Compartment door question

[Boatdoctor]

This may be a dumb question.... I have a fairly new to me 2002 40 Diplomat. On the left rear just in front of the air cleaner access is a compartment door with a vent grate in it. It appears to have two release latches on the bottom near each corner. The compartment area of the coach has been re-painted. The latches look as though there is a button in the middle that might be a release. Because of the paint I can't tell if they are just stuck, or if they aren't intended to open the door at all. I don't want to force them and cause damage it that is the case.
Sorry I don't have a picture.

Thank you

[wa8yxm]

Try crawlling under the rig and seeing what is behind the panel.

Grated doors often cover the Propane tanks or the Generator or selected appliances.

[Boatdoctor]

Thanks but the generator is in the front and the propane tank is on the opposite side.

[onechaddude]

Sounds like he's talking about the southco latches you use the coke machine key for.
Chad

[Boatdoctor]

Chad nailed it. After 40 min on hold for a Monaco Tech, they are a Southco 715 barrel lock.
Thanks for the replies

[Boatdoctor]

For anyone interested the Southco P/N for the key is: E3-5-15

[ShapeShifter]

Yep, you need a Southco barrel key to open it. They're easy to find, but not necessarily cheap.

Once you get the key, a half-turn on each will release the latch. Behind that you'll likely see the dash air conditioner condenser radiator and another barrel key latch. Release that latch and the condenser will swing away revealing the leveling jack hydraulics, air dryer, fuel filters, etc.

The details may vary, but I bet your's will be be something close to this.

[Boatdoctor]

Originally Posted by ShapeShifter

Yep, you need a Southco barrel key to open it. They're easy to find, but not necessarily cheap.

Once you get the key, a half-turn on each will release the latch. Behind that you'll likely see the dash air conditioner condenser radiator and another barrel key latch. Release that latch and the condenser will swing away revealing the leveling jack hydraulics, air dryer, fuel filters, etc.

The details may vary, but I bet your's will be be something close to this.

That is pretty much what Monaco told me too. I can't believe I'm now going to miss out on the fun of laying under the fuel filters to change them.

[nodine]

Originally Posted by Boatdoctor

That is pretty much what Monaco told me too. I can't believe I'm now going to miss out on the fun of laying under the fuel filters to change them.

And now that you have found it you need to check the fluid level in your jack tank and maybe change the air dryer cartridge. The air dryer should be changed about every three years. It helps to have one of these:

Chain and Strap Wrenches by PROTO - Chain Wrenches by Zoro Tools Industrial Supplies

Another tip is to swing up the outer door and hold it up with one hand and use your free hand to open the second barrel lock. Swing the condenser panel out under the outer door and use it to hold up the outer door. Now you have both hands free to use that chain wrench.

Have fun,

Bob

[Boatdoctor]

Originally Posted by nodine

And now that you have found it you need to check the fluid level in your jack tank and maybe change the air dryer cartridge. The air dryer should be changed about every three years. It helps to have one of these:

Chain and Strap Wrenches by PROTO - Chain Wrenches by Zoro Tools Industrial Supplies

Another tip is to swing up the outer door and hold it up with one hand and use your free hand to open the second barrel lock. Swing the condenser panel out under the outer door and use it to hold up the outer door. Now you have both hands free to use that chain wrench.

Have fun,

Bob

Thank you Bob! I was not aware of the air dryer cartridge.