Now that I have the trailer here as a reference, I'm trying to make some final framing decisions so I can put together a lumber order. My head is spinning with some either-or possibilities. I realize that I really just have to commit to a direction and then make it happen but, to that end, I'm making a list of these conundrums and Dale is going to come over tomorrow to help me hash through some of them. For example...
Should I begin (as ALL other similar projects I've found) with framing and insulating the floor so that the floor framing (and subfloor) go to the outer edge of the trailer, and then build the walls up from there? Advantage: More straightforward way to build the floor. After all, there must be good reason that everyone does it this way. Possible Disadvantage: Not as easy to make a sturdy connection between the wall framing and the sill that is securely bolted to the trailer frame? (See photo below.) I'm thinking those star-headed screws that are rated as good as carriage bolts might compensate for this.
Or... should I build the walls directly on top of the sills and build the floors inside the walls? (I know, Rick, this is your preference.) Advantages: Possibly a stronger connection between wall and sill. Easier to connect the moisture barrier from under the subfloor to the moisture barrier behind the walls. Disadvantage: Harder to construct the floor and connect it in a sturdy way to the walls--especially given that there will be bumpouts on the two short ends.
Here's another dilemma: I had planned to use 2 x 4 framing with styrofoam insulation for the floor. This would require building bump-up framing around the long wheel wells. Or...maybe I should frame the floor with 2 x 6 lumber, use less insulation over the wheel wells, but end up with a completely flat floor, even over the wheel wells.
And the list goes on...
Update: See the decisions I made--in the next post called Decisions (of all things).
Comment from a three-year-old: "Why does she need wheels? Why would she have to move her house? Probably so elephants won't knock down her house. Then cows could eat the elephants and she could move the house back."
ReplyDeleteI suspect that won't help you make any of these decisions, but perhaps it might help you think look at things from different points of view.
Oh, that's so cute. And helpful! lol I do think adding elephants and cows to my list of conundrums will, indeed, help with perspective and lighten the load.
ReplyDeleteDebra points out that elephants and cows would actually make the "load" heavier. ha ha A lighter (soaring) mood/heart more than makes up for that, don't you think?
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