1986 Casita 16, how to take shell off trailer?

[mopedmike]

I suppose there are many ways to skin this cat, let me know what worked for you. I have it stripped down to nothing but a shell and want to replace the floor. Like to give the trailer some attention while I ma at it.

My thought was to remove the bolts and lower the tongue to the ground. Then brace/block the back of the trailer crank the tongue back up as high as it will go. Then brace/block the front and level out the trailer. Has this worked for anyone?

BTW is it normal to have only 3 bolts holding trailer to the frame?

[NateG]

On my 80s Casita there were the 3 bolts across the front, but there were MANY self tapping type screws along the frame rails into the frame. And being old they were in bad shape so only got a couple out. I took an oscillating tool and cut a square out around the heads, carefully do as not to cut into the shell, then popped the subfloor up which in my case was 1/2 ZIP. After that I cut off all the heads, and began separating the shell. The shell was REALLY stuck pretty good, I carefully used a slim pry bar and worked my way around the entire frame area to separate it. Hope this helps!

[NateG]

It is definitely a bug to separate the shell, but after doing it I am so happy I decided to. There were several things that needed addressed on the frame which I could not see very well with the shell on. My frame is off at the trailer shop now getting a 5200# axle, scaps in a few places, and some bracing I requested be installed.

[mopedmike]

Originally Posted by NateG

It is definitely a bug to separate the shell, but after doing it I am so happy I decided to. There were several things that needed addressed on the frame which I could not see very well with the shell on. My frame is off at the trailer shop now getting a 5200# axle, scaps in a few places, and some bracing I requested be installed.

Self tapping screws uugggghhhh! I think the PO probably covered up the self tapping screws with a non-skid floor covering.

I have nothing to lift the trailer off the frame, wish I still had my backhoe! I am thinking of dropping the tongue all the way down and blocking/bracing the back of the trailer then raising the tongue up to release the back. Then blocking/bracing the front of the shell and lowering the tongue to free up the front shell. Hopefully I can then remove the wheels and drag the trailer out on the brake drums. I wonder how much the shell weighs by itself (with the saturated rotten floor!).

[NateG]

For mine I just framed up a stand maybe 2 ft off the ground with a 4 ft 2x4 at each corner, 2 sharpened and pinned into the ground. Used common 2x4 studs forth framing and a 3 ton jack. I would say a bottle jack with scrap wood pcs would be easier as it took a lot of moving it back and forth slowly lifting the shell until I could slide 2x4s under the shell. Then braced the 2x4 with an upright 2x to hold the load better.

[mopedmike]

Originally Posted by NateG

For mine I just framed up a stand maybe 2 ft off the ground with a 4 ft 2x4 at each corner, 2 sharpened and pinned into the ground. Used common 2x4 studs forth framing and a 3 ton jack. I would say a bottle jack with scrap wood pcs would be easier as it took a lot of moving it back and forth slowly lifting the shell until I could slide 2x4s under the shell. Then braced the 2x4 with an upright 2x to hold the load better.

Nice, thanks for the pics Nate. I think I am about ready to take it off the trailer next weekend. I did manage to locate most of the self tapping bolts, they were hidden under the non-skid. What did you use for the floor? A place near me sells 3/4" marine plywood I think might be good.

[NateG]

I used advantech subfloor for a few reasons, a major one being that I am used to using it and know how hood it is. That being said, there are MANY people I know will disagree with my choice and I won't personally recommend it to you because I have not used it in the exact application before. For me it works. I am also using it as framing for the Roof supports. If you look over under my rebuild project I put up a couple pics of them. Think you can find it under 'New Posts' button.