Closet removal? - Fiberglass RV
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Old 05-16-2003, 08:14 PM   #1
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Closet removal?

Is it structurally safe to remove a closet on an egg? I have some ideas to personalize my Love Bug and would like to remove the closet. Thanks!



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Old 05-16-2003, 11:44 PM   #2
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when I took mine out, the ceiling dropped 1 1/2 inches. I think if I leaned on the roof or if a load of snow was added I would lose the roof. I plan to brace it back up with a pole and board to spread out the support. If yours is made differently then maybe you wouldn't need the support, but it depends on the fiberglass thickness or if there is any other thing helping with support
only my opinion, I'm am not a fiberglass expert or fiberglass anything. :)



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Old 05-16-2003, 11:54 PM   #3
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I would not do it on a permanint bases.I removed two supports under my kitchen cupboards in my Boler and it dropped 1".Had to reinforce with 2x4 till supports dried of paint.



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Old 05-17-2003, 08:50 AM   #4
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That's what I was afraid of!

Thanks for the replies. I was hoping to open up the interior a bit but will have to support or change my plans. I might be able to support it bit it will take more work. Why do I dream imposiible dreams ;0)
Jana, Is your closet out permanently now? If it is do you have any picture? Thanks.



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Old 05-17-2003, 09:05 AM   #5
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everything is out. just put in a temporary bed for a camp over that may remain with some modifications, but the closet isn't going back, I need the bed room - or do I ?? hummm?? got to think this out some more. I spend more time thinking about it then doing it. :lol
got pics in the camera, but not digital so got to get them developed first. :wak



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Old 05-17-2003, 09:20 AM   #6
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Two peas in a pod

Jana,
I'm the same way. The thinking is going to slow thwe progress of getting the Love Bug on the road again. I want to make it "special".
My plans are to add a bunk in the rear, front dinette, and a couch where the sink and stove is currently. I want to replace the closet with a modified sink/storage/ TV stand/ . We like to cook outside and can use a tarp for inclement weather. With a 7 &3 year old girls, we want to free up the space inside. Dad still likes to sleep in, so with the bunks, the girls would have spce to play while I'm snoozing :lol



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Old 05-17-2003, 09:30 AM   #7
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Hi. :wave
I just read your question on removing the closet and hope you don't mind me adding my two cents worth. I haven't seen your trailer so don't know the alternate support areas ( pictures would help HA HA:red (look at me) but I think moving a supporting wall in your trailer could be like moving a supporting wall in a house. It can be done if you provide alternate means of support for that area. I was looking at my trailer restoration to see if I could rearrange it for more room but decided against it. Your closet is holding part of the roof so when you remove it you could put a beam of some kind to compensate. The 2x4 idea would work but might look kinda stuck on. I would suggest using aluminum channel as it would bend enough to contour to the roof, be light, and has a very good strength to weight ratio. Again I wish I had a good look at your trailer so I could be more spacific with ideas.



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Old 05-17-2003, 10:23 AM   #8
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Pictures

Here you go Darrel.

<img src=http://www.fiberglassrv.com/board/uploads/3ec65ee48f161closet.jpg/> <img src=http://www.fiberglassrv.com/board/uploads/3ec65f1ba9484closet2.jpg/> <img src=http://www.fiberglassrv.com/board/uploads/3ec6606e10b1dcloset3.jpg/> <img src=http://www.fiberglassrv.com/board/uploads/3ec660b138bfdcloset4.jpg/>

I paln to take out the furnace. I have a newer propane unit that is smaller that I will install elsewhere.



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Old 05-17-2003, 12:16 PM   #9
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Hi Jamie

I can see clearly now! Your closet is one of the main suports for that side of your trailer so if you really want to make the change we'll have to get resourceful. Your closet acts as a post or frame to hold up your roof and appears to pretty much stand alone for the support in that area. If assume you wish to use the space where the closet is as open area. This would mean the supports would have to be mounted to the wall and curve out to the point the closet attaches toward the middle of the roof. Basically you would use the same mounting points as the closet but utilize the aluminum channel as the support structure. The structure would cantaliver from the wall to the center point on the roof. The curved roof is in your favor because it will be stronger when finished than a square cantaliver support would be.
I would measure the distance from where the closet begins at the floor up the wall and curve to the outermost point on the roof. I would use two aluminum channels at least 1 inch deep by 2 inch by the measured length and them fasten them flat side against the wall using the same mounting points as the closet. You should be able to bend the aluminum by hand over your knee or some rounded object to fit the curve at the roof. be careful not to overbend the curve for the roof as trying to bend the metal back will weaken it's strength. Bend a little at a time and test fit it until you get the curve you want. You will then need to mark and drill the aluminum mounting holes. You should be able to lay the bent aluminum along side the closet mounting holes to use that spacing or mark and drill new holes where you want and cover the old holes if they are torn out or are too big to hold a fastener anymore.

This should support the roof. It will not be the same as having a post or but should support the roof. Any doubts and you just need to increase the size of the channel to a 2x3.

Well give this some thought and get other opinions if you want.

Good luck on your changes.



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Old 05-17-2003, 11:20 PM   #10
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Darrel, as I'm a picture person I want to make sure I'm understanding what your saying. I took Jamie's picture and drew a red line up the wall. this is where the aluminum strip would be? and you would not need the blue strip? or what? (of course the cabinet would be gone.)
<img src=http://www.fiberglassrv.com/board/uploads/3ec717e394c71closet1.jpg/>



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Old 05-18-2003, 07:05 AM   #11
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New supports

As shown in this picture posted on another thread (from rvtrader), there is a way to have beauty, openess, and support. With a little imagination, there are a lot of ideas to be gleaned from this. Thanks, Benita, for posting the inside pictures of the Quantum.

<img src=http://www.fiberglassrv.com/board/uploads/3ec6fc14dc4ddqunatum bed closet bath.jpg/> />



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Old 05-18-2003, 07:26 PM   #12
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this is a picture of a Burro, Ray just added - Burro
there is no support anywhere in that trailer for the roof. that babies' two layers, and holds it'self up. nice. (yes I have a weakness for those animals :yep)



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Old 05-19-2003, 05:51 PM   #13
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Yes Jana that is the way I picture it ( the red line, neet trick!) I don't think you would need the brace( blue line. another neet trick!)

That Burro with a double roof sounds very sturdy. Unfortunately many of us don't have that luxury so we have to add support to our trailers (and each other:lol



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