Above couch cabinet floor reinforcement - Solitude 378MBS

[Haznavy]

We are full timers who homeschool and use the above couch storage cabinets for those supplies (books, binders, paper, and school supplies). We noticed some bowing on the floor after we put everything in and wondered if anyone has reinforced the floor of these cabinets and how they did it. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[WhittleBurner]

It's very difficult to see any bowing in the pictures. Perhaps if you say a straight line ruler or broomsick up to it . That could help show any bowing.

[Haznavy]

Hey there,

Hard to see the bowing on the inside too but, significant since adding the weight of the school supplies. I have a feeling this is just a hollow cavity for running 12vdc wires for the interior and rear lights. I'm thinking of removing the bottom and just adding some 1"x2" cross braces but, was interested to see if anyone had done anything different.

[Redapple63]

Hey there,

Hard to see the bowing on the inside too but, significant since adding the weight of the school supplies. I have a feeling this is just a hollow cavity for running 12vdc wires for the interior and rear lights. I'm thinking of removing the bottom and just adding some 1"x2" cross braces but, was interested to see if anyone had done anything different.

I agree that is a good idea, that cavity is pretty much just a wire chase. I would take it one step further, I would add some additional fasteners to the wall to help with the overall weight. With all the jostling as you travel down the road, I see that as an ounce of prevention.

[Second Chance]

I agree that is a good idea, that cavity is pretty much just a wire chase. I would take it one step further, I would add some additional fasteners to the wall to help with the overall weight. With all the jostling as you travel down the road, I see that as an ounce of prevention.

I would second this. We have the same cabinets in our rig and I'm not sure how well they are fastened to the rest of the structure and how strong the framing is. You could reinforce the bottom and keep a bunch of weight in it only to encounter roads like we did yesterday and have the whole thing come down. There are a LOT of G-forces at the back of a towable RV... especially with the stock suspension (solid axles and leaf springs).

Rob

[Haznavy]

I would second this. We have the same cabinets in our rig and I'm not sure how well they are fastened to the rest of the structure and how strong the framing is. You could reinforce the bottom and keep a bunch of weight in it only to encounter roads like we did yesterday and have the whole thing come down. There are a LOT of G-forces at the back of a towable RV... especially with the stock suspension (solid axles and leaf springs).

Rob

Rob - concur and did just that when I reinforced today with 2"x2" cross braces every 16" and new 1/4" birch plywood for cabinetry. Sunk in a few more screws to the back wall for good measure.

[AJHope]

@Haznavy Awesome reinforce!! I assume this has completely fixed your previous bowing issues since there wasn't any follow up on this. Will keep it in mind as I may in the future encounter a similar situation. At least for the the beginning of this school year I'll be to homeschooling on the road . By the way are there any online help you are using with your kid(s)? Fortunately I've got internet access which will make things easier and I've been researching for some online support materials, I'd normally go with free resources but premium resources are not out of the table at this point either.

-AJ

[Haznavy]

AJ,

I'll get with my wife to amass some homeschool resources and get back with you.

v/r

Tod

[AJHope]

Awesome! Thanks Tod! So far they've recommended this math tutor app and unorganized playlist videos on Youtube like a channel named "The organic chemistry tutor" which as the name suggests focus mainly on science material whereas I'm looking more for math resources.

Thank you again, looking forward to your resources