Adding an outside hatch door

[AquaMan]

Has anyone ever added an outside hatch door? Have been thinking of adding an outside hatch on my 2012 365saq, similar to what they've done on the 2013's, which moves the fridge from outside kitchen to it's own hatch door. The space is completely unused, and no way to access or utilize it from inside. Does anyone know if they made any wall frame changes from 2012 to2013? My main concern would be finding out if there was some sort of structural stud within the cutout area. There is a window above the proposed cutout, which lends me to think that the studs/framework would straddle the window, and not have any type of jack stud below. Any thoughts?

[BeagleIL]

I want to do the same thing with our 233S. Big old space running the full width of the trailer but they block off more than half of it. It would be a perfect space for hot dog/marshmallow skewers and fishing poles. Now I just need to find a place I can purchase a hatch door w/frame!

[TURBS]

Originally Posted by BeagleIL

I want to do the same thing with our 233S. Big old space running the full width of the trailer but they block off more than half of it. It would be a perfect space for hot dog/marshmallow skewers and fishing poles. Now I just need to find a place I can purchase a hatch door w/frame!

Purchase through your dealer

[AquaMan]

Checked the wall for studs last night, and the only ones that showed up were on each side of the window. Contacting dealer to see what a hatch door would cost, and to see if they have any opinions on the matter. They are pretty good to work with and always offer tips and advice where needed, or when asked.

[vasnipe]

Here is a source for baggage/compartment doors. You might contact them for up to date sizes, etc.
Baggage Doors - Factory RV Surplus

Chris in Virginia

[fschambe]

I am a little confused. Is the compartment and fridge new for 2013 or was it scrapped and put in the outside kitchen in 2013? I see a lot ads online and am having trouble figuring what to expect from my '13 365SAQ on order.

[AquaMan]

From what I can tell, the 2013 models being built now, come with the fridge in it's own outside hatch (check floorplan on website). The previous models, even some of the 2013's, have the fridge in the outside kitchen. I would love to free up some tall counter space in the kitchen if possible. No room for Margaritaville machine, and this just won't do.

[fschambe]

What do you have behind the area where the outside fridge is in the newer models? It looks like it lines up with the corner cabinet? Is there a loss of usable cabinetry in the kitchen?

[AquaMan]

Originally Posted by fschambe

What do you have behind the area where the outside fridge is in the newer models? It looks like it lines up with the corner cabinet? Is there a loss of usable cabinetry in the kitchen?

It does exactly line up with the corner cabinet, and it's all dead space. There's no access to this space from the inside. The drawers from the end cabinet go to about the middle of the sink, from there to the wall is all unused, unaccessible space. Perfect for fridge.

[fschambe]

Amazing... I wonder why they didn't think of it sooner...

[AquaMan]

From what my dealer told me, since this is a relatively new layout, they have been making improvements to the design or adding options as they go. I know early 2012's didn't have some upgrades as the later 2012's, and same goes for 2013. Seems improvements are implemented about every 6mos or so, but I wouldn't let it hold you back. We love our 365SAQ and have only had minor issues that hasn't kept us from camping.

[camper_Lucy]

The area was the frig in models 10,11 and 1/2 of 12. Then the frig was moved to the kitchen and that area was use for the outside entertainment area option. Still available You get a tv and sound system in a larger hatch than the original hatch door size.

[TeresaInCAL]

The was a surplus guy on eBay selling doors (1'x2'?) for less than 8 bucks, don't know what size you need, but you might check it out.