Basement "Hatch" Modification for Plumbing/Utility Access

[Carleen]

After purchasing our 2011 BH last week, I was tasked with accessing behind the walls of the basement to track down a water leak. It turned out to be the vacuum breaker valve for the black tank flush. Once that was fixed via the port hole in the shower, it didn't make sense to just re-screw the walls back in place where they were before (I am positive this won't be the last time I am digging around in the mess of pipes, cables, ducting and electrical chaos that is at the heart of functionality- and failure for these rigs). I didn't think it was a sturdy design to begin with. The walls were set at an odd 30 deg angle and weren't easy to re-attach. The screws had stripped out in a few places and it just looked sloppy. Needless to say- it was driving me nuts.

I went to Home Depot and purchased two simple 12" hinge sets. I attached the hinges at the junction of the angled wall and straight wall to allow for pivoting of the angled wall for access behind the UDC and other utilities. Then I used two hook door latches to secure the hatch shut. Because of the angle attaching the hatch to the UDC, it was best to use this style latch.

Now, I have easy access to the mess back there. Even just to check if everything is dry. If need be, I can open it up and crawl to the mess for repair. Simple as that!

(See pictures below)

 

[Carleen]

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[Bones]

Looks good. Nice job.

 

[Carleen]

Thanks!! I wonder why the factory doesn't do this already- it would be appropriate given how many connections are accessible through there including the water shut-off for the ice maker in the refrigerator. Has anyone else modified this area?

 

[danemayer]

Lots of us have modified the panel in various ways. I have a piano hinge on the bottom edge. Others have cut and framed windows they can reach through, others have set it up so the panel can be lifted up and out.

 

[Capt7383]

I just left mine off

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[avvidclif]

Thanks!! I wonder why the factory doesn't do this already- it would be appropriate given how many connections are accessible through there including the water shut-off for the ice maker in the refrigerator. Has anyone else modified this area?

That's easy. They didn't want you opening the door during PDI

 

[TravelTiger]

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Looks good, Carleen! We made sliding doors in our previous unit.



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[Carleen]

Sliding doors would have been great so both sides can open! Ours has that goofy angle so I don't know if that would work


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[SNOKING]

I call that area the zoo, and the vacuum break animal has gone missing! Chris

 

[TravelTiger]

Sliding doors would have been great so both sides can open! Ours has that goofy angle so I don't know if that would work


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Yes, it worked well because we didn't have the angle. Our new Big Country has the angle, we haven't created an access solution yet. I like your idea.


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[Geodude]

A good, straightforward approach. I find myself having to into that space on a somewhat regular basis as well, so I may just do the same mod.

 

[Garypowell]

I don't have any pictures but right after getting our Bighorn 3010 I took most of the pressboard down moved the vacuum back and then put up a simple 2 by 2 frame and attached white coroplast with Velcro.

When I need access I just pull the sheet off and toss it out on the ground.

Gained about a foot of extra basement room most way across the basement.