The dreaded rear end sag/separation

[Craig]

I don't want to open a can of worms here, but just curious if the dreaded rear end sag is more predominant in certain years and length trailers??

I don't seem to hear much about smaller unit models...

[smily]

Good question.

The issue has been addressed many times and there are many opinions on the issue here on the forum. Simply use search feature and you will spend hours reading about it.

Smily

[upallnight]

I have read quite alot about the separation / sag issue and it seems that pulling the belly pan seems to be the excepted practice for replacing the flooring and bolts in the bottom channel of the wall, what I was wondering is if anybody has ever tried using threaded insert rivets without pulling the belly pan? The only problem I can foresee is mapping out the location of the bolt holes in the new floor, but with a good tape measure it shouldn't be that hard, certainly easier than pulling the belly pan.
Leonard

[uwe]

Pulling the belly pan off an Airstream is not difficult. Actually is one of the easier things to do in a flooring repair project.

[74Argosy24MH]

You will still have to pull the belly pan to get the old bolts out unless you cut the heads off, that is slow. Nutserts are OK of something has to be removed but will be a lot of extra work (and expensive) for a one time fastener. Dropping the belly pan also gives you a chance to look at the condition of the frame and insulation.

John

[Silvertwinkie]

Craig,

From what I understand, it was a 70s thing, but just to make sure, I'd get a second opinion on that as I've never owned a 70s Airstream...just read a bunch from this forum and the folks that seem to have the issue are mostly in the 70s.

Eric