Adding a cutout to cargo bay

[sheridany]

I installed a pressure washer in the passenger forward bay and I would like to have a “cutout” in the floor like the water hose cutout On the other side so I can pull the washer hose out and close the bay door. What’s involved and how do I do that?

[danleininger]

It might be easier to go thru the floor with something like the Sewer exit, maybe smaller.

[sheridany]

The more I think about this mod I think you are right. I can put a "quick connect" between the washer wand and the hose and I need to add a very small hole with a cover into the floor to drop the hose through and pull it out under towards the side of the coach. Any thoughts on how to cut the floor and what material is the floor? My basement floor has carpet so I am thinking it is some fiberglass wood combo. I don't want to touch it unless I have a clear idea what I am doing.

[Akdare]

Originally Posted by sheridany

The more I think about this mod I think you are right. I can put a "quick connect" between the washer wand and the hose and I need to add a very small hole with a cover into the floor to drop the hose through and pull it out under towards the side of the coach. Any thoughts on how to cut the floor and what material is the floor? My basement floor has carpet so I am thinking it is some fiberglass wood combo. I don't want to touch it unless I have a clear idea what I am doing.

I did the same on my current coach; drill a small pilot hole dead center of where you want your hose to go. Mine was metal, and really tough to do. Since the hole was only 1 1/4 inch, I just used a grommet to protect the hose from the sharp edges, and left it open. Never experienced any issues. I did use a hole saw for the final hole size.

[Stuart W]

Originally Posted by sheridany

The more I think about this mod I think you are right. I can put a "quick connect" between the washer wand and the hose and I need to add a very small hole with a cover into the floor to drop the hose through and pull it out under towards the side of the coach. Any thoughts on how to cut the floor and what material is the floor? My basement floor has carpet so I am thinking it is some fiberglass wood combo. I don't want to touch it unless I have a clear idea what I am doing.

Out of the wet bay of a 18 DS 4369, you can use a strong magnet to check prior to drilling.
What about putting a PVC pipe through the floor with a 90 elbow and quick release fitting? I would use a flexible hose between the unit and this pipe to allow for movement.

[l1v3fr33ord1]

sheridany-

The Newmar folks, such as "Stuart W" above, can tell you what to expect with your coach. Our coach has molded plastic storage bays, with steel supports. I suspect the plastic was easier to drill through than the sandwich he shows.

That said, I added this hatch to our coach's wet bay floor,:

Valterra Black A10-2137BKVP Medium Round Cable Hatch

It fits a garden hose just fine. There are others (example here), slightly larger. Make sure the "skirt" is deep enough to go through the wet bay floor.

I bought a hole saw just large enough to fit the hatch. It required a strong, corded drill and a two-handed grip.

Pick a flat spot. Make sure you have room above the location to use the drill with the hole saw mounted on it. Look underneath for anything in the way. Measure carefully, then drill a 1/8-inch hole in the center. If it's where you want it, drill a 1/4-inch hole for the hole saw's mandrel. If not, then measure again and drill the small hole again. Epoxy/tape/etc. can fix a 1/8-inch hole better than a four-inch hole!

Oh, don't forget the hatch has a lip. If you do, you may try to place it too close to something else.

[sheridany]

Excellent advice and thank you! Thank you Stuart W for the pictures of the floor layers as that gives me context on what I am dealing with.

[RL57]

Added this to mine for powerwasher. Picked up parts while at the factory.

[Stuart W]

I should point out that Newmar uses two pieces, the one that goes in from the top (pictured above) and another flange from the bottom to seal the floor space. I highly recommend sealing both the top and bottom..
(Picture taken over sink courtesy the famous Neal C)