Forum Discussion

illinoiswoodwor's avatar
Sep 23, 2016

Under Belly Removal

I have a 2007 Laredo 29RK and seriously thinking of removing the under belly cover totally. If I have issues underneath like I currently have with a leaking black tank it makes it difficult to work around. I don’t RV in the real cold months which I guess is it main purpose so I am not really sure if I truly need it. I was wondering if anyone else has ever removed the under belly and wished they had not.
  • You will also expose the underside, tanks, wiring, etc., to road hazards.
  • I have not removed or ever peeked into that area.
    I do have at least one center fastner in front of the axles and one behind the axles.
    If ever needed to get in there, I would consider cutting the cover at the center supports to create smaller sections to work with.
    Would have to come up with a good way to reattach the cover and seal it up.
    Just something to think about.
    Pat
  • I really don't think it does much. I had to take mine down on my current trailer to do some repair work. The insulation that was there had become detached and was just laying on top of the underbelly not doing any insulating. I don't see a problem with your proposal to remove it completely. It will definitely help with access to the underside systems.
  • It's your trailer...........


    Lots of trailers don't have underbellies

    Underbelly does have benefits:
    smoother airflow under trailer
    protection from road debris including mud/rain etc
    area most likely insulated
    could have heating duct going into area for waste/fresh water tanks-lines

    But then it is your trailer....course any buyer should you sell might see it as a negative if removed
  • When I removed mine I found a lot of very loose wires and plumbing. In older trailers I had where there was no cover, those things were protected and hidden away. I think you would find that it's not feasable to just remove it entirely.
  • I would fix the leak and then replace the underbelly. The underbelly of my trailer was sagging by the black tank due to a leak, which turned out to be 15 ft behind the black tank. Each tank was wrapped with fiberglass insulation, which was soaked. I ended up slicing the underbelly in multiple spots in order to get access to the underside. I replaced the insulation and the sagging sections of underbelly. I bought a few 4 x 8 sheets of black Coroplast from a sign shop. They were about $15 each. I did have to add some structure underneath in order to have something with which I could attach the Coroplast.
  • Keep in mind the mouse and rodent problems. It'll be much easier for them to find a way inside your rig.
  • Old-Biscuit wrote:
    It's your trailer...........


    Lots of trailers don't have underbellies

    Underbelly does have benefits:
    smoother airflow under trailer
    protection from road debris including mud/rain etc
    area most likely insulated
    could have heating duct going into area for waste/fresh water tanks-lines

    But then it is your trailer....course any buyer should you sell might see it as a negative if removed


    I have removed & replaced section/s for valve replacement access.

    No big deal to repair/replace the sections I removed.

    If you wish - a search will bring up others who also removed sections for repairs.

    IMO - besides the pro and con already stated, it's a matter of 'whatever rings your chimes'.

    ~