rat poop we found in our belly pan when we pulled our rotten floor up.

[Re-Pete]

Originally Posted by JitneyBead

I was considering these guys because they could do longer pieces.
http://www.airpartsinc.com/1800_5052..._other_RVs.htm

Thank you, I see where others have used them as well. And thanks for for starting this thread.

Pete

[Re-Pete]

Originally Posted by wildhorses

I found a local metal fabrication shop that could get .032 aluminum which is what I used for the spots I repaired.

You'll want to add some strength to the aluminum with a bead roller:
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...0089_200660089

I had some leftover 12 ton jackstands from a previous job I did so I used them to raise it up high enough so I could fit underneath.

Here is a pic of all the rat poop we found in our belly pan when we pulled our rotten floor up.

That's one discussing picture. Hahaha

Thanks for pointers and the link to the bead roller.

Pete