17' Series Thinking about a new access hatch

[bigman0510]

Hello Peeps,
Been thinking about putting in a access hatch to gain better access of the rear trunk. I have measured it and can fit in one 300x230, this will give better access to the rear trunk for shovel, broom, axe etc. Looking at the various sites and there doesn't seem to be any premade at that size so I will have to use the custom ones on my favourite website.

http://caravansplus.com.au/catalog/index.php?cPath=986_61_404

What are your thoughts???

 

[cruza driver]

I remember a caravan magazine showed how to retro fit an access door a couple of months ago and it looked pretty straight forward.
I often wonder why they dont have one on the rear boot, Bushman and I were actually discussing this on the weekend.

 

[mfexpanda]

I agree but it still brings a tear to me eye cutting into my new van

 

[boots33]

Have at it bigman.... just take lots of pics for us to see how its done

 

[bigman0510]

I will have to dig up that mag ( its the caravan world one with the expanda on the front)... I saw it somewhere too. really unsure about cutting into the van ray:

but it would make more sense.... measure ten times cut once!!

 

[cruza driver]

I will have to dig up that mag ( its the caravan world one with the expanda on the front)... I saw it somewhere too.

Thats the one :rockon:

 

[bigman0510]

Have at it bigman.... just take lots of pics for us to see how its done

or how not to do it

 

[MolongMick]

Hello Peeps,
Been thinking about putting in a access hatch to gain better access of the rear trunk. I have measured it and can fit in one 300x230, this will give better access to the rear trunk for shovel, broom, axe etc. Looking at the various sites and there doesn't seem to be any premade at that size so I will have to use the custom ones on my favourite website.

What are your thoughts???

Hi there Bigman, I am having discussions with Jayco at the moment about an extra hatch for the expanda that I'm looking at purchasing. The quoted figure installed at factory is $151.00.
Hope that helps, obviously you should be able to buy them through Jayco, just a case of asking the right person/people.

Good luck.

 

[bigman0510]

Thanks Mick,
I dare say they would be putting in the custom size hatch also, just like my BBQ one. I have searched everywhere and can't find a hatch the correct size.

 

[Moto Moto]

I am going to enjoy following this thread bigman:thumb:

 

[bigman0510]

I am going to enjoy following this thread bigman:thumb:

not sure i will :wacko: putting some pressure on me now. I will order the hatch tonight then, damn peer pressure!!

 

[achjimmy]

not sure i will :wacko: putting some pressure on me now. I will order the hatch tonight then, damn peer pressure!!

Good luck bigman. Just try and cut between vertical uprights. I thought about doing this on our last expanda. When considering it I was going to try and find any uprights with a "stud finder" failing that I was going to drill a small 1/4" hole on the inside and bend a bit of welding or fencing wire at 90 deg with the "leg" 1/2 the width of the hatch and see if I could feel for the upright. I have no idea if there is is any foam bonded on the inside. But I am always very nevous about cutting anything when I don't know what's inside!

 

[BUSH PALACE]

Hi guys just recieved the latest caravan & motorhome which has an article on cutting holes into the sides of your van if your up to it !!!!!!!!!!!
Russell

 

[bigman0510]

IT's DONE!!!

Well Guys,
I completed the hard task of cutting into a $47,000 Van :faint:



Wasn't as hard as I thought, I think the hardest bit was actually bringing myself to cut a hole in the van.
I ended up using a premade hatch from the caravans plus website. http://caravansplus.com.au/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=3265

I can fit my axe, shovel, broom (with head removed) and a whole lot of other stuff I am sure.:high5:

 

[cruza driver]

:first:

Looks factory Bigman well done I think you may have given others the courage to do it to there's.

 

[Four of us]

Hi bigman,

Did you use an angle grinder to cut the hole for the hatch. It's given me some ideas?...

 

[bigman0510]

Hi bigman,

Did you use an angle grinder to cut the hole for the hatch. It's given me some ideas?...

Yes mate I did... used the thinnest disc I could find, used duct tape all around the area as a mask, there were barley any sparks. I used used some aluminium angle than I was going to use on the bottom of the shower to go around the inside of the hole as a tidy up.

 

[straydingo]

Good job
So did you find any uprights in that position or other surprises? Any hassle moving the light?

 

[bigman0510]

Good job
So did you find any uprights in that position or other surprises? Any hassle moving the light?

nothing in the way what so ever. The only issue with moving the light was getting it out with all that silicone behind it holding the light there.

 

[twscoot]

You can also use a jigsaw. Easy. Here's a link I previously posted complete with photos. Nice work Bigman!
http://www.expandasdownunder.com/th...s-hatch-for-rear-tunnel-boot.4801/#post-68887