07 Diplomat right side water tank access door modification

[mandms59]

I am not sure if this forum or the Modifications forum would be better place to ask question -as it deals with accessing the back of the water tanks I put it here.

Normally on my 07 Diplomat you can access the the back of the tanks via the access door just forward of the rear wheel on passenger side by unscrewing the top and bottom screws on the left side on the panel.  On my Motor home either at the factory or maybe the wheel well panel was removed and repaired (I am 3rd owner);  the right rear wheel well panel covers up the top screw so that you cannot open the access door.   

I needed to get into the area for a few things - (tank flush head acting up/possible heating pad install for water tanks) so my only option is to cut off the screw head or bracket for access.

My question  - has anyone ever converted this access panel to one with a door lock similar to the other basement doors?

I know access door is not regularly needed to get  into (this is my 1st time accessing area)... however I have someone in auto-body shop (shop does work on MHs) who can convert it into a locking handle type.     

My other options - 

(1) Grind out/drill fiberglass flange that covers screw-head - not sure I have enough space/will completely uncover screw-head. 

(2) Try to install new L bracket lower down the side of access door at point where the is enough space to drill into frame and be able to us a screw as originally set up.      

Comments/recommendations greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance/

Mark

[jacwjames]

Do the rest of our doors swing open or lift/pivot UP. 

Mine lift up, there's a piece that is fastened to the side of the coach that the top of the doors slide into and allows the doors to swing up. 

My coach came a door that swings up for the compartment on the passenger side of the wet bay.  The door has a latch handle so I can open.  Looks just like the other latches.  I would think you could get a latch like the other doors, measure and cut the opening for the latch itself and striker. 

[RNMCBR]

This is what I did to my 07 Diplomat. It allows easy access to the curb side of the holding tanks and behind the water heater, and provides storage for extra hoses etc.

[mandms59]

5 hours ago, RNMCBR said:

This is what I did to my 07 Diplomat. It allows easy access to the curb side of the holding tanks and behind the water heater, and provides storage for extra hoses etc.

 

 

Roy can you tell me where you sourced the turnbuckle(?) type locks or what the proper name is for them?  This looks to be exactly what I was try to maintain - a lock on both the top and bottom of the access as currently exists with the l bracket screws

 

R/ Mark

[RNMCBR]

mark,

I got them from NW RV Supply in Eugene Or. I think they are called Southco latches. If you send them the picture I uploaded they can identify them. Pay attention to the locking arm on the back to make sure it is the right one. 
Roy
 

[mandms59]

Roy,

 

Thanks for quick response -  I was just looking at the Southco website  and trying to find your setup.

Mark

[RNMCBR]

Here is a copy of a page from the NW RV Supply web site. These are the ones I used. They also have the barrel key. 

Here is a link: https://www.nwrvsupply.com/product-category/exterior-accessories/locks-catches-keys/page/2/

[mandms59]

Roy,

Thanks again... checking website as I type.

Mark

 

[mandms59]

Roy,

Based on photos... it looks like you setup the locks to grab the upper and lower rails of the compartment?

 

My parts should be here this week.

 

R/ mark

 

[RNMCBR]

Hi Mark,

I mounted my latches 4” from the door edge, 3” from the door top, and 4” from the fold on the bottom. This matches my A/C condenser door. I did the same for my fuel doors. But on the fuel doors, I placed the latches 2-1/2” from the door edge to better line up with the opening. 
I also added some 1/8” thick rectangular pieces inside the opening for the latch paul to engage. Otherwise it would tear up the seal. 
Here are some pictures that may help. 

Roy

[mandms59]

Roy

Thanks again for the detailed response.

Mark