Floor Bounce

[campincrew]

I own a 2002 Coleman Mesa and this season we noticed a little flex or bounce in the floor in front of the galley.  It seems that the floor is supported properly from below, but I am concerned that this could turn into something later.  Any suggestions on how to stiffen the floor?

[MommaMia]

I own a 2002 Coleman Mesa and this season we noticed a little flex or bounce in the floor in front of the galley.  It seems that the floor is supported properly from below, but I am concerned that this could turn into something later.  Any suggestions on how to stiffen the floor?

Could you be over applying the stabilizers?  If you are putting too much presure on the ends of the camper, maybe you are bowing the floor in the middle of the camper?

[chasd60]

I don't know if this is something the camper did not do last year or if this camper has always done this? I had a Viking Popup and it to had flex in the floor. I now have a Trail-Lite Bantam Hybrid and it has flex in the floor too.
 
 In my case it may be attributed to me. Maybe 270 lbs is more than the floor likes without flexing a little.

[campincrew]

Well, I can't remember if it flexed when it was new, as for the stabilizers being too tight, no way.  I just crank 'em down and give it a little tension, never intentionally lifting the camper.  I too carry a "few" extra pounds, but my wife and kids feel the bounce as well. At least I am not the only one experiencing this issue.

[Old Goat]

Campincrew, I have an 01 Niagara  and it's floor has flexed since it was new.The floor is made of 5/8" OSB board and it is not quite as stiff as a same thickness plywood floor would be..  I would not worry about it, as some flexing is normal. If you wish to stiffen it up, it can be done by glueing  3/4" X 3/4" wood battens to the bottom of the floor, in between  the frame members, spacing them about 8" apart... Using these battens will not add any noticeable weight to your trailer.........

[campincrew]

OldGoat, That was what i thought I might do.  It would make me feel a little better.

[Old Goat]

campincrew, Here are a few tips on the floor batten job that will help.. Before gluing battens, be sure that the under side of floor is free of any road grit and dust. It you have ever towed in wet weather ,it will surely have some . This can easily be removed with a light sanding with #80-100 grit sandpaper. This will also smooth out any small high spots or bumps, thus allowing a tighter glue joint. OSB board has a rough finish anyway and does not need to be sanded really smooth for a good glue joint. I have found the best glue to use with it is contractors adhesive or liquid nails...There are several different varieties of these being used for different applications, so be sure to read their labels before buying....Cut all battens to length before starting the glue operation--a lot less mess....If you don't have a way to prop the battens tightly in place until the glue sets up, you can predrill the battens before applying glue and use short screws instead.. Just be sure that screws are a coarse thread and not long enough to go through floor.....Their sharp tips are kinda hard on bare feet.......When finished, a coat of sealer on the entire bottom of floor is not a bad idea. Urethane varnish is ideal for this. If you have any questions, please let me know.........