Adding External Storage Hatch? X23F

[twoballscrewball]

I want to add a small external storage hatch to my X23F, just above the sewer dump, to keep the 'poop kit', aka the gloves, hose adapters, etc, etc.

I have obvious reservations about cutting into the sidewall.

Any advice, is this a terrible idea, etc? I would block off access to this compartment from the inside using plywood and caulking, so that the externally accessible area can not be accessed from inside, and that the majority of the interior cabinets shown would still be usable without risk of being contaminated, just need a small area near the dump valve to keep this stuff.

I have also considered bolting a small lockable toolbox to the rear bumper as well, as an alternative and less potentially destructive idea.

Thoughts?

[twoballscrewball]

Oops, here are the pics, not my trailer, but they show where I'm talking about.

[Mustang65]

I vote for not a GOOD idea, unless you put them into some sort of lockable sealed plastic containers. The problem is that the hoses never are dry... they will leak and soak into the wood and the odor will of course enter the living area. If you really want to do it you need to water proof the enclosure you build and seal it so no odors can escape into the living area.. if that soaks into the wood that odor will be around for a while. You could use plastic containers like we do and that keeps the odor confined.

Don

[twoballscrewball]

Agreed, and I think you misunderstood a bit.

I have the 20ft hose in the rear 4X4 bumper just like everyone else.

I was just looking for a small area, closer to the dump valve / hookup, to store the smaller items like the latex gloves, elbow adapter, reducers, etc, that I currently keep in a large ziplock bag in the front curb side storage area, literally the furthest place from the dump valve on the entire trailer.

[apr1967]

I'm sure you could do it, and make it seal. Perhaps even make it look factory.

But would it be possible to bolt a plastic ammo can or something to the back bumper instead? Sure would be less drastic.

[FIREBUGMAN]

Plastic battery box mounted to rear bumper?

[Bassdogs]

Think really bad idea. Cutting a hole in an RV is almost never a good idea. How much trouble would it be just to keep a small plastic container in the storage area up front or in your tv? At the end of the day the infrequent use of the items you are trying to store doesn't call for the drastic idea you have floated.

No, no, no!!

[BigJohnD]

I guess I'm the one who would go for it, provided you have the wall schematic from Jayco, know what framing is where, and the door is installed properly. Not sure if it's worth it, but if that's what I needed to make a rig work for me, then I'd find a way. Easy to find a nice door from LCI or challenger. I don't mind hacking / cutting into one, but I've always modified the crap out of them as soon as I get them home.

There was a recent thread where a member got the roof schematics and added a fantastic vent fan above a bunk. Some say cutting into a roof is a bad idea, but it was done with success. Turned out great and done very professionally.

[BigJohnD]

For what it's worth, search for the 5" pvc fence post storage for your stuff. Mount underneath, on bumper or wherever. You can fit most everything you need in one. I have all the stuff to go that route, just hadn't got around to it since we full time.

[Rena]

Hi, I am new here, and have to ask what must be an obvious question... What do you mean you have the hose in the bumper like everyone else? Do you just pop the cap off the end of the bumper? I wasn't aware it was removable.

[Grumpy]

Originally Posted by Rena

Hi, I am new here, and have to ask what must be an obvious question... What do you mean you have the hose in the bumper like everyone else? Do you just pop the cap off the end of the bumper? I wasn't aware it was removable.

If it's black plastic and 4" square it is.