Thread: Installing a false floor

Originally Posted by l00kin4

OK. Good one Richard.

Re carpet I'm no expert that's for sure. I actually left the underside of my base bare so that the ribbing of the decking that I used to increase the height provides a little extra lateral grip. Mine is only fixed by the tiedown bolts on one side and straps in the centre so not as well anchored as yours will be with 4 bolts through it.


I used carpet from Bunnings fixed with liquid nails - seems to grab quite quickly and looks ok. The carpet is a surprisingly good match. Cutting the carpet at the corners is tricky though.







The little hols I cut out are for the bolts to go through freely to the captive t-nuts on the under side. I like those as I think they provide a stronger fixing than screws and you don't need access to them as you would with a nut on the underside.

I'll be interested to see photos of your project as it progresses.

Cheers,
David

About to build a full width false floor like this, bolted the exisitng tie down points. Looks very good.
One question about the "angle" of the floor/tailgate, before I start cutting etc.
Is it necessary to add the extra 19mm layer (in this case decking) all around the false floor to gain the extra height needed to clear the tailgate, or could a single 19mm strip be added only to the edge nearest the tailgate to obtain an "angle" on the false floor. I've measured, and it seems possible that clearance would be achieved, but would the lack of support all around create flex in the false floor (19mm marine ply) ?

Thanks

I built a shelving system out of 19mm marine ply and only lifted the tailgate end by the required amount to allow the fridge slide to work.
I've had no problems - whether the ply flexes, or is strong enough to support the weight is debatable. My shelves are still intact, despite the odd unintended bump / thrown about ;-)

Cheers

I just used a strip of 19mm along the front and it works fine.

Originally Posted by Jimlr

About to build a full width false floor like this, bolted the exisitng tie down points. Looks very good.
One question about the "angle" of the floor/tailgate, before I start cutting etc.
Is it necessary to add the extra 19mm layer (in this case decking) all around the false floor to gain the extra height needed to clear the tailgate, or could a single 19mm strip be added only to the edge nearest the tailgate to obtain an "angle" on the false floor. I've measured, and it seems possible that clearance would be achieved, but would the lack of support all around create flex in the false floor (19mm marine ply) ?

Thanks

I think what you're proposing will be fine and flex won't be an issue. When I first did mine I had actually left an opening along the inside edge with the idea that I could fit a tarp or two underneath and then ended up just filling it in to give me more 'meat' to screw the cage through to.

I did also wonder (never tested this theory and it is probably negligible) if it would be a little bit harder (for my 8 year old, not larger folk) to pull the fridge out on the slide with it sloping back into the car, especially fully loaded - not a consideration for everyone of course.

Since you 've checked that it will clear fine I think just lifting the back edge will be an easier solution.

I built a platform for the fridge slide which I bolted to the false floor

I have a small shelf on the other side where I store my jack etc as no longer have access to under floor area

I am traveling at the moment and will take a pic if I can
Richard

Originally Posted by wbowner

I built a platform for the fridge slide which I bolted to the false floor

I have a small shelf on the other side where I store my jack etc as no longer have access to under floor area

I am traveling at the moment and will take a pic if I can
Richard

One of the things I wanted to be able to do with mine was to still be able to use that seat if possible and get to that area, including the winder for the spare wheel. By building mine to one side and anchored down in the middle to the seat base mounts - the seat is still useable and everything accessible.

I even still have enough room beside the fridge to get to the jack and LR toolkit. Unfortunately I have tested this with having to change a wheel on the way back from Fraser. Only matters if you need it....

David