Re: Looking to install a slide/joey bed
Reply #1 –
Yes, have installed joey beds.
I probably mount them a little more securely than most. The problem is not the weight-- it will be carried by the box beams.
The problem is the side force as it locks open and/or closed with a heavy load. That side force is really not well controlled by friction to the floor alone.
What I do is use a hole saw to cut scraps of plywood 4" in diameter-- with them the thickness of the box beam=thickness of the foam insulation. Locate a non-beam area for your thru bolts (use magnet to locate beams). Drill a 4" diameter hole in the basement ONLY through the basement layer of fiberglass. Use a screwdriver or knife to remove the foam, leaving the underbelly fiberglass in place.
Epoxy the plywood into the holes (usually 4-6 depending on size and projected weight you will be loading).
Put the joey bed in place and use the center hole of the plywood "fillers" to thru drill and then thru bolt with a 4"x4"x1/8" aluminum plate underneath (consider it a "giant fender washer"). Use polysulfide to bed the bolt head and fender washer with a little caulk into the plywood.
This is quite a lot more secure to the side loads and pretty much bomb-proof.
Yes, I know some drill through the box beams, but I don't care to weaken the structure. I do agree it is a better answer than just thru bolting through the fiberglass and foam with no plywood. Have inspected more than a few coaches where the belly fiberglass is cracked and allowing water in because the side loads of the joey bed have cracked and wallowed out the fiberglass.
And, for those who already have a Joey bed please look under your coach to make sure the bottom fiberglass is not cracked and allowing water intrusion.
Topic: Looking to install a slide/joey bed