Removing Upright Board Under Oven for Storage Space?

[DutchmenSport]

Thanks to a "mouse invasion" to clean up mouse droppings, I pulled the panel directly under the oven near the floor. What I found was a large cavity of unused space. Except for one wire right in the middle, I see no reason why I could not convert this space into another storage cabinet. I can conseil the wire so it won't be a problem.

But, in the middle of the space is an upright 2x6 that is held upright with a backer support attached to the floor.

My question? Does anyone know what the intent is for this upright board that attaches to nothing under the oven? Actually, there is about a 2 inch gap between the top of the board and the bottom of the oven.

If I can remove this board, I can use the entire space for storage. It's perfect for pots and pans (especially larger ones).

But before removing it, I want to make sure it serves no purpose. My only guess is, it was put there when the oven was first installed, perhaps to keep it from falling to the floor if it slipped? But now? Any ideas anyone.

Photos:

Face of cabinet removed from under the oven:

Notice that upright board with the gap at the top:

 

[foldbak]

LOL..... That's all I got...

 

[twindman]

My stove has a drawer in that spot!

 

[Dhuhn]

My guess is it’s to support the back of the stove.

 

[jimcol]

Amish Craftsmanship?

 

[Daryles]

We have a drawer there.

 

[jsb5717]

Backup piece of fire wood? Possibly a block used as a spacer when setting the stove and didn’t get removed?

 

[DutchmenSport]

Based on responses, it seems that board serves no purpose now. I'm going to proceed turning that space into storage. The drawer idea is a good idea, but I think I'll go with a swinging door. Space is lost when installing a drawer. I'd like the entire cavity to be available.

Thanks everyone!

 

[rickybobby]

You do loose a little space, however, access is easier with a drawer

 

[DutchmenSport]

Update:

The space under the oven is now complete (except for a door handle). But the hinges are spring loaded, so it stays shut, no need for a catch (yet) or a handle. I'll try to get a new handle when I have access to a more rhobust hardware store.

I removed that board, created a false floor with 1/4 inch plywood to cover 3 feet of extra wire and brought the wire up toward the back. I color matched the original stain by blending 2 colors together (came close but not exact), enclosed the side where the drawers are and started using it. Meanwhile, I worked on the door.

The door itself is the original panel that was fastened to the frame. I built a new frame from 1x4 pine and inserted the panel. Everything glued up nice and tight, tightened down and started looking pretty good.

A little more sanding, then the staining on the new wood, and finally 3 coats of polyurethane. The end result? See the photos below:

Before the door was attached, interior complete (Ok, that my reflection in the glass)...

After the door was attached:

Mission accomplished.

It still blows my mind why Keystone did not turn that space into storage from the beginning!

 

[Theunz]

Maybe they thought the bottom of the oven wasn’t well insulated and someone could store something easily combustible there and start a fire.

 

[DutchmenSport]

A new update:
The wife is fed-up with the current Furrion stove top and wants a new one. I agree, it's had issues. I've worked on it several times, got it working well again for a year or so, and then new problems (namely, the oven).

Doing this project, she's been yaking in my ear again. I finally decided to do some serious re-consideration. I removed the top of the stove and below the burners, actually on top of the oven, ... well ... it's a mess.

Long story short, I just ordered a new oven from Lippert (who is handling all of Furrion's products now). We're having it shipped to the house and it should be there in about 2-3 weeks. We're returning back to Indiana from Louisiana on June 30. So, it will be waiting for me to install once we get back home!

I decided to go with a replacement from (Lippert) - Furrion instead of going with something different. I don't want to modify the actual counter top to fit something else. If anyone is interested, for the price of the oven and shipping it was a total of $1264.58. Is it worth it for a 7 year old camper? In our case yes. I plan on keeping this camper until I die.