Cutting An Access Hole In A Scamp19

[Bfleissner]

Hey, I was wondering if anyone has cut an access hole in their Scamp 19 (5th wheeler)? Under the drivers side dinette seat is a relatively large area. The only thing in there is the shore line power cord. So there is a fair amount of unused space.


The Scamp19 does not have any (zero) exterior storage and I'd love to cut a small door and keep my black water (after cleaing) hose in there.


I am thinking, cut the access panel as a 5x10 opening. Using contruction adhesive, glue pvc 1x2s to the inside of the opening, with a 1/2" reveal to act as a stop for the hinged door.


Does this make sense? Has anyone already tried this on their fiberglass unit?

[C&G in FL]

Originally Posted by Bfleissner

Hey, I was wondering if anyone has cut an access hole in their Scamp 19 (5th wheeler)? Under the drivers side dinette seat is a relatively large area. The only thing in there is the shore line power cord. So there is a fair amount of unused space.


The Scamp19 does not have any (zero) exterior storage and I'd love to cut a small door and keep my black water (after cleaing) hose in there.


I am thinking, cut the access panel as a 5x10 opening. Using contruction adhesive, glue pvc 1x2s to the inside of the opening, with a 1/2" reveal to act as a stop for the hinged door.


Does this make sense? Has anyone already tried this on their fiberglass unit?

Fiberglass is easily cut with a number of tools, easiest is probably a saber saw with the appropriate blade. Put a layer of tape all around to prevent scratching.

But, three comments here:

1. If I recall correctly, the area you describe housed both the shore power cord and the converter/wiring in the 2012 Scamp 19 I owned.

2. You cannot truly clean and sanitize a sewage hose in a field environment by simply “rinsing” it out. They are best stored outside of living spaces or in spaces adjacent to and with an open connection to living spaces. That is why every trailer manufacturer provides a hollow bumper or a waste water hose storage tube on trailers with bathrooms.

3. If you are determined to do this, why not buy a hatch designed to be installed into an opening cut into the shell. They come in various sizes. Cut the hole, seal it, and in Scamp style, rivet it in place through the shell. My Escape has four storage hatches, 3 different sizes that I would describe simply as small (1), medium (1), and large (2). From what you are describing it sounds as if you plan to fabricate a door using makeshift framework and the piece you cut out. The manufactured hatches I mention above have gaskets around the “doors” to keep water out.

[Eddie Longest]

I have installed several hatches in Scamps on the drivers side dinette. Really gives access to hard to get to storage space. I used the area it to store all my set up equipment. I use boat deck hatches, with butyl tape and washers they are stiff enough not to need backing strips or have any leak issues. I do add a 1/8"x1 aluminum strip on the outside to make up for the curve in the shell. I may still have an access panel in the shop.
Eddie

[Timber Wolf]

I did this to my 16 (same as a 19 as far as this area of the unit is concerned). I bought an 11”X19” RV access door off fleabay with rounded corners. The rounded corners were important to me to cut down on stress to the fiberglass shell. It fills the area well and is very secure after I screwed it into 1”x1” hardwood framing I added inside the shell. Makes a very handy storage area. As others noted, the converter is in there which was handy as I changed it out for a new one.

[Civilguy]

Originally Posted by CPW

2. You cannot truly clean and sanitize a sewage hose in a field environment by simply “rinsing” it out. They are best stored outside of living spaces

I agree. Beyond the risks of infection, you can count on having odors in the trailer sooner or later.

Many folks install a PVC fence post and caps to store their black water hose under the frame. It's an economical and effective way to take care of storing the hose. There are many posts on the internet detailing different approaches.

[mosquito13]

Why cobble something together ? Google or hit Amazon/eBay for boat access doors. Frame is included s/s hinges with locks . Just cut to opening size( most include a template. Add 5200 and screw or bolt in place. Never understand why folks here do not embrace their floating camper contemporaries...

[Bfleissner]

Excellent info. Thank you all. I did not know that I can buy pre-made hatch covers

[bigangelman]

I took one out of my Amerigo. I'd gladly sell it.

[redbarron55]

I bought a fairly large marine hatch and mounted it on the side and built a plywood box inside for the outside accessible storage. The marine hatches are "water proof" with gaskets.
I use it to store those things I don't want inside. I keep a 3" sewer hose in there, but I never have used it as I have a macerating pump and a 1" hose to drain both gray and black tanks and this one is only for an emergency situation.
I do keep jacks, chocks, a camp stove and tools in there.

[Timber Wolf]

Originally Posted by mosquito13

Never understand why folks here do not embrace their floating camper contemporaries...

I don’t know that we don’t, but just as an example it seems to me that boat stuff is three times as expensive.