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Old 04-10-2015, 04:56 PM   #1
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Removing the engine cover help

2008 Berkshire 390bh. I'm trying to remove the engine cover in the floor of the rear bedroom.
I was able to remove 4 screws, and couldn't figure out how to get the cover to budge.

So then I found 4 more screws...2 on the step and 2 more behind a removable trim panel below the sliding closet doors.

So I've removed 8 screws. And still this thing won't budge! We can't figure out how in the world to pry it up or remove it!

Any ideas?

Does anyone have any pictures of your 390bh with the engine cover off so I could at least see where the seams are?

Thanks a lot!


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Old 04-10-2015, 05:03 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chesterhull View Post
2008 Berkshire 390bh. I'm trying to remove the engine cover in the floor of the rear bedroom.
I was able to remove 4 screws, and couldn't figure out how to get the cover to budge.

So then I found 4 more screws...2 on the step and 2 more behind a removable trim panel below the sliding closet doors.

So I've removed 8 screws. And still this thing won't budge! We can't figure out how in the world to pry it up or remove it!

Any ideas?

Does anyone have any pictures of your 390bh with the engine cover off so I could at least see where the seams are?

Thanks a lot!


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Here's a picture with the bed up: Click image for larger version

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ID:	73821


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Old 04-10-2015, 06:57 PM   #3
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There was a thread on here last year sometime about this very thing. The cover is very heavy and not that easy to remove. I cannot find the thread or remember what the poster did to remove it.
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Old 04-10-2015, 07:05 PM   #4
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Hope this helps. It shows only the top rear one removed. They are both heavy. The rear one has to come out first because it sits on top of the front one. I used a pry bar to get it up.
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Old 04-10-2015, 07:09 PM   #5
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And be sure that you cut the carpet at the seams if it has never been out. Cummins had to do that when they repaired mine.
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Old 04-10-2015, 07:32 PM   #6
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Camping Cajun: thanks! I searched and searched before I posted! Couldn't find anything helpful.

beipers: ok, right on. That helps some. Does that one pry up from the front...lifting up? I can't quite see how that rear one overlaps the front one, but it will probably make sense when I'm back in there.


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Old 04-10-2015, 07:53 PM   #7
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This is from memory but I think it's 85% accurate. The trick is getting the right mix of up and forward because the back of that cover is shingled under the top rear cross member.

Do us a favor. When you get yours out, post some better pictures so there's a better record than I'm providing.
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Old 04-10-2015, 07:54 PM   #8
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The carpet cut caution is valid. My carpet was not cut on my 2008.

Last year one guy went under the coach and put a 2x4 up against the hatch cover and beat it off. Might also try a 2x4 and jack from under the coach. The cover has a heavy metal frame covered in particle board. You will see the outline under the coach. The particle board swells as well as the carpet not being cut. This causes the cover to become stuck! I mean STUCK!! I also had trouble with the screws being covered with undercoating but you seam to have over come that. Each half of the cover must weigh 40 pounds if it weighs an ounce.

First time I took my hatch off it took 6 hours using three pry bars and 10 pound hammer. Second time 4 hours. I then trimmed 1/8 inch off the cover all the way around with a circular saw and replaced the screws with latches. I also put 4 garage door handles on the covers, 2 on each half. I can now get it off in 1 minute.

When you do get it off I suggest you think if something like this. You do not to pay a mechanic to remove the cover if stuck on the road at $150 to $200 per hour.

When you get it off have a staple gun available to tack the carpet down around the edges of the hatch and the cover.

I would pull it and take pictures for you but I just had knee surgery today.

Even when off there is not much access to anything due to the rear facing radiator.

What are you trying to repair?
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Old 04-10-2015, 08:12 PM   #9
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If i remember correctly, this thread has some pictures of this. Unfortunately i can't get the picture link to work any more but I think the OP still participates on here in the 5th wheel forum. Perhaps you can send him a PM and get him to post the pics again.

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ad.php?t=59298
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Old 04-11-2015, 02:18 PM   #10
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Removing Engine Cover

Silver,
Any chance of some photos, it sounds like a perfect solution.
Thanks,
GOOD LUCK
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Old 04-11-2015, 08:38 PM   #11
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Silver,
Any chance of some photos, it sounds like a perfect solution.
Thanks,
GOOD LUCK
AREA51
Give me a week or two as I had knee surgery last Friday. Those coach steps are tall right now. Not getting around well. When back on my feet I will send some off. PM me an email address I can send them to. Will it be alright if they are of the hatch closed. Will show the latches and handles. Don,t want to pull hatch and put the weight on my leg for a while.
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Old 04-13-2015, 08:01 PM   #12
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I spent a little more time working on this, but still haven't made much progress.
I don't really like the fact that I'm having to cut so much of the carpet seams, leaving a raw edge in the carpet! So I'm. It sure how far I'm gonna take it.

Got a super busy week, and then we'll see what I can get done on it here.


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Old 04-14-2015, 07:24 PM   #13
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I don't really like the fact that I'm having to cut so much of the carpet seams, leaving a raw edge in the carpet! So I'm. It sure how far I'm gonna take it.


I took your picture and marked in red where the carpet should be cut. See attached. Have you tried to push the hatch open from under the coach as I suggested in an earlier email?
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