DX3 floor construction

[steadfast]

I have found very little that talks about how the floor is constructed. What materials are used and where? Thanks.

[bclemens]

You don't list a year, so I will assume new. This video walks through the entire process.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CBS-DuO5-U

and includes pictures at various stages.

Basically a steel chassis upfit, aluminum framed floor filled with block foam insulation. The underside of that floor has a composite material (no wood) to keep out moisture, the top of the aluminum frame is tonge and groove plywood, though at times we have run jumbo sheets of OSB...both have their pros and cons.

[steadfast]

Thanks. So if I understand, the composite material becomes the top of the rear wheel well?

[bclemens]

Originally Posted by steadfast

Thanks. So if I understand, the composite material becomes the top of the rear wheel well?

Not exactly. While the composite does cover the entire underbelly, we then put galvanized metal at the top of the wheel well. That goes over top of the composite material (or under if we are speaking bottom to top).

[steadfast]

Got it, thanks.

[cmulvey]

Originally Posted by bclemens

You don't list a year, so I will assume new. This video walks through the entire process.

and includes pictures at various stages.

Basically a steel chassis upfit, aluminum framed floor filled with block foam insulation. The underside of that floor has a composite material (no wood) to keep out moisture, the top of the aluminum frame is tonge and groove plywood, though at times we have run jumbo sheets of OSB...both have their pros and cons.

Thank you for sharing. Very informative.

[johndjmix]

While on the topic, how do we remove the composite panels in between the frame rails if we need to get to something under them?


--John

[bclemens]

Originally Posted by johndjmix

While on the topic, how do we remove the composite panels in between the frame rails if we need to get to something under them?


--John

Well that depends on what year you are referring to. We have altered our construction. But in a nutshell, you don't. You would have to cut it out. It is like removing the plywood decking....you typically don't. You would cut a piece and patch.

[johndjmix]

Even with that in mind that you may have to cut to access an area, its a great feature. Many coaches dont have that composite in between the rails!


--John

[MoJoe1003]

I assume you can screw into that composite material, yes?

[bclemens]

Originally Posted by MoJoe1003

I assume you can screw into that composite material, yes?

negative.

Most OEM's use a woven polypropylene by itself, over lauan, or thin fiberglass none of which has any screw retention. We decided just under a year ago to move to a more automotive product, but it is still only about 3/16" thick. It is a composite along the lines of a sturdier azdel with a water resistance film laminated to it. So it takes wood out of the equation.

If you are looking to attached to something, then you would need to screw into the top perimeter of the cargo boxes. They are fastened into steel angle...just stay inline with the existing cargo box fasteners and you should be fine (just confirm there are no harnesses tucked in behind)

[MoJoe1003]

Glad I asked! Thanks for the info.

[CyberShanks]

So, curious about the tile floor in an XL? The video shows sill plate of the walls getting screwed into the floor. How do the walls get attached when there are polished tiles in the way?


Jim

[bclemens]

Originally Posted by CyberShanks

So, curious about the tile floor in an XL? The video shows sill plate of the walls getting screwed into the floor. How do the walls get attached when there are polished tiles in the way?


Jim

They aren't. We put plywood strims down on the floor where the walls go and tile up to that area (or close to that area). Walls are screwed (and rest) on the wood block/shim.

[SRLETX]

Originally Posted by bclemens

negative.

Most OEM's use a woven polypropylene by itself, over lauan, or thin fiberglass none of which has any screw retention. We decided just under a year ago to move to a more automotive product, but it is still only about 3/16" thick. It is a composite along the lines of a sturdier azdel with a water resistance film laminated to it. So it takes wood out of the equation.

If you are looking to attached to something, then you would need to screw into the top perimeter of the cargo boxes. They are fastened into steel angle...just stay inline with the existing cargo box fasteners and you should be fine (just confirm there are no harnesses tucked in behind)

This forum is a wealth of knowledge and the company’s willingness to engage directly is greatly appreciated - since you mention the cargo boxes here, is there any steel angle on the bottom edges of them if someone was looking to mount slides for trays or a fridge?

[bclemens]

Originally Posted by SRLETX

This forum is a wealth of knowledge and the company’s willingness to engage directly is greatly appreciated - since you mention the cargo boxes here, is there any steel angle on the bottom edges of them if someone was looking to mount slides for trays or a fridge?

There are steel angles at the top, so you could create a cradle as others have done already. Lots of options. On some of the new ones we have a steel support angle, but I would still tie in at the top where you have the most strength....and it is the same install no matter what model year.

[Fredski007]

I am shopping around for an estimate on replacing my tile floor in our 2018 DX3 ts. If the cost is astronomical I may do it myself but have a few questions.
Can someone tell me if the bathroom wall and the shower stall are installed over the tile? Those two areas look like the major troublesome points. Am I going to have to remove them?
Love the coach but the tile lifting and cracks are a pain, literally when stepped on without shoes or slippers! Im a Nam vet with diabetes from agent orange and damaged to my feet is a major concern.
Any help with would be appreciated, or a name of a service center where someone has had this done would really be appreciated!
Thanks, Fred.

[MoJoe1003]

This picture may answer your question. Tile floor goes in before anything else and runs edge to edge.

[Fredski007]

Originally Posted by MoJoe1003

Attachment 263119

This picture may answer your question. Tile floor goes in before anything else and runs edge to edge.

Thanks Joe, I could be wrong but that doesn’t look like ceramic tile to me, is it?.

[MoJoe1003]

Originally Posted by Fredski007

Thanks Joe, I could be wrong but that doesn’t look like ceramic tile to me, is it?.

No we chose the LVT. Had the tile in the first one. It got replaced with LVT and we really liked it. Warmer on your feet and no more cracked tile or grout. So, ordered the 2021 with LVT.