New floor

[JB Dude]

I have to put a new floor in me trailer. Dose any one have a recommendation on what type of plywood I should use. I have a 12' x 6' section to replace on a 28' trailer.
Thanks for your help

[Ernie Ekberg]

hardwood plywood- it won't make your trailer smell like a lumber yard

[jesilvas]

Whatever size they used originally. OSB is fine, plywood is better.

[clyon51]

For me, it would depend if the flooring is exposed to the elements under the coach and what kind of flooring I was going to cover it with.

i.e. If exposed, a marine grade would be in order or a least a good coat of tar or similar substance to water proof. OSB would be my last choice in this case as it's not designed for exterior use.

OSB would also be my last choice if my plan was to directly cover it with vinyl or vinyl planking as it isn't smooth. Otherwise it doesn't really matter. I guess if it were my coach and I knew why the original floor needed replacing, my replacement decision would be somewhat based on that.

[Cumminsfan]

Ext plywood. Better safe than sorry. Spending the extra $$ will save you $$$$$ later.

[Smithers]

Dude-

I just did this 2 weeks ago:

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f50/how-i...ve-175770.html

I talked to a friend who is a professional carpenter, he felt that there would likely be no performance difference between 3/4" OSB and 3/4" BC Plywood. He stated that marine grade 3/4" would likely perform better, but I wasn't into that kind of $ and am happy with the results.

Good luck

[bruceisla]

Originally Posted by clyon51

For me, it would depend if the flooring is exposed to the elements under the coach and what kind of flooring I was going to cover it with.

i.e. If exposed, a marine grade would be in order or a least a good coat of tar or similar substance to water proof. OSB would be my last choice in this case as it's not designed for exterior use.

OSB would also be my last choice if my plan was to directly cover it with vinyl or vinyl planking as it isn't smooth. Otherwise it doesn't really matter. I guess if it were my coach and I knew why the original floor needed replacing, my replacement decision would be somewhat based on that.

True (except for a caviat concerning OSB) but I'll add a little. If you have an unlimited budget, Marine Plywood is the best product (about $80/sheet) but probably overkill. Assuming you don't want to spend that much, Exterior Rated Plywood or Exterior Rated OSB will perform similarly EXCEPT OSB is not recommended for a tile substrate. If it gets wet it tends to expand unevenly ... typically the edges get fatter than the center. Painting/treating any cut edges can lessen this. As Ernie suggested, Hardwood Plywood is an excellent product (at about $40/sheet) but it may, or may not, be Exterior Grade. Since you only need 3 sheets, any of the above are probably in your budget ... choose the one you like.

Note: OSB can be Exterior Grade. OSB is NOT the same as chipboard or particle board. OSB is an oriented strand board. The building industry and most code books use the term "wood structural panel" to describe both OSB and plywood.

[Ernie Ekberg]

Some manufacturers of rvs use large sheets of OSB. I have measured some coaches that have a 25-30 foot piece with no seams of OSB. I have a friend who is an railroad engineer. He stated they used to haul 50 foot sheets of that stuff. Woiuld take a crane or some football players to lift that

[jesilvas]

I've redone a roof on a Travel Supreme that had a roughly 30' sheet of plywood on the roof. Then another about 15' long. Was awesome.