Generator access door

[wjborow]

Our 2018 31 UL's been sitting in our driveway getting prepped for a six week journey. We've been running the generator 8 to 10 hours per day for three days now and we've been able to open and close the access door a few times with no trouble. Just now I tried to open it and the latch won't move. Tried locking and unlocking it but nothing works. Any tips or tricks I should try?

[thebcmc]

Might sound crazy but if you can get on the ground with a flashlight and a screwdriver under that compartment door you might be able to push back the slide that latches to the striker plate on the body. If you look at another lock with the dppr open you should be able to visualize it. Once opened you will be able to determine if something is wrong with the mechanism or just needs a little WD40. Just a suggestion. Good luck.

[thebcmc]

sorry I meant (If you look at another lock with the door open }

[RetiredOne]

Originally Posted by wjborow

Our 2018 31 UL's been sitting in our driveway getting prepped for a six week journey. We've been running the generator 8 to 10 hours per day for three days now

OK, I'm curious.... why are you running it all day in your driveway?

[wjborow]

95 degrees in Florida, and wifey wants (needs?) to be happy while she cleans every nook and cranny

[Mike-NM]

My 2014 Precept UL does the exact same thing. It seems to only do it when it is hot....might be a safety prevention. I don't know as it is not an issue for me when it is cool or only running for a few minutes.

[Vicr]

The heat is causing expansion. Keep the gen door open if your going to run that much.

[Mike-NM]

I may experiment with some heat shield tape on the inside where the locking mechanism is located.

[TGoldsbury]

I understand why you run the gen for the A/C, I'm in Fl as well, this week has bee brutal. Where I park my 31UL (Myrtle) is right beside where my power goes into the house, 5' away from my breaker panel. I was able to install a 50 amp receptacle on the outside for next to nothing due to location. Myrtle gets plugged in as soon as we get home. Great for starting the fridge a day before the trip to get it cold, keep it cool during cleanup, and I also keep a dehumidifier in the shower to keep the humidity within reason.

[wjborow]

Yes, going to do the same as soon as I get home around September 1st, just in time for hurricane season!

[2KOOL4U]

When I have any basement door problem I put a leveling jack down and twist the frame. If you have particular door not opening, it will take some time to figure out which jack works for that door. I use my left front to open my outside TV door which always sticking.

[EA37TS]

Originally Posted by Mike-NM

I may experiment with some heat shield tape on the inside where the locking mechanism is located.

If you do anything with heat shield or insulation around the generator you may be asking for a problem. There have been numerous problems reported of generator shutting down due to excessive heat. On some motorhomes, even thought the manufacturer installs the generator with adequate distance from surfaces etc.. and within Onan specs they have installed vented doors to aid in air circulation.

[Mike-NM]

Good point... since it is really not an issue for me as i don't mess with the generator when it is hot as he%$, I will leave it alone.

[hawkster]

My generator door warped due to heat. I had to keep it closed with duct tape until jayco replaced it. I try to leave door open now when using the Gen.