Floors

[Pierre&Deb]

New to GD and 5th wheels. Is it normal to feel a bit of flex in the floors where I suspect it would be between joists? I am not talking about the feel of rot or that extreme, but I can feel a bit of flex when I step in certain areas. I am not considered a "lightweight" by any means, but just want to make sure it is normal for theses floors, or should they be solid as a rock. 2018 reflection 337. Thanks

[Cate&Rob]

Pierre&Deb
Nothing like "solid as a rock" LOL!
Everything in an RV is "lightweight and flexible"
What you are feeling when someone else moves around is completely normal.
You should feel our Reflection when the two Border Collies take to chasing their cat from bed to rear sofa and back again .

Rob

[OffToHavasu]

Pierre&Deb
Nothing like "solid as a rock" LOL!
Everything in an RV is "lightweight and flexible"
What you are feeling when someone else moves around is completely normal.
You should feel our Reflection when the two Border Collies take to chasing their cat from bed to rear sofa and back again .

Rob

Or a 6 and 3 year old.

[howson]

New to GD and 5th wheels. Is it normal to feel a bit of flex in the floors where I suspect it would be between joists? I am not talking about the feel of rot or that extreme, but I can feel a bit of flex when I step in certain areas. I am not considered a "lightweight" by any means, but just want to make sure it is normal for theses floors, or should they be solid as a rock. 2018 reflection 337. Thanks

I may be misinterpreting your question, but if you are referencing a specific spot in the floor that flexes (versus the movement of the entire camper as described in the previous posts) the floor "giving" is not an unknown occurrence. The floor substrate on GD 5th wheels is plywood, so over time high-traffic spots (in front of the sink, etc) can weaken and flex.

I am not aware of any way to reinforce or repair sections of the floor.

Howard

[Cate&Rob]

howson
Hi Howard
Your interpretation of the original question fromPierre&Deb is more correct than mine. In a subsequent PM discussion between the OP and myself, we sorted this out (I think).

My observation is that there has always been more flex in the floor of my Reflection 303RLS than is normal in residential construction. Since new, the kitchen island would move when I stepped in certain locations near it. The bathroom floor flexes enough to squeak. The slide floor is the most flexible with the dining table visibly wobbling when moving around on the chairs. (A relatively unsupported OSB floor in all slides)

There are two distinctly different main floor structures (as discussed in another thread a while ago).

The larger 5th wheels (like the OP's 337RLS) have relatively thick OSB across an aluminum frame. Between the frame joists is fibreglass batt insulation which offers no structural support to the floor. Thus, if you step heavily on the mid span location between joists this will flex down and the next span over will flex up (slightly). This movement is visually amplified if there is something attached only to this floor area (like a kitchen island).

The other floor structure (like yours) has rigid foam fitted tightly to the spaces between the floor joists and this provides uniform support to the floor, allowing the wood above to be thinner and lighter. I can see how a heavy traffic area could eventually compress the rigid foam below and allow a soft spot as you describe. (I have never experienced this . . . so, I am guessing here)

Well . . . that turned into a long-winded reply . . . .

Rob

[howson]

howson
Hi Howard
Your interpretation of the original question fromPierre&Deb is more correct than mine. In a subsequent PM discussion between the OP and myself, we sorted this out (I think).

My observation is that there has always been more flex in the floor of my Reflection 303RLS than is normal in residential construction. Since new, the kitchen island would move when I stepped in certain locations near it. The bathroom floor flexes enough to squeak. The slide floor is the most flexible with the dining table visibly wobbling when moving around on the chairs. (A relatively unsupported OSB floor in all slides)

There are two distinctly different main floor structures (as discussed in another thread a while ago).

The larger 5th wheels (like the OP's 337RLS) have relatively thick OSB across an aluminum frame. Between the frame joists is fibreglass batt insulation which offers no structural support to the floor. Thus, if you step heavily on the mid span location between joists this will flex down and the next span over will flex up (slightly). This movement is visually amplified if there is something attached only to this floor area (like a kitchen island).

The other floor structure has rigid foam fitted tightly to the spaces between the floor joists and this provides uniform support to the floor, allowing the wood above to be thinner and lighter. I can see how a heavy traffic area could eventually compress the rigid foam below and allow a soft spot as you describe. (I have never experienced this . . . so, I am guessing here)

Well . . . that turned into a long-winded reply . . . .

Rob

I was surprised when we saw the two different types of floors during the factory tour. My impression is the floor in my 315RLTS TT is stronger/more durable than the floors in the 5vrs. As you describe well, it has the rigid foam construction--looks to my untrained eye that it is the same as the wall construction but used on the floor.

I don't understand why there are two different types other than the 5vr floor can be assembled right on the factory floor versus the pre-built of the TT floor.

Thanks for clarifying.

[Pierre&Deb]

Thanks everyone. I feel better knowing that this is normal floor behavior and that I need not worry about it. My previous TT did not have this movement in the floor as it was built like the side walls. Still getting g to know the new trailer, but so far love it.