finding wall framing
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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12453
Printed Date: 25 Jun 2025 at 12:56pm
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Topic: finding wall framing
Posted By: JerryCk
Subject: finding wall framing
Date Posted: 02 Dec 2018 at 1:07pm
| Is there any way to locate framing members in the walls from inside the trailer? |
Replies:
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 02 Dec 2018 at 3:22pm
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You can use a stud finder it is somewhat reliable. It is not a frame persay, it is a structure enhanced at critical points like windows and doors. Some advise you look at outside skin to determine aluminum structure, but I have found that is little help on the inside. Do a Google on RPod walls and you will see what I mean about a structure versus a frame. Typical for campers. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: JerryCk
Date Posted: 02 Dec 2018 at 5:04pm
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Thanks Mike. I've got a stud finder. I'll give it a try. I wonder if there is a continuous strip where the side walls meet the ceiling and floor? John Lundborg
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Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 03 Dec 2018 at 9:27am
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There is a complete peripheral aluminum "frame" member (it's relatively small square aluminum tubing). You can see how the frame is built in https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMXneKc_fDo - this Forrest River video . It's a bit dated, as they've replaced the luan plywood with Azdel.
------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: voisj
Date Posted: 03 Dec 2018 at 10:33am
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JerryCk, Here's an easy way to locate wall studs. A good Quality studfinder should work but you could do this, Warm up the pod to 60 degrees at night, then turn it off,in the morning you should see this.  ------------- http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9426&title=slopod-180-mods-johnsue - SLOPODMODS John&Sue,SLO,CA 2016 180 HRE, 2013 F150 Eco Boost 
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Posted By: Kevinscamps
Date Posted: 03 Dec 2018 at 12:17pm
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I had no luck with a stud finder. The thermal camera worked great!!! http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12295&PN=1&title=thermal-pictures |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 03 Dec 2018 at 3:39pm
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How did you transpose that to the inside? ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 03 Dec 2018 at 3:51pm
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I've wondered if this device would work:
https://walabot.com/diy# - https://walabot.com/diy# Too bad it only works on Android phones. ------------- Alan 2022 R-Pod 196 "RaptoRPod" 2022 Ram 1500 Lone Star 4x4 Three cats |
Posted By: voisj
Date Posted: 03 Dec 2018 at 3:59pm
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To locate studs on the inside I used a really good stud finder one that also detects metal and electricity,be aware that the aluminum studs are only a sixteenth of an inch thick and you cannot use a power tool to install it or you will strip the out the aluminum.I ended up drilling a larger hole in the stud and using a plastic anchor. ------------- http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9426&title=slopod-180-mods-johnsue - SLOPODMODS John&Sue,SLO,CA 2016 180 HRE, 2013 F150 Eco Boost
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Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 03 Dec 2018 at 4:01pm
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Thought so, kind of where I was headed 6 posts ago. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: voisj
Date Posted: 03 Dec 2018 at 7:05pm
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And I also have A wall bot, that thing is amazing showed the studs right edge to edge like a picture! ------------- http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9426&title=slopod-180-mods-johnsue - SLOPODMODS John&Sue,SLO,CA 2016 180 HRE, 2013 F150 Eco Boost
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Posted By: JerryCk
Date Posted: 04 Dec 2018 at 9:26am
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I really appreciate all of the advice from you guys. I think the thermal "footprint" on the outside, transferred to the inside by measurement (the wall is adjacent to the door) will work for me if the stud finder doesn't. We don't have much humidity but with temps in the 20's, the warmer surfaces ought to show. The thin square tube behind the wall skin seems like a good application for jack nuts or toggle bolts, say 10-24, for a strong connection. The toggles would probably have to be shortened. The Wallbot sure looks like a "gotta have" to me - maybe Christmas?
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