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Old 04-08-2016, 06:07 PM   #1
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Installing Floor Hatch

Hello:

I want to install a floor hatch on my class A RV and wonder if their are any safety issues such as structure deficiency if you cut a 20"X20" hole in the RV floor.

Has any body done a project like that and if so how did you go about it?

Thanks
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Old 04-08-2016, 06:16 PM   #2
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I haven't done it, but I'm thinking about it. The least difficult way, from an engineering standpoint, has to be to make the hole without cutting any of the structural floor framing.


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Old 04-08-2016, 06:30 PM   #3
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I haven't done it, but I'm thinking about it. The least difficult way, from an engineering standpoint, has to be to make the hole without cutting any of the structural floor framing.


Mike
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Mike:

I agree without cutting any structural floor framing. I looked from the basement and all I see is sheet of plywood. I read a article way back and memory fading, but I think the guy reinforce the cutout by screwing 2 long 2X4 center long way on the bottom of the floor.
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Old 04-08-2016, 06:37 PM   #4
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Looking for a place to hide from the wife, eh?

Probably won't work. They are pretty crafty.😁
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Old 04-08-2016, 06:40 PM   #5
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Sounds like a good idea I think but what is the purpose for this hatch?
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Old 04-08-2016, 06:56 PM   #6
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Sounds like a good idea I think but what is the purpose for this hatch?
530ktm:

I want to move my battery bank there as it is in the center of the RV or as powderman stated to hide the mistress, oh I mean the wife LOL. Some coaches have the battery bank near the stairs and the stair's thread lifts up for access. Almost same location for the subject floor hatch.
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Old 04-08-2016, 06:59 PM   #7
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Installing Floor Hatch

Quote:
Originally Posted by leesdx1 View Post
Mike:



I agree without cutting any structural floor framing. I looked from the basement and all I see is sheet of plywood. I read a article way back and memory fading, but I think the guy reinforce the cutout by screwing a long 2X4 center long way on the bottom of the floor.

I can't guess how your Bounder is put together. My floor is square steel tubing with foam panel insulation in the cavities between the framing. The bottom side (visible from the road surface) is plywood glued to the steel tubing, and black waterproof cloth on the bottom. Areas near the engine (diesel pusher) have an additional layer of silver-colored thermal insulation. The top side is two layers of 3/4" OSB sub-floor. If you can get to some place where pipes or hoses go through the floor, you may be able to pull back the sealant and see what layers are in yours.


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Old 04-08-2016, 07:18 PM   #8
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I can't guess how your Bounder is put together. My floor is square steel tubing with foam panel insulation in the cavities between the framing. The bottom side (visible from the road surface) is plywood glued to the steel tubing, and black waterproof cloth on the bottom. Areas near the engine (diesel pusher) have an additional layer of silver-colored thermal insulation. The top side is two layers of 3/4" OSB sub-floor. If you can get to some place where pipes or hoses go through the floor, you may be able to pull back the sealant and see what layers are in yours.


Mike
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Mike:

I'm only cutting the interior floor (which is pretty thick) to have access to the basement area. When you start cutting through the basement floor I think that's when you have to be careful of pipes and hoses. I think my rig only has 1/2" OSB for the basement floor, your rig is solid.
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Old 04-08-2016, 07:24 PM   #9
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Mike:



I'm only cutting the interior floor (which is pretty thick) to have access to the basement area. When you start cutting through the basement floor I think that's when you have to be careful of pipes and hoses. I think my rig only has 1/2" OSB for the basement floor, your rig is solid.

I don't have a basement like some rigs have. My MH has storage compartments outboard of the frame rails, but nothing in the center. I could easily shove a decent-size kayak up into that space, but I really want a large battery compartment that is accessible through the coach floor.


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Old 04-08-2016, 07:48 PM   #10
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I cut a 12x18 or so hole for cat access to potty box in storage. From underneath in the storage bay one could not determine where the structure was. I drilled a series of small holes feeling for the structure as I went along.
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Old 04-08-2016, 10:37 PM   #11
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I cut a 12x18 or so hole for cat access to potty box in storage. From underneath in the storage bay one could not determine where the structure was. I drilled a series of small holes feeling for the structure as I went along.
vsheetz:

Was the 12X18 hole frame to frame?
Did you reinforce the floor opening?
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Old 04-12-2016, 07:25 PM   #12
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All:

Update: I contact Fleetwood and they sent me the floor plan prints for my beast. He mention, should be no structural issues with the coach if no tube steel are cut. He also mention, consider a bit of a radius cut at the square corners to prevent stress cracks at the corners. Good idea!!

Changing out the floor covers and be a good time to do this project. Thanks everyone for your reply.
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Old 04-13-2016, 11:59 AM   #13
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Allegro had a large compartment between the frame rails.(several years ago.) It was a great storage area. It was probably 2 feet by 4 feet. It was just behind the transmission on the gas chassis. Our customers loved it.
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