Bathtub sub floor

[Seroflorus]

Current brainstorm suggests placing bathtub over wheel well on a wood deck.

One thought is use 2x4 spaced at about 16" OC with middle board to sit on wheel well itself; edges to be connected to walls.

Another, more intriguing thought was to rip the 2x4 into 1.5x1.5 (roughly) and space them 8" OC so that the tub itself sits lower in relation to the bus floor.

Question: Is 8" OC for the thinner frame close enough spacing to support water and person (130-175 lbs). If not, how close? If so, how thick of plywood decking?

Suggestions or experiences appreciated. Opinions considered.

[bansil]

make sure you think of drain line first

you need a drop and a trap of some kind to keep out the stank

[Seroflorus]

Since the tub will be on the wheel well (arched), the space between the bottom of the tub and the bus floor is adequate for the p trap and drainage. I'm hoping to get some feedback on the ability of the wood to hold the weight (calculated max at around 450lbs)

thinking 1.5x1.5 spaced at 8" or closer OC on the section of the tub that would sit above the top of the wheel well 'curve' but hoping to get some real world anecdotals...

[nat_ster]

First you need to do some reading on how to properly mount a bath tub.

Bath tubs are supported from both their bottoms and the the upper rim.
A 2x4 frame is used to support the upper rim in most new construction homes where I live.

No, that little wood will not be up to the task of supporting a bathtub full of water and a person. You would be miles ahead to use metal in this application to keep your lost height to a minimum.

Nat

[Zephod_beeblebrox2]

I went for a shower made from a 2'x3' cement mixing tub. Under that, the floor is PVC planking.

[Seroflorus]

Thanks for thoughts so far.
Perhaps there is no real issue here.

Build a box over the tub with 2 x 4 at 12" OC except at the crest of the wheel well where the 2 x 4 wouldn't fit...in that 2' or so, I'll rip the 2 x 4 and turn them on end and halve the spacing (to 6" OC). Stringers at the top of the tub do not have space restrictions so no worries there.

I'll post a pic when done in case someone else needs to see it.

Thanks to Nat_ster for reminding me that the stringers help hold the weight.

[somewhereinusa]

Bluebird wheel wells are some sort flexable material, won't support any weight at all.