Adding access door to dinette?

[str8t six]

I have a 2014 Rockwood mini lite 2504s and noticed that my TT does not have the access door like the 2015 and new models do. has anyone cut one in? and if so are there any studs that are in the way?

Could anyone tell me the size of the door on the 2015+ models?

[rockfordroo]

At least one person here has added a new compartment door; I think the one I'm thinking of was on a Roo, but I would guess it's pretty similar.

You might want to do some googling in the search field at the top of this page.

[Jay2504]

Which door are you talking about? Jay

[str8t six]

Originally Posted by rockfordroo

At least one person here has added a new compartment door; I think the one I'm thinking of was on a Roo, but I would guess it's pretty similar.

You might want to do some googling in the search field at the top of this page.

is there any way to find out if there are studs that would be in the way?

Originally Posted by Jay2504

Which door are you talking about? Jay

the door under the window in the slide. it looks to be 12"x24"

[craigster_mi]

just lift up the cushion and plywood on the dinette seat and that outside wall will be visible.

craig

[rockfordroo]

[QUOTE=str8t six;1695922]is there any way to find out if there are studs that would be in the way?

I guess you could try a stud finder. Don't know of any other way, other than cutting and seeing what turns up.

[cavie]

If you don't have a stud finder use your knuckle and tap on the wall. Find a known stud so you can compare a hollow vs a stud. Do this on the inside. You can make a door any size to fit between your studs.

[Jay2504]

That cargo door lets me get underneath the dinette without lifting the cushions. It works so well that I have only opened the bottom of the seats inside of the camper only once. If your camper is white on the outside this will be easy to find a door, if you have an oyster colored unit it will probably cost a little more. The best thing to do would be to contact Rockwood and get the drawing for the wall. I have called them before and they are very helpful. Sorry I can’t give you door sizes my camper is in storage. Jay

[Jay2504]

That cargo door lets me get underneath the dinette without lifting the cushions. It works so well that I have only opened the bottom of the seats inside of the camper only once. If your camper is white on the outside this will be easy to find a door, if you have an oyster colored unit it will probably cost a little more. The best thing to do would be to contact Rockwood and get the drawing for the wall. I have called them before and they are very helpful. Sorry I can’t give you door sizes my camper is in storage. Jay

[larrytbm]

A stud finder on the outside should work. And from the inside you should easily see the vertical panel joints, they should be centered on a stud and others should be centered 16 inches from each joint. Finally with a good flashlight, look for very small staple holes filled with colored caulk. Sometimes they don't even bother to hide the staples with caulk in hidden locations like under the dinette. Knuckle taps also work. With careful investigation you can locate all the studs.

[Macrosill]

That is an awesome way to access that storage area. I wish my trailer had one of those.

[str8t six]

i tried knocking inside and out, i only have a crappy black and decker stud finder, but it did seem to indicate a stud under window towards the rear.

so it seems my only hope is to call FR tuesday and see if they have a layout of the walls. which im kinda doubting that they will give me, or even have.

[str8t six]

This is where I want to put the door

[rockfordroo]

I'd suggest you find a newer unit at an RV dealer, take the measurements for where it's located, and put yours in the same place. You can probably have the RV dealer even order the door for you.

[str8t six]

I thought of that, but the rv companies always change things. So it might not help.

The red line is indicating where the stud may be, according to the stud finder.

[larrytbm]

Originally Posted by str8t six

i tried knocking inside and out, i only have a crappy black and decker stud finder, but it did seem to indicate a stud under window towards the rear.

so it seems my only hope is to call FR tuesday and see if they have a layout of the walls. which im kinda doubting that they will give me, or even have.

The Rockwood uses rigid foam insulation so maybe knocking won't work. Did you locate the panel edges every 48" on the inside? There should still be a stud there?

But in reality, with the size door you want to install, you are going to cut thru at least one or more studs, so you have to plan for it. Just don't cut thru the ones either side of the window. The biggest concern is not with studs but with the possibility there is electrical wires. But unless there is an outlet under the window, then there shouldn't be wires under it.

[cmysstailights]

Can you crawl in there and cut the interior panel out? This way if there is something there or it cant be dont you just put the panel back. Use a oscilating saw to cut, make clean close cuts

[Jay2504]

I can tell you that on our 2016, 2504s the only wiring is power and ground wires to run the 12 volt light that is over the dinette. I would also HIGHLY recommend that you have the actual door that you are going to install in hand BEFORE you cut any hole. Jay

[str8t six]

Originally Posted by larrytbm

The Rockwood uses rigid foam insulation so maybe knocking won't work. Did you locate the panel edges every 48" on the inside? There should still be a stud there?

But in reality, with the size door you want to install, you are going to cut thru at least one or more studs, so you have to plan for it. Just don't cut thru the ones either side of the window. The biggest concern is not with studs but with the possibility there is electrical wires. But unless there is an outlet under the window, then there shouldn't be wires under it.

funny thing, the stud finder didnt beep at the edge seems next to the window towards the front. So i guess there isnt a stud at the seam. no outlets on the slide, just the dinette light. well the size of the door would depend on the studs. the size im thinking is either a 12x36 like the front access, or a 12x24 door.

Originally Posted by cmysstailights

Can you crawl in there and cut the interior panel out? This way if there is something there or it cant be dont you just put the panel back. Use a oscilating saw to cut, make clean close cuts

i may end up having to do this

[str8t six]

Originally Posted by Jay2504

I can tell you that on our 2016, 2504s the only wiring is power and ground wires to run the 12 volt light that is over the dinette. I would also HIGHLY recommend that you have the actual door that you are going to install in hand BEFORE you cut any hole. Jay

i would buy the door before i cut the exterior, which is why im trying to figure out the size before i drop $100 on a door.