2021 303rls wasted space?

[Dennis66]

I was looking at the 29rs and comparing to the 303rls and wondered why GD did not put a small compartment door behind the fireplace. The 29rs has outdoor kitchen in that location and the only difference I see is there on opposite sides. I looked behind my fireplace and if they ran the wiring differently they could of put an outside door/hatch that one could store there electrical cord, Measuring looks like it could be at least 10" deep. Has anyone else seen that wasted space? I would use the room for power cord, surge protector and 50 to 30 amp dog bone this would eliminate 1 large tote I have just for that.

[Cate&Rob]

Dennis66
Hi Dennis,

I have often looked at that empty space and wondered how I could make use of it. Your idea could certainly create usable storage in a good location, for the items you mention. I will forward your idea to Grand Design.

Rob

[Dennis66]

Ill bet someone could cut a hatch door and trim it out use the piece you cut as the door, Im sure could find pre built compartment to install. My wife would kill me if I got my saws out since we only have 300 miles on it. I have seen that done I would not trust my dealer but perhaps GD could do it.

[Cate&Rob]

Dennis66

I have forwarded your idea to Grand Design . . . we will see if there is any interest. In the Grand Design way of doing an exterior wall opening, this would require a wall framing change. Every opening in an exterior wall is framed with aluminum square tube. They even put plastic corner radius pieces into the frame where an opening will be located. This allows the manufacturing process to cut exact openings using a router that follows the aluminum frame plus the correct corner radius. This also creates a full wall frame surrounding the opening, for the window/hatch/door to attach to.

As a retrofit . . . securing the door frame to just the thin exterior skin with only foam insulation backing it up would not be as robust . . . although, I understand that other RV manufacturers do this. I like the idea of a pre-built compartment that could be inserted . . . I wonder where we could find one of these?

Rob

[howson]

Dennis66

I have forwarded your idea to Grand Design . . . we will see if there is any interest. In the Grand Design way of doing an exterior wall opening, this would require a wall framing change. Every opening in an exterior wall is framed with aluminum square tube. They even put plastic corner radius pieces into the frame where an opening will be located. This allows the manufacturing process to cut exact openings using a router that follows the aluminum frame plus the correct corner radius. This also creates a full wall frame surrounding the opening, for the window/hatch/door to attach to.

As a retrofit . . . securing the door frame to just the thin exterior skin with only foam insulation backing it up would not be as robust . . . although, I understand that other RV manufacturers do this. I like the idea of a pre-built compartment that could be inserted . . . I wonder where we could find one of these?

Rob

I have one, Rob. I bought it (yes, paid $$ it wasn't given to me) from GD while at the factory service center before attempting to install the RVLock in the underbed storage door.



For anyone that wants to duplicate a door on their trailer, the key is the RPO number that you'll find on a sticker. Call Lippert and provide that RPO and they will know exactly the door you're referencing.



I've often contemplated where to use this door (since I didn't need it for the underbed storage project). Behind the fireplace might be perfect on my 315RLTS since the slide configuration is similar to your 303RLS.

AS IT EXISTS TODAY



PHOTOSHOