mobile home trusses

[struct_eeyore]

I'm working on repairing some mobile home trusses from the 80's. The damage is to the chords, which are only 1.25H"x1.5W. I'm sandwiching parts of the truss with plywood gussets, and debating on what type of dowels is best. I've never actually dealt with proper structural members this thin, so I find myself debating between using Simpsons self drilling #9 screws, and 6d nails - the main question being if the self drilling screws would be less likely to cause splitting than the nails (?). Any and all insights appreciated.

 

[SWComposites]

Maybe drill thru holes with bolts & nuts?

 

[phamENG]

With those I'd suggest having them predrill even though the fasteners are self drilling. They work well, but not that well.

 

[bones206]

Might be worth reaching out to Simpson to see if they have a recommendation.

 

[allencr]

Adhesive & smaller nails

 

[EngineeringEric]

glue and 8d nails. maybe even glue up and nail half the nails. then install the second half after the adhesive cures.

 

[XR250]

I frequently run into ledger strips on houses that are 1 3/8" and they are nailed with 10d. I mean there a few cracks but not as many as I would expect.

 

[ALK2415]

could you apply expansion bolts between floor plates and tube section ?
Link

 

[Aesur]

@ALK2415, as I read the OP, I believe he is saying the chords are wood of that size, not steel.

 

[ALK2415]

@ Aesur what meant, the industry of containerized housing units (affordable housing) uses these kinds of bolted connections (some of them), and particularly electric spot-welding (the majority).
also on same subject of floor finishing (using composite GFRP ) they uses some new technology
Link