Underbelly material

[FowlJeff]

I pulled the sagging underbelly from the rear of my 2010 Rockwood TT to run a new electric line (I upgraded from 30 to 50 amp). This was either a huge mistake or a "thank goodness" moment depending on how you look at it. Things were a mess. Wires going all over the place, flexible heating ducts tearing, bent support brackets under the holding tanks, and a leaking fresh water supply line.


I've spent hours under the #$%^& trailer neatening things up and fabricating support rails for the tanks. Maybe a dozen trips to Home Depot plus numerous online orders. I'm currently waiting on a supply line riser hose but meanwhile I'm moving ahead with reinstalling the underbelly.


To address the sagging I have to add better support. The wimply little "furring strip" boards installed by the manufacturer were a joke, so my last trip to HD was for pressure treated 1x6 deck boards (which I will split into 1x3) and 2x4s.


I cannot find a source for coroplast (or 'fluted polypropylene' if you prefer) to save my @ss. I need 3 4x8 sheets. Home Depot has them but only in white. Every website I've found you have to order 10-15 sheets or pay a $200 shipping charge. I ran a search through the forums on this site and most people seem to have some sort of connection with a local sign company or some such. I do not. I do see a company called 'RecPro' that has underbelly material but I don't think it's polypropylene. Their website says it's "water resistant with woven mesh support". To me water resistant is not the same as waterproof.


Sorry for rambling but I'm pretty frustrated as you can see. Just had to cancel a $67 order from a website that gave me a price without shipping, only to tell me AFTER I ordered that it would be $200. Can anyone vouch for RecPro or point me to a reasonable source for coroplast?


Thanks Ladies and Gents!


Jeff in Maryland

[SailorSam20500]

I would be calling local, larger RV servicing dealers. See if they would sell you the 3 sheets at reasonable cost. They probably buy it by the roll.

[Bama Rambler]

Don't hesitate to call a few local sign companies to see if they'll sell or order you a few sheets. You might be surprised even if you don't have a 'connection'. Also vinyl graphics companies have access to it as well.

The material that is listed on the RecPro site is tarp like material. It's not the 'Coroplast' material you need.

[SeaDog]

Have you checked home depot that is where I bought a sheet for repairs. I can't remember what they called it but same as on my rig just white in color.

[5picker]

Originally Posted by SeaDog

Have you checked home depot that is where I bought a sheet for repairs. I can't remember what they called it but same as on my rig just white in color.

In the original post the OP said this...

I cannot find a source for coroplast (or 'fluted polypropylene' if you prefer) to save my @ss. I need 3 4x8 sheets. Home Depot has them but only in white. Every website I've found you have to order 10-15 sheets or pay a $200 shipping charge. I ran a search through the forums on this site and most people seem to have some sort of connection with a local sign company or some such. I do not. I do see a company called 'RecPro' that has underbelly material but I don't think it's polypropylene. Their website says it's "water resistant with woven mesh support". To me water resistant is not the same as waterproof.

[SeaDog]

Somehow I missed that maybe I need another cup of coffee or turn the news off and only do one thing at a time.

[FowlJeff]

Originally Posted by SeaDog

Have you checked home depot that is where I bought a sheet for repairs. I can't remember what they called it but same as on my rig just white in color.

Yes sir you are correct. My Home Depot has it in white only. I *might* be able to special order black but only in a 10-pack. I guess I shouldn't care about the color since it doesn't show but it just bugs me..


Thanks,


- Jeff

[FowlJeff]

Originally Posted by Bama Rambler

Don't hesitate to call a few local sign companies to see if they'll sell or order you a few sheets. You might be surprised even if you don't have a 'connection'. Also vinyl graphics companies have access to it as well.

The material that is listed on the RecPro site is tarp like material. It's not the 'Coroplast' material you need.

It's worth a try anyway - thanks 'Bama!


- Jeff

[upflying]

Is there a need to replace the coroplast? Other than cosmetic, what purpose does it serve?
I think my old Fleetwood TT from the 80's did not have a plastic belly sheet.

[SeaDog]

Originally Posted by FowlJeff

Yes sir you are correct. My Home Depot has it in white only. I *might* be able to special order black but only in a 10-pack. I guess I shouldn't care about the color since it doesn't show but it just bugs me..


Thanks,


- Jeff

I hear ya, maybe the area you cover could be spray painted with a paint that won't cause problems with the coroplast just a thought.

[FowlJeff]

Originally Posted by Bama Rambler

Don't hesitate to call a few local sign companies to see if they'll sell or order you a few sheets. You might be surprised even if you don't have a 'connection'. Also vinyl graphics companies have access to it as well.

The material that is listed on the RecPro site is tarp like material. It's not the 'Coroplast' material you need.

Hi Bama,


You were right! I called a sign place in Annapolis (about 20 minutes from me) and they'll sell me three 4x8 sheets of black Coroplast for $75. Thanks for the suggestion.


- Jeff

[Bama Rambler]

Glad they agreed to sell you what you need.
Most of them usually have several sheets laying around because they are constantly using it for signs.

[5picker]

Originally Posted by FowlJeff

Hi Bama,


You were right! I called a sign place in Annapolis (about 20 minutes from me) and they'll sell me three 4x8 sheets of black Coroplast for $75. Thanks for the suggestion.


- Jeff

Great news!
Thanks for reporting back your success.

[5picker]

Originally Posted by upflying

Is there a need to replace the coroplast? Other than cosmetic, what purpose does it serve?
I think my old Fleetwood TT from the 80's did not have a plastic belly sheet.

On my 5th wheel, it seals (term used loosely) the underbelly and there is a duct from the furnace that fills that area with warm air to help with freezing conditions.

[Qwkynuf]

Originally Posted by FowlJeff

Hi Bama,


You were right! I called a sign place in Annapolis (about 20 minutes from me) and they'll sell me three 4x8 sheets of black Coroplast for $75. Thanks for the suggestion.


- Jeff

They gave you a pretty decent deal, too. My customers tell me that they pay around $15/sheet(4'x8') for white 3mm coroplast. Color is usually higher. They are probably making 5 bucks per sheet on that deal.

[Judd]

good info on the coroplast.

anybody know where to find the foil stuff which is under the coroplast?

[Dexxter43]

Why even replace the coroplast? Just leave it off so you have access to everything underneath the trailer. Plus, you can see what needs fixing.

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by Dexxter43

Why even replace the coroplast? Just leave it off so you have access to everything underneath the trailer. Plus, you can see what needs fixing.

Leave it off and you'll end up with road dirt and water up on tanks, wiring. Insulation, and flooring. Plastic cover also helps prevent critters from accessing nesting areas during storage.

It DOES serve a purpose.

[SeaDog]

Originally Posted by Dexxter43

Why even replace the coroplast? Just leave it off so you have access to everything underneath the trailer. Plus, you can see what needs fixing.

The coporplast provides protection for your ductwork and wiring from road debris and a certain amount deterrent for critters. Some rigs that have insulated underbelly it holds the insulation. Best to have it and cut inspections U shaped holes if you need to. JMHO

[SeaDog]

Your too fast TM