Strength Supports for Cargo Hold

[houstonstroker]

There was recent discussion on the strength of the rotocast cargo floors. I decided to beef up one of the compartments. Not all of the compartments need to be stronger, but I did want to carry a propane tank and tools. My design needs space on the motorhome frame on the C channel. I chose the very last cargo box on the passenger side. The frame was clear and the box does not hang down as low. I bought two beam hangers that electricians use and a section of threaded rod. The beam hanger clamps onto the C channel frame. No drilling required. The threaded rod does into the bottom of the beam hanger and sandwiches the frame. I used angle steel but could have used the electricians channel that goes with the beam hangers. Towards the edge of the rig I needed a flat piece so I cut off a section and slid it over the outer most frame and under the rotocast. Let me put up a couple of pictures.

[houstonstroker]

The angle steel is easy to cut and work with. I used two sections under the rotocast. A couple of nuts and washers and I tightened the nuts on the rod until the steel was relatively flat against the bottom of the cargo box. I'm not sure of the weight rating of everything but it feels substantial. I'm pretty sure my mother-in-law would ride in that section fully supported. I also cut a 34' by 27" piece of board and covered it with gray carpet for additional support. My bad a 34" board will not go through the opening. Removed all the staples and made it a two piece section.

[FOURWHL]

Interesting idea. I like it. Will be interested to hear how everything holds up bouncing down the road. Please post a followup after a few trips!

[halla]

Nice job. Was the angle iron galvanized?

[Jammer151]

Pretty slick. Where did you get the beam hangers?

[houstonstroker]

Nope probably not galvanized. Now you tell me. I'm going see how this fairs first, may change to the steel channel. There are two steel angle pieces in the same area that hang down and each has one hole. Is this the foundation for mud flaps?

[houstonstroker]

There are different size beam hanger and can't remember if I got them at Home Depot or Lowes.

[Iwannacamp]

Originally Posted by halla

Nice job. Was the angle iron galvanized?

Unistrut would be strong and not very expensive. That's kinda what it's made for...any electrical wholesaler/house.

Figure 86 or 92 in Anvil on the beam clamps. They are pretty compact too.