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Extra Storage Space

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Engineerlt

Extra Storage Space
« on: December 13, 2019, 09:48:11 am »
Found some extra storage space behind the toilet (model 2552). The panel that is behind the toilet covers a vent pipe from the sewage holding tank. I removed the panel and came up with this to utilize the space. It can hold 16 rolls of toilet paper and some cleaning supplies. Does anyone have any other ideas? I am always looking for ways to organize and store stuff.
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Ron Dittmer

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Re: Extra Storage Space
« Reply #1 on: December 13, 2019, 02:25:22 pm »
 2o2
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Re: Extra Storage Space
« Reply #2 on: December 13, 2019, 02:28:44 pm »
That's a great idea! How did you cut out the panel behind the throne? 16 rolls of TP is alot of boondocking!! :lol roflol
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Engineerlt

Re: Extra Storage Space
« Reply #3 on: December 13, 2019, 03:50:43 pm »
It was stapled in, so I just removed the trim pieces and then pulled on the panel and the staples pulled out. I made sure I took my time so I wouldn't break anything and could put it back together if I had to. I am not sure why the pictures are upside down, they were correct when I attached them.
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RKS

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Re: Extra Storage Space
« Reply #4 on: December 14, 2019, 02:35:55 pm »
Great find!
There is also a lot of hidden space between the outside wall and the outboard wall of the storage compartment under the driver side bed.
I had to remove the entire top of the compartment for access.  There is quite a bit of wiring and some plumbing in that area so I made 2 boxes out of plywood to fit the space and inserted them between the two walls. Constructed the boxes to protect the wiring and give access if ever needed.  I then cut access panels on the bed top outboard of the piano hinge, and fit covers. To open them I just have to slide the mattress inboard.  Great space for seldom needed things.
Found the space in one of my many (4) replacements of the faulty 4 way valve, as an aside the new brass 3 way seems to have fixed the issue.
As I write this I am looking at the panel under the pantry,  never been brave enough to cut it open to see if there is also storage space there. 
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Bob and Michele
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Engineerlt

Re: Extra Storage Space
« Reply #5 on: December 14, 2019, 03:29:56 pm »
Hello Bob
I like the idea, I have been in that space to run some wire and install a circuit breaker for my second AC. I don't have the 50 amp power distribution system just the 30 amp, but I wanted a second AC. I put the unit on its own shore power plug so I can plug it in along with my 30 amp. I installed another 30 amp receptacle next to the factory one outside, then ran the wire in under the bed to the breaker and from the breaker to the ac.  I have 2 Houghton Belaire AC's now. They are very efficient and will run on a 15 amp circuit, once up and going they only draw about 10-11amps and super quite. I have it setup so if I pull into a site with a 50 amp outlet I can power both the house and second ac or if they have a 30 amp and 15/20 amp receptacle I can power both as well. Also the good thing is that seeing as the generator is only 4000 watts it wont trip offline if it starts on automatic loss of shore power as it can only power the one ac. These ac's will automatically return to there settings once power is restored. One drawback to them is they can't be connected to a thermostat, they use there internal thermostat for control.

I was also looking at the space below the pantry, I think I might get my boreascope and see what is under there. I believe my next project is going to be following in your foot steps and try to reclaim some of that space under the bed. you said you removed the complete section that covers the area, you mean the piece with the carpet? I pulled on that carpet and they really have it secured to the plywood. do you have any pictures?  Here are a couple pictures of my second ac and associated parts.
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RKS

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Re: Extra Storage Space
« Reply #6 on: December 15, 2019, 02:40:55 pm »
What I was trying to describe is simply the hinged cover for the storage unit, sorry for the confusion. Perhaps could have just unscrewed the fixed section of the cover but seemed easier to take the whole top out. The access covers were then cut in the narrow fixed section.
Have periodically thought of adding an external plug as you have, put that back on the list.
Keep us posted on the space under the pantry.
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Bob and Michele
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Engineerlt

Re: Extra Storage Space
« Reply #7 on: December 15, 2019, 07:31:39 pm »
Hello Bob
I haven't looked under the pantry yet but I did work on the space below the bed and in the outboard section with the wiring. I first went and removed the carpet and plywood above the wheel well. Then I carpeted the wheel well plywood which was below the piece I removed. Then I removed the wood and hinge for the bed. Then I removed that piece of wood I believe you put an access in so you could get to the water supply valve. I went and made a box that was 33 inches long x 9 1/2 inch wide x 8 inches deep. It fit above the wires and shore power receptacles, then I made an access and put it all back together. Here is a couple pictures of the access and box. I went and carpeted the inside of the box to dampen any noise from what ever ends up get stored there.
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2 Frazzled

