 |
In the photo at left, you'll notice that Trillium Industries decided in their infinite wisdom against including what is standard equipment on many trailers these days. (Hey... they had to keep the cost down SOME way.) There is no outside access port to a storage bin.
When you pull in to a campground, there are all sorts of things that you need to get to in order to properly secure the trailer. Among these are wheel chocks, jacks, leveling blocks, water hoses and extension cords. If you're like most folks, you keep these items in the trailer, not in the tow vehicle. But to preclude having to go inside and dig this stuff out of the rear storage area, I decided to install a direct access door.
|
|
Just aft of the starboard wheel well (seen at right) was a blank area of 'glass that hid the under-bed storage bin. This image shows a view down inside this storage locker that's under our feet when we're in bed. Since we leave the rear bed made up all the time, it's a real pain to access that storage bin. You have to lift the mattress to get to stuff. All that's in there is some wiring for the running lights and the hoses that carry water to the galley sink. There is also a vertical furring strip that I removed. Summoning up my most courageous pose, I cut a hole in the outside of the trailer using a jig saw.
|
|
 |
The opening is about 10 x 16 inches; plenty big enough to retreive cords, jacks, a roll-up table, even the trailer awning if we have to put it away wet.
The door was purchased at the local RV store and is a pretty standard item that's available in various sizes and shapes. It has a keyed lock, an aluminum frame, insulated panel and the fiberglass cover even matches the Trillium color. The frame, hinge and door are all included. All you need is some stainless steel screws.
Having caulked it pretty well when I installed it, there have been no water leaks so far.
I REALLY like this thing. It's super convenient and only took about 90 minutes to install.
|
