We can move the shell of our trailer slightly up and down near the tongue, and the frame tips are just starting to wear through the sides of the belly skin in places. What can be causing this?
The bolts that hold the shell to the floor do not pass through the chassis frame members. The plywood floor and flooring is installed on the chassis before the shell is secured to the floor. The perimeter U channel is bolted to the plywood with 1/4″ bolts which are bent over underneath the floor. Additional sheet metal screws are used to secure the channel into the floor. The belly skin is then wrapped up from the bottom and secured to the U Channel with rivets. In the 1950’s, the belly skin is actually crimped over into the C Channel. The upper skin is then attached to the U Channel with rivets and covered with a trim strip. Depending on the year & model, there can be two small angles at the inside center front and rear that tie the skin to the floor. As you can see, water damage and floor rot can cause the trailer shell to become loose from the chassis, and is why it is very important to repair the floor and to prevent any future leaks.
