Rebuilding a 5th wheel from the frame up.
I bought a pretty cheap 32' toy hauler last summer and found a lot of water damage (rot, mold, mildew and smell). After getting into it I've decided to only way to completely rid the smell is to rebui...
Forum Discussion
Watch the weight!
Remember, you're going to drag this thing down the highway. You don't want it to be overweight. Every pound counts.
KD spruce is strong yet lightweight.
Using strong alternatives, LVL, fir or others will substantially add extra weight when it isn't necessary.
Stick with KD spruce, fasten it well and use lotsa glue and physically join all studs to the plates. Once it's cut and fastened it will stay straight for the most part.
When I did my TT I used a one inch crown staple gun and shot all studs to the plates, both sides, one staple leg in the studs, one in the plate, 2 per side. Also ran a #8 X 3 inch decking screw up through the plates into every stud after applying copious quantities of glue first.
The wall paneling inside was also glued on to the studs and plates prior to stapling it in place.
Every lumber yard I ever go to always carries KD spruce.
Remember, you're going to drag this thing down the highway. You don't want it to be overweight. Every pound counts.
KD spruce is strong yet lightweight.
Using strong alternatives, LVL, fir or others will substantially add extra weight when it isn't necessary.
Stick with KD spruce, fasten it well and use lotsa glue and physically join all studs to the plates. Once it's cut and fastened it will stay straight for the most part.
When I did my TT I used a one inch crown staple gun and shot all studs to the plates, both sides, one staple leg in the studs, one in the plate, 2 per side. Also ran a #8 X 3 inch decking screw up through the plates into every stud after applying copious quantities of glue first.
The wall paneling inside was also glued on to the studs and plates prior to stapling it in place.
Every lumber yard I ever go to always carries KD spruce.
