Reinforcement of the under belly sheet on a tab 400 BDL 2019

Blueespy

We were recently at nuCamp to have some servicing done on our 2019 t@b 400 BDL.  I had the chanceto look over a new 2024/25 t@b 400 BD Dark Canyon Edition. Saw some things I liked.  The under carriage lights (only one color) so far.  I installed $20 strip lights that have lasted four months so I’m good.  The under carriage covering.  Our 2019 is one large piece and it covers the axle.  The new models have harden, molded plastic, that are in sections and the axle is exposed, so much easier if you have to replace it.  That got me thinking that I could like to add some reinforcement to the single piece covering on our t@b.  I was thinking 2-3 aluminum strips but was wondering if anyone has seen a need for this and/or reinforced this?

MuttonChops

I see no need to reinforce the belly sheet.
On my yr-18 320S it does not cover the axle as noted for your yr-19 400.

Belly Sheet primary function is to improve the airflow and to stop small road debris from directly striking the underside wiring/tanks . . . which it seems to do just fine.

Reinforcement will add weight with little added benefit.  Also, on the 320S the only attachment points are the frame rails . . . no safe center line attachment points which could require heavier gauge metal strips and might make them easier to get ripped off if something does strike the belly.  IMHO

Maxcamp

Our 2021 320s has an OEM  aluminum angle 1/8 x1x1 width wise supporting the Coloplast scrim ahead of the axle at the point the scrim changes planes.  Yes you could add more such crossbars if you desired.  I've briefly contemplated a grid of angles supporting thin gauge aluminum sheet.  Much work for modest return.  Striking a high rock or stump would trash most any lightweight system.  The trailer frame itself is too lightweight to take a real solid skid plate, and the frame stops at the axle without rearward support.

gbart

@Bluespy we had a little sagging in the undercarriage covering (coroplast) in front of the axle. I glued the same 1"x1" square aluminum angle stock mentioned above on top of the trailer frame lip and stretched across to the other side. (you can see the frame lip on the picture just below the bolt head-ignore the red arrow pointing to the axle). And then drilled holes through the coroplast into the aluminum and reattached the original self-tapping screws with washers (gently-easy to strip the aluminum). So far it has held up for the last 3 years. 

I'm intrigued with the undercarriage lights you added. Where did you put them and how are they attached? 

Blueespy

gbart said:

@Bluespy we had a little sagging in the undercarriage covering (coroplast) in front of the axle. I glued the same 1"x1" square aluminum angle stock mentioned above on top of the trailer frame lip and stretched across to the other side. (you can see the frame lip on the picture just below the bolt head-ignore the red arrow pointing to the axle). And then drilled holes through the coroplast into the aluminum and reattached the original self-tapping screws with washers (gently-easy to strip the aluminum). So far it has held up for the last 3 years. 

I'm intrigued with the undercarriage lights you added. Where did you put them and how are they attached? 






Please don't laugh but I bought some stick on strip led lights off of Amazon for $20.  I think the roll I purchased was 18'.  I crawled under the trailer and foot by foot cleaned the frame with cleaner, sprayed some adhesive, then peeled the stick on backing off the led strip and stuck it to the frame.  I started at the front right on the leading edge of the trailer, passenger side.  I put the small AC power box on the L frame with some glue.  Once I got around the trailer, I ran the strip along the front of the frame, ending just about where I started.  When we set up, I just hook the AC power into the lights from a cord I run for other power items.  The remote allows us to change colors.  Lights were cheap but they've stayed on for 16K miles from FL to AK and back.  The only elephant in the room is some colors are not working, so when my wife selects pink, some of the strip is pink, other sections are green or even blue.  The strip still lights up, so we'll keep it until it just stops.  I'll then make the same cheap purchase and do it all over again. 

gbart

Very effective (and colorful)! Looks like a great idea. I will add it to my list. Thanks for sharing.