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08-13-2013, 11:59 PM
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#1
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Member
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 65
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Any advice on adding access hatch and how to cut through Fiberglass exterior
I found a great area on my Eagle 31.5 FBHS that is perfect for storing a few more items, but there is really no easy way to access it except by reaching up and over the propane tanks in their enclosed area. I plan to add an extra access door/hatch on the outside of the unit so I can now get access to this hidden area. Wanted to know if anyone has any tips as to how to cut the rectangular hole in the outside of the fiberglass unit. I was thinking of drilling some starter holes with a drill in each corner and then either using a jigsaw or a cutting disc on a small dremel. Not sure if the jigsaw would tend to cause any splintering of the exterior fiberglass or not. Any pointers would be appreciated.
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-Chip
2013 Jayco Eagle 31.5 FBHS
2011 Ford F250 SuperDuty Crew Cab 4x4 Diesel
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08-14-2013, 08:48 AM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Southeast, NY
Posts: 1,113
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To reduce splintering place heavy tape where you plan to cut. While you may have already done so, contact Jayco to get the wall diagram for where you're planning on cutting. This *should* show you what the wall construction is and any support beams. Not sure if it shows wiring or not, but certainly a good idea to do first.
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Karl - Southeast, NY
2020 377 RLBH
2018 Ram 3500 Mega Limited 6.7L Cummins w/ Aisin
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08-14-2013, 09:30 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: North Idaho/Arizona
Posts: 5,446
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I am not familiar with your floor plan but is it possible to reach this area with a cut out in the closet floor?
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08-14-2013, 09:53 PM
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#4
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Cape Coral, Florida
Posts: 4,793
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Looking at pictures of people resealing windows, the cut outs look like they were done with a fine tooth jigsaw.
Looks like most windows and hatch should have about .5-1.0" seal, so if you're within a nice 1/8" you should be golden.
Doug
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Cape Coral, Florida
2021 Toyota Tundra SR5, 5.7 V8
2022 Jayco 240RBS
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08-14-2013, 11:07 PM
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#5
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Member
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 65
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Thanks for the feedback so far. Fortunately this is in an area where I can completely see and get access to the back side of where I'm going to cut so I don't have to worry about structural features or wiring. I'll post some pictures of the area and the before and after when I'm done.
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-Chip
2013 Jayco Eagle 31.5 FBHS
2011 Ford F250 SuperDuty Crew Cab 4x4 Diesel
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08-15-2013, 06:52 AM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Carson City, NV
Posts: 1,576
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Chip, you might want to check with Jayco to see if you void any part of the warranty if you do it yourself and a Jayco dealer doesn't seeing how new your trailer is. Just a thought.
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Ted - Shelley - Kacie - 2018 Springdale 2600TB - Sold 5/15/21 - 2006 Ford Expedition
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08-15-2013, 03:23 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Kalamazoo, West Michigan
Posts: 1,817
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Use a jigsaw blade that cuts on the downstroke or has teeth pointing straight out that cuts on the up and down stroke. Vermont American makes both.
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2006 23B Hybrid with 10k round bar WDH
2011 F150 4x4 SCREW Ecoboost, Max Tow, Integrated TBC, 3.73 LS axle, Firestone Ride Rite airbags.
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08-15-2013, 04:08 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Rose Hill Ks.
Posts: 123
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My go to tool these days is a mutlitool I have a Fien and a cheap Harbor Frieght version for a back up.
I do remodeling and seem to find a use for it every day.
The fine cutting wood/plastic blades would do a very smooth cut .
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David S.
2010 298 RLS Eagle
99 Ford F-250
1 wife
2 spoiled cihuahua's
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09-08-2013, 01:24 PM
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#9
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Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Huntsville, AL
Posts: 55
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I store my 2x6 leveling boards in that area, just reach over the propane bottles. I also cut a piece of plywood to floor in front of the propane bottles and 6x6's for perfectly there.
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2008 31.5FBHS Jayco Super lite 5th Wheel
2003 F350 SRW 6.0 PSD
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09-09-2013, 10:21 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Wherever I wake up in the RV
Posts: 1,988
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Might want to consider using a router w/a straight bit. Make a jig to follow, that way you can control your depth of cut, and you don't need any starter holes. Just plunge the router bit in. It'll be a nice smoothe cut.
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2014 Golden Burgundy Seneca 37FS
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