Floor repair/replacement

[STACKHOUSEV23]

Hi all!
We have recently acquired a 2005 forest river sandpiper sport. This is our 1st toy hauler and we are very new to the camper/toy hauler world! So please be kind!
Modle # T21SP

I have done a fair amount a research on it but am having a hard time finding information about this particular modle. (Maybe I'm not looking the right places? I'm not 100% sure) so hoping we can get some good advice here!

The floor is completely shot. It all needs replaced. It's so soft if you walk on it you'll fall through.
We plan to replace the whole thing. When we rip up the cosmetic flooring ( linoleum) we will know bit more of how bad the damage truly is and if we can get away with just doing sections however I'd rather do the entire floor so that we don't encounter having to do any more sections in a few years.
I know this is a large project, and will be expensive, I'd like to try and make it relatively cost effective.

If you have recommendations on what type of lumber, plywood and installation we should use please let me know! Along with any other useful tips for this adventure we are taking that would be great! I am doing a full remodel it and might post some photos of the process if any one would like!
Thank you in advance!!!

[Larry-NC]

Originally Posted by STACKHOUSEV23

Hi all!
We have recently acquired a 2005 forest river sandpiper sport. This is our 1st toy hauler and we are very new to the camper/toy hauler world! So please be kind!
Modle # T21SP

I have done a fair amount a research on it but am having a hard time finding information about this particular modle. (Maybe I'm not looking the right places? I'm not 100% sure) so hoping we can get some good advice here!

The floor is completely shot. It all needs replaced. It's so soft if you walk on it you'll fall through.
We plan to replace the whole thing. When we rip up the cosmetic flooring ( linoleum) we will know bit more of how bad the damage truly is and if we can get away with just doing sections however I'd rather do the entire floor so that we don't encounter having to do any more sections in a few years.
I know this is a large project, and will be expensive, I'd like to try and make it relatively cost effective.

If you have recommendations on what type of lumber, plywood and installation we should use please let me know! Along with any other useful tips for this adventure we are taking that would be great! I am doing a full remodel it and might post some photos of the process if any one would like!
Thank you in advance!!!

A 2005 trailer probably has a 3/4" plywood.

There was a period where the floors were made of a sandwich. The outside (bread) layers were 3/16" luan plywood with a 1" Styrofoam core, but I think that started after 2005. Those were soft and springy even when new, and are no longer used.

Replacing the floor will be a bigger job than you may think. The original construction process is:

• Start with a metal frame.
• Cover the entire frame (except the front few feet) with plywood sheets. Each single sheet will cover the full width. Attach to frame.
• Cover the entire plywood using a roll of sheet linoleum. Staple edges.
• Cover parts of the linoleum that are to be carpeted, with carpet. Staple edges.
• Build the outside walls using 2x2 framing. Stand on edge of flooring and nail through bottom 2x2 sill plate, carpet, linoleum into plywood.
• Frame the roof. (Irrelevant to this discussion)
• Run plumbing and wiring. Drill through bottom sill plate, carpet, linoleum, and plywood as necessary.
• Panel walls with 3/16 luan 3-ply plywood. (Irrelevant to this discussion)

The reason for this construction lesson is to let you know what you are up against. As you replace each sheet, you must clear the wiring and plumbing and cut out or remove the frame fasteners and the sill place fasteners. Then you have to somehow pull the old sheet out and wedge the new one into place, working from the inside. Then you have to figure out how to re-fasten the sill plate and drill/run the plumbing/wiring without hacking up the walls too much.

I don't want to discourage you--and others may have different experiences--but this is a huge and difficult undertaking.

[STACKHOUSEV23]

Thank you! This is extremely helpful! We do know how big of a project it is going to be. You are likely right that it's bigger then we think but hopeing it turns out alright, we have a large shop that it will be in so that we can do it in chucks and not be concerned about weather damage or taking small breakes on it.
I really appreciate all the information!

[Larry-NC]

Originally Posted by STACKHOUSEV23

Thank you! This is extremely helpful! We do know how big of a project it is going to be. You are likely right that it's bigger than we think but hoping it turns out alright, we have a large shop that it will be in so that we can do it in chunks and not be concerned about weather damage or taking small breaks on it.
I really appreciate all the information!

Good. Sounds like you have the right place, tools, and experience.

I was afraid that I was writing to starry-eyed newbies.

[STACKHOUSEV23]

Nope! Well maybe a little just because I'm so excited! But my husband is a 25+ year electrician/ and has been in construction his whole life. So it's obviously different then a house but hopefully the knowledge will carry though of general construction haha

[Larry-NC]

Originally Posted by STACKHOUSEV23

Nope! Well maybe a little just because I'm so excited! But my husband is a 25+ year electrician/ and has been in construction his whole life. So it's obviously different then a house but hopefully the knowledge will carry though of general construction haha

Stay in touch. Start a new thread or PM me if you like. I was actually a computer designer by trade, but have done construction my whole life. Added a second story to my house when we had our second child in the late 70s. (Carter was president, mortgage interest was at 15%, and we couldn't afford to move. Only thing we hired was some help in framing, and taping the drywall.)

[STACKHOUSEV23]

I will! I'm SURE we will have questions and get stuck in spots! I'm still learning how to navigate this site and where to post specific things (so if you have recommendations please let me know so i dont put it in the wrong spot). I plan on taking photos of the entire project start to finish and tracking what we spend to help others understand the cost of the project start to finish.

Thank you again!!

[IsleDog]

I will throw my 2 cents into the ring on this one. first, cut out the vinyl flooring and see what you are actually working with. toy haulers generally have plywood instead of OSB or some other flooring system. next would be to assess why the floor is soft. is this caused by lots of heavy toys in and out lots and lots of times or water damage?

you may be able to just cut out bad sections and not have to go wall to wall.

also, if you are taking it down this far, you may want to consider upgrades to hard to access areas. floor mounted tie downs are sometimes just screwed into the floor, now could be the time to bolt them in if necessary.

[STACKHOUSEV23]

Thank you! That is very helpful and let's me know I'm on the right track as that was my gernal plan of action to assess the damage. I have yet to find any actual leaks but it's going to rain today! Odd thing be excited about but hopefully I'll be able to see any obvious leaking that coordinate with the floor rot.
We were also considering upgrading to bolting them straight in the the floor like you said!

[Mokurt]

The whole floor is shot?

Sounds strange usually just sections because of water intrusion .

[STACKHOUSEV23]

Basically evey part of it is soft and very fragile when you put even minor weight on it. The trailer is self was not well taken care of and I think insaltion got wet but were not sure yet as we haven't tore into it . It would very well be just large secrions the need replaced but were not sure yet. But evey part the you put weight on is very very soft.