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Re: Extra Storage Space
« Reply #8 on: December 16, 2019, 01:46:00 pm »
Re: space under pull out pantry. If you belong to the Phoenix Cruiser Travel Club, a picture of that exact space shown with a cat door on it and a description of the space will be in the soon-to-be-sent newsletter (I get an advance review copy to check my submissions). They have a new rig so no clue if the older ones have empty space there. Also no clue how that works with the Lagun tables people have been installing in that area. I've been eyeing that spot myself.
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Engineerlt

Re: Extra Storage Space
« Reply #9 on: December 16, 2019, 04:45:23 pm »
Well took apart the pantry to gain access to the bottom void, and its open under there. I left the bottom out of the pantry and put some peel and stick carpet on the plywood. I think I will open it up and get some Blum drawer slides and make a pullout so the space is usable. If I had a cat or small dog it would make a great space for them. Here are some pictures.
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Ron Dittmer

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Re: Extra Storage Space
« Reply #10 on: December 17, 2019, 12:00:43 am »
Hi EngineerIt,

The factory is capable of making a matching cabinet door.  They made affordable drawer fronts for a project of mine DETAILS HERE.  Give them the dimensions, the wood species, and the finish of your PC interior.  They can easily make a flush panel like for a drawer face.  A panel door might be more difficult to get just right for such a small door, but you never know.  It is sure worth asking Carol at Phoenix.  A door front, two hinges and a cabinet knob, pop-out the old insert, and you have direct access.  Or have the factory make a complete drawer for you.

Personally I like the cabinet door instead of a drawer because the drawer itself reduces the volume of available interior space.  It also likes to open if loaded heavy while hitting a bad bump while steering through a curve in the road.  That is why I later added button latches to each drawer of our "max volume 3 kitchen galley drawer" project.  Keep that in-mind.

Being new found space "on the floor" looks good for placing some of your heavier items like your tool box, bottle jack, and related....a nice "Emergency" cabinet.  Located just forward of the rear axle is also good for load distribution between axles.
« Last Edit: December 17, 2019, 12:09:53 pm by Ron Dittmer »
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RKS

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Re: Extra Storage Space
« Reply #11 on: December 17, 2019, 11:38:17 am »
Engineerit
Thanks for the leg work!
From your photos looks like great storage space. I had also thought about contacting PC for a door should the space be usable.  The big box stores also do cabinet panel doors at a reasonable cost, though do not know how small they go.
Your adding the additional outside electrical connection is something I’ve tossed around for use with the small electric heater we use occasionally.
When we get back in the spring, I’ll have a few new projects to work on. Thanks again.
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Bob and Michele
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Engineerlt

Re: Extra Storage Space
« Reply #12 on: December 17, 2019, 04:12:01 pm »
Hello Ron
Good idea on calling PC, I spoke to Carol and for about $30 and shipping I got a matching door. The door is actually a standard size, 9 X 13 same size as the cabinet above the toilet.
Thanks Lance
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Sarz272000

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Re: Extra Storage Space
« Reply #13 on: December 17, 2019, 11:33:37 pm »
Engineerit
Thanks for sharing your clever storage ideas.  I especially like the storage behind the toilet. Never would have thought about that.  I bet PC could make that an option!

Now can you figure a way to extend my passenger side PC 2551 twin bed a couple inches? It is currently 74 inches and I am about 74 inches long and shrinking!  I figure if I wait long enough things will work out.

Ron S
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Re: Extra Storage Space
« Reply #14 on: December 18, 2019, 09:39:22 am »
Quote from: Sarz272000 on December 17, 2019, 11:33:37 pm
Engineerit
Thanks for sharing your clever storage ideas.  I especially like the storage behind the toilet. Never would have thought about that.  I bet PC could make that an option!

Now can you figure a way to extend my passenger side PC 2551 twin bed a couple inches? It is currently 74 inches and I am about 74 inches long and shrinking!  I figure if I wait long enough things will work out.

Ron S
If you are shrinking as fast as I am you won't need to wait long...
And I've discovered that a little Single Malt after dinner makes any bed more comfortable. :)(:
« Last Edit: December 18, 2019, 09:48:15 am by 2 Lucky »
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