Storage door, 2004 3400RL,....modify??

[nkwist]

The street side storage door has always been a hindrance to getting to the things stored there. I rigged a latch to keep it open, but I'm sure there's a better way.

I'm thinking of drilling out the rivets that hold the hinge on the top of the door and mounting it vertically so the door opens to the side like the newer models. I may have to cut the door into two pieces with one hinge on the left and one on the right.

I've done a search and came up with nothing. Has anyone done this?

[Parrothead]

Norm, we have an '05 3400 and had the same problem. Someone on here had his dealer do a latch that works great when the bedroom slide is out. I have pictures that I could send you if you will email me your email address.
Happy trails.....................

[foggyb]

I used a entry door hold-open latch and it has works great except when I tell my wife to retract the slides while the door is hooked up. Dan

[nkwist]

foggyb, that's what I've been using too. But I've snapped about 4-5 of them off over the years and being 6'3" I'm getting tired of bending over to root around in there. If I can get the door to swing out of the way I'd be a happier camper.

[grampachet]

On our 3000RK street side door is a double door. The rear part of the door opens in front of the water heater and has stops to keep it away from the heater which does not allow it to open enough to latch. This is probably a different setup than yours, but make sure the furnace and water heater are not in the way.

[nkwist]

Someone on the RV.net and my wife came up with a great idea at the same time. "Why not just move the hinge from the top to the bottom and let it open downward?" Duh!

The whole project took about 45 minutes and it works great! I used a 3/16 bit to remove the rivets from the top hinge holding it to the frame, leaving the hinge attached to the door. Turned it upside down and front to back so now it locks on top, hinge on the bottom. I used 1/2 long pan head sheet metal screws to attach the hinge to the lower lip, just the reverse of the way it was attached to the top. I could have used pop rivets, but the screws work fine.

Now that it swings down, I don't have to worry about latching it in the "up" position, and don't have to worry if the door is open or closed when I pop the slides.

Try it, you'll be glad you did!

[rames14]

That sounds like a great idea. It cost me about $70k to fix mine. The new door came with a Big Sky wrapped around it.

[Rondo]

Norm -- any chance of getting some pictures of your mod? I would be helpful for us dumbies! Thanks!!

[nkwist]

I'm sorry they are so large, but this is my first attempt to post photos.


This is the finished project, door now locks on top.


Shows where rivets were drilled out of top frame.


Shows screws attaching hinge to bottom.


Door open.


In the last photo, the door is partially open. When fully open, it hangs straight down and clears the ground by about 2 inches. I may add a handle to the inside of the door to help raise it to close.

[HamRad]

Nkwist,

Thanks for the pictures. So simple! Another plus for the folks on MOC. Thanks so much for sharing.

HamRad

[Rondo]

Thanks Norm and Chris! Pictures are great and now I know what I can do to my 2980 also. Just a never ending battle between truth, justice and the RV way!