Plywood - how strong.. (1 Viewer)

ShiftZZ

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We have changed our Autosleeper for a Rapido and I am contemplating adding a shelf in the'under the bed' area, to store stuff, I was wondering about the strength of the plywood as compared to chipboard, weight and strength being issues, along with potential water issues...

Any suggestions?

Ta
 

Wildman

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plywood is stronger without a doubt. As to water issues either use marine ply or use the loo like everyone else:ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO:
 

M1TCH

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Dont use Chipboard, i would use far eastern ply if using ply but if it were me i would go for MDF damp is not an issue ive left off cuts out side all winter and it has not fallen in bits so inside a van will be ok the other benefit is if you have edges showing it can be routed or sanded without the laminated grain showing its not as strong as ply but if bearers are used no problems if you do go for MDF and your cutting it wear a mask Gray.

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Terry

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MDF will sag and be a lot heavier than ply :winky: How big an area ? are you making a frame from 2 x 1 etc
terry
 

old-mo

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3/4 marine ply for most stuff, but will still sag if loaded with heavy gear..

Alternativley Balsa wood for lightness... :winky::ROFLMAO:
 
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ShiftZZ

ShiftZZ

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Attached a very rough idea, I am happy to have supporting legs. The idea is to store things like chairs, tables below the shelf, so that they can be left there without being disturbed.

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  • VAN shelf.jpg
    VAN shelf.jpg
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M1TCH

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All sheet materials will sag if not adequately supported its a balance between weight and strength Gray. also time served joiner.
 

Wildman

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as the only access would I sssume be by lifting the shelf, have you the room? and it would mean moving everything on the shelf. Maybe a sliding Drawer would be better, or even wood slats connected with webbing like the bed.
 

scotjimland

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For strength and lightness I would build a frame with cross members and cover with 9mm plywood.. or a frame with slats .. depending on it's intended use.

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Heyupluv

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3/4 marine ply for most stuff, but will still sag if loaded with heavy gear..

Alternativley Balsa wood for lightness... :winky::ROFLMAO:

Wow..........Mo yours is heavy gear....well you do have an American Rv..

shitzz...Dave,..What is going to placed on top of the new shelf!, if it is just cloths, shoes....1/4" (6mm)........to 3/8" (9mm) if needed, will be ok.....if the items are going to be heavy-ish then go to 1/2" (12mm)maximum unless you are talking something like two 110amp batteries!! then go to Mo's size:Eeek:..also how large a piece of ply are we talking about without any structure /bearers underneath for support....... I would go for exterior, marine or far eastern...the more layers of ply the better....or a very light frame with 1/8 (3 to 4 mm) will still be a very strong shelf glued and pinned....just think of the interior flush door two layers of 3mm ply or hardboard glued to cardboard honeycomb inside very strong and light......NO to Chipboard Dense and heavy and will not like any condensation..Don't forget the weight!!!!!problem



Mel
 
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Terry

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If you make a frame out of 2x1 and stick to 18 ins centers then you can use 1/8ins/ 3 mm ply which will hold plenty of weight and be very light to lift/shift in and out :thumb:::bigsmile:
terry
 

Heyupluv

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If you make a frame out of 2x1 and stick to 18 ins centers then you can use 1/8ins/ 3 mm ply which will hold plenty of weight and be very light to lift/shift in and out :thumb:::bigsmile:
terry

I agree with Terry....simple frame thin layer glued and pinned....should take all the odds and sods you will put on it:thumb:

Mel

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GJH

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I wanted a shelf for the Luton so that we could store bedding on top and other stuff below. Obviously had to be light up there. I solved the problem by buying a three section garden lounger similar to .. Mine was from Asda and cost a couple of quid less but it was 3 or 4 years ago. Works fine and can be removed easily if required.
 

johnp10

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We have changed our Autosleeper for a Rapido and I am contemplating adding a shelf in the'under the bed' area, to store stuff, I was wondering about the strength of the plywood as compared to chipboard, weight and strength being issues, along with potential water issues...

Any suggestions?

Ta

Is this really a "Fat Druid with bed wetting problem" thread?
 
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ShiftZZ

ShiftZZ

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Hi Roger.

The access to the storage space would be from outside? See attached.

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  • Under the bed..jpg
    Under the bed..jpg
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old-mo

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The access to the storage space would be from outside? See attached.

Dear Mr ShiftZZ... I would suggest a half shelf with a front lip to stop things falling off....

And stow your chairs etc on the floor/bottom shelf...

I sincerely suggest this idea as opposed to a full length/width shelf as you will restrict your entry through the door to put obstacles of a large size.. if you half the space at entry....:thumb::ROFLMAO:



















Now you didn`t think being a nutter that I would come up with a sensible suggestion, did you? :Tongue1::winky:
 

jhorsf

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We have changed our Autosleeper for a Rapido and I am contemplating adding a shelf in the'under the bed' area, to store stuff, I was wondering about the strength of the plywood as compared to chipboard, weight and strength being issues, [HI]along with potential water issues...
[/HI]
Any suggestions?

Ta




That would be a waterbed then?:thumb:

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ShiftZZ

ShiftZZ

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Hi Mel.

Picked it up on Saturday, Mrs ShiftZZ spent days emptying Horace and when it was delivered to the dealer, it was spotless.

We are going through the 'snag' list, and now hoping to get Mark CLS to install some extras etc..

ShiftZZ
 

Heyupluv

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Hi Mel.

Picked it up on Saturday, Mrs ShiftZZ spent days emptying Horace and when it was delivered to the dealer, it was spotless.

We are going through the 'snag' list, and now hoping to get Mark CLS to install some extras etc..

ShiftZZ

Great :thumb: Hope you like it...Mel

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Honestly! Don't mess about with selves! Get a couple of those collapsable crates for all your small stuff, put your chairs table your long stuff, etc etc on top of them.

Good grief man! sharpen up! We didn't get an Empire fannying about with bits of ply!, and if you let a superior being get her hands on it, (Mrs S ) you will find you even have room for a Cadac as well!





I got the same space as you, and thats how I've got mine stored:thumb:
 

Munchie

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Hilda, are you sure you have given this enough thought. 4cups has "re arranged" our underbed space severeal times. No, don't try to understand this behaviour it is a "woman" thing.
Had I put a shelf in, it would have had to be taken out and altered many times to suit her whim at any given moment in time.
I am not sure why they do this, she says to pack things in better. Personally I believe it is part of the female plot to keep us confused.

Hope this helps, regards Munchie. :Eeek:
 

GJH

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Hi Mel.

Picked it up on Saturday, Mrs ShiftZZ spent days emptying Horace and when it was delivered to the dealer, it was spotless.

Ooooh. Painted it in strips did she? Well, at least it will be different :ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO:

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