Community Forums

nehog · 06-21-2017, 04:31 PM

Opposite side (curb) of the wet bay is a top hinged door. I had to access that area to fix the black water tank flush and fix a problem with the water heater door next to it.

On my Holiday Rambler Ambassador the door is held closed with two aluminum straps that screw to the steel frame from below. They look totally 'home-made' and wonder if someone has modified what was there, or this is factory?

Steve Kiemele · 06-21-2017, 05:24 PM

This is factory engineering. It is really intended as an access panel rather than a frequently used door.

onechaddude · 06-21-2017, 07:48 PM

Nehog, welcome to the forum. Lots of great guys on here just willing to help.

Yes, as Steve said, that's the way they're supposed to be from the factory. On my 07 Neptune i removed the little L brackets. I then ordered 2 of the southco locks that use the little barrel key (like the ones on the door behind the drivers dual). Now when I want to check tanks or water heater I simply take my little barrel key and twist 2 locks and I'm in there. I also used a 4" square vinyl fence post cover in there to make a storage spot for my folding ladder. Keeps it out of my normal storage bay.

Chad

MSHappyCampers · 06-22-2017, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Kiemele

This is factory engineering. It is really intended as an access panel rather than a frequently used door.

Agree! One of my straps has broken into at the screw hole. Just a matter of boring a new hole! KISS (keep it simple stupid), held over from my Scouting days back in the 50's !

nehog · 06-22-2017, 04:56 PM

Thanks guys. I've fixed the other problems and will re-attach my straps. I'm putting in new screws (using some high quality self-drilling screws) and should be good to go.

Jeff753 · 06-22-2017, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onechaddude

Nehog, welcome to the forum. Lots of great guys on here just willing to help.

Yes, as Steve said, that's the way they're supposed to be from the factory. On my 07 Neptune i removed the little L brackets. I then ordered 2 of the southco locks that use the little barrel key (like the ones on the door behind the drivers dual). Now when I want to check tanks or water heater I simply take my little barrel key and twist 2 locks and I'm in there. I also used a 4" square vinyl fence post cover in there to make a storage spot for my folding ladder. Keeps it out of my normal storage bay.

Chad

Which locks. Do you have a photo of these? I'd love to put latches instead of screws on the tank bay/diesel tank bay

onechaddude · 06-22-2017, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff753

Which locks. Do you have a photo of these? I'd love to put latches instead of screws on the tank bay/diesel tank bay

It's the exact same (I ordered them from Monaco) locks as on my access door behind the rear drivers side dual. On my 07 Neptune that bay has the air dryer filter, hydraulic jacks tank, primary fuel filter, and other stuff. Mine also has the dash a/c condenser which has another of the southco locks which you have to unlock to access those filters. I can take a pick tomorrow if you need it.

Chad

nodine · 06-24-2017, 05:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nehog

Thanks guys. I've fixed the other problems and will re-attach my straps. I'm putting in new screws (using some high quality self-drilling screws) and should be good to go.

We replaced those straps on the tank access door years ago with stainless steel latches. We were concerned about using anything but stainless steel. They are not cheap but have remained corrosion free now for many years. We open that access door all the time to check and change the batteries in our wireless tank temperature monitor and check on the 110 VAC heater we have there. We purchased the latches from McMaster-Carr.

Check out these photos of the the project in my photo section:
http://www.irv2.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=20740

Bob

nehog · 06-24-2017, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nodine

...
Check out these photos of the the project in my photo section:
http://www.irv2.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=20740

Bob

That's incredible! Not that expensive overall, and love the fact they are adjustable as well. I spent too much time getting my straps bent just right so the gasket seals on the door.

I see an upcoming project!

tstillman · 06-25-2017, 01:13 PM

Funny you should ask. I just discovered that that panel can open up as I was flagged by a trucker going north on I-5. After an emergency securing with a bungee cord I continued home. I checked with the dealer where I bought my coach they advised that panel is secured with self tapping screws into an formed aluminum bracket. I guess my 11 year old screws rusted out and let her fly.

Fortunately no damage to us or anyone else and a couple of self tapping screws later and all is well. Note I checked several other similarly secured panels and YES I did several other preventative repairs.

I finally read to the end of this post and saw some very interesting more secure resolutions to this issue. When I get my higher priority issues handled I'll be going back to this thread for the improved solution offered by nodine.

Jeff753 · 10-23-2017, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nodine

We replaced those straps on the tank access door years ago with stainless steel latches. We were concerned about using anything but stainless steel. They are not cheap but have remained corrosion free now for many years. We open that access door all the time to check and change the batteries in our wireless tank temperature monitor and check on the 110 VAC heater we have there. We purchased the latches from McMaster-Carr.

Check out these photos of the the project in my photo section:

http://www.irv2.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=20740

Bob

Just what I was looking for. 2 laches per door? Your sketch says 1" 12 pt drill? What's that referring to?

nodine · 10-24-2017, 05:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff753

Just what I was looking for. 2 laches per door? Your sketch says 1" 12 pt drill? What's that referring to?

Hi Jeff, we met in Asheville a few years back at the GEAR rally.

That refers to #12 self-tapping drill point screws 1" long. Those were used to fasten the aluminum angle to the bottom of the door frame. You can use a different size and style screw for that if more convenient. What I did was drill some pilot holes in the aluminum frame and then used a drill to drive the self-tapping screws in. There are probably 100 different ways to use the stainless steel latches to secure the doors. That was just my approach and feel free to use your own method.

Bob

Jeff753 · 10-24-2017, 08:52 AM

Aluminum angle iron? I'm gong to do it just like yours I hope. I also have a new SeeLevel to install

nodine · 10-24-2017, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff753

Aluminum angle iron? I'm gong to do it just like yours I hope. I also have a new SeeLevel to install

Jeff,

Not sure where you got aluminum angle iron. What I used is aluminum angle and you can purchase it at Lowe's or Home Depot. You will love the SeeLevel system. We installed that years ago.

Bob