Forum Discussion

Dog_Folks's avatar
Dog_Folks
Explorer II
May 22, 2013

Cheap Tubs

We travel full time in our TT. Originally it had a plastic tub which developed a crack in the floor of the tub after 3 years. We replaced with what we thought was an “upgraded” fiberglass/composite tub, a new support paltform, and now it has developed a crack after 3 years.

I am no light weight and go about 280 lbs.

Has anyone found a well-built heavy duty replacement tub?

I would be tempted to put in just a shower pan, but it too must sit on a platform about 12” off the floor due to plumbing hook ups.

Any ideas appreciated.

7 Replies

  • Dog_Folks's avatar
    Dog_Folks
    Explorer II
    Jun 19, 2013
    UPDATE – Cheap Tubs

    We finally removed the tub today and took a look. As many of you offered, the tub has been flexing.

    You all were absolutely correct.

    When looking at the bottom of the tub we could see “rub” marks where it was flexing. Also, with careful measurements, we found that the supports on the back wall were ¾” higher than the front. That is NOT “close enough” although Keystone thought so.

    We will be building a new rigid platform and rear supports to place the new tub on, and it will be level.

    Thanks again. As usual RV.Net members have shown me the right path.
  • opnspaces's avatar
    opnspaces
    Navigator III
    May 24, 2013
    I never thought about the floor under the legs. Maybe that's where the flex is.
  • mobeewan's avatar
    mobeewan
    Explorer
    May 24, 2013
    My tub is 46 inches long and was installed with wood framing under it with a plywood sheet on top. Then there is a layer of Styrofoam about a half inch thick on top of the plywood. The tub rests on top of the Styrofoam. It is pretty solid. I am 320 lbs and it has survived hundreds of showers.
  • Dog_Folks's avatar
    Dog_Folks
    Explorer II
    May 22, 2013
    Yes, I did make a new base. 3/4 inch plywood on two by four legs.

    It is great idea that somehow it might be flexing.

    The new tub was "free floating" on the base because that was how the original was installed.

    Maybe I should attach the tub to the platform and also make sure the floor below is not flexing?

    Great Ideas, keep them coming.
  • opnspaces's avatar
    opnspaces
    Navigator III
    May 22, 2013
    I would assume that the tub is flexing and eventually cracking. Maybe as suggested try to reinforce the base that the tub sits on.

    Mine has short legs under a piece of plywood that the tub sits on. If yours is the same, maybe you can double up the sheets of plywood to further reduce flex.
  • Bumpyroad's avatar
    Bumpyroad
    Explorer
    May 22, 2013
    dadmomh wrote:
    Did you do the installation of the replacement yourself? Is it possible to build a sturdy, reinforced base for the new one to sit on. You could work around the plumbing.

    yep, I would guess that the floor of the tub was not resting on solid wood base which allowed it to break.
    bumpy
  • dadmomh's avatar
    dadmomh
    Explorer
    May 22, 2013
    Did you do the installation of the replacement yourself? Is it possible to build a sturdy, reinforced base for the new one to sit on. You could work around the plumbing.

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