Repairing rotting floor - are squares OK?

Dr Quick wrote:
When I have replaced any floor joist I like to predrill new add on joist, then use deck screws to attach to exist solid joist. That way the new joist will pull tighter to exist. Used this technique on three different trailers in floors, walls and roof joist. All repairs have held up well.

Thank you. One thing I've been thinking about is how to eliminate it squeaking. Sounds like your solution would work.

owenssailor wrote:
That should work fine. I'd also add where you indicate in blue.
One more comment - why did this area rot? Have you found and fixed the problem?

Yeah the original problem has been fixed. The water damage was pre-existing, and the only conclusion I can come to is that the previous owner was lazy.

There wasn't a leak that caused the water damage. We bought it in the northwest, and apparently it was being used in rain a lot. Water would run down the outside of the slide and eventually the bottom of one side of the slide would get wet. They were bringing it in without wiping it off, it was dragging water onto the carpet, and they did it enough that it soaked into the floor and caused all the rot that you see. I'm just thankful that the fiberglass insulation kept it from spreading into the rest of the floor.

I just don't understand how you could be so lazy. They had to have known it was happening. They could have avoided the whole problem by taking 30 seconds--literally--to run a towel under that corner of the slide before bringing it in.

Here's a link to my original post about it - http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/28207571.cfm. I ended up having the dealer do the initial repair since that corner was completely rotted; they had to lift out the slide. Unfortunately I didn't realize how far the problem went. I always look on the bright side, though; at least I can repair this section myself without involving the dealer!

That should work fine. I'd also add where you indicate in blue.
One more comment - why did this area rot? Have you found and fixed the problem?

When I have replaced any floor joist I like to predrill new add on joist, then use deck screws to attach to exist solid joist. That way the new joist will pull tighter to exist. Used this technique on three different trailers in floors, walls and roof joist. All repairs have held up well.

I don't see a problem with it and wouldn't hesitate to repair the floor this way.

Thanks guys, appreciate the help.

jayspi wrote:
Hey guys, I found a section of our floor was rotted away. I cut it out, and fortunately there is good wood on either side of the rot that I can drill in to.

I attached a picture to this post. I cut all of the flooring out between two joists. My plan is to put sister joists along side the existing joists and lay new flooring on top of it.

My question is, is it OK to attach the joists on either end to form a traditional square, like you would use for repairing rotting floor in a house? That would give the new flooring even more stability, but I'm wondering if I should avoid doing that so that the joists will be able to flex a little bit during travel.

In the picture the red lines are where I'm going to be putting sister joists, and the blue lines are where I'm wondering if it's OK to put them.

I hope that question makes sense! Appreciate the feedback.



Edit: The pic isn't showing for me, so here's a direct link - https://www.dropbox.com/s/02wxzc6pv5jd6iz/floor.jpg?dl=0

I would also add another cross piece (Blue) in the middle of the span.

I don't see a problem. You are just adding a little reinforcement.

As long as it doesn't interference with any pipes, ducts or wires it will be simple.
If it does, just make the necessary changes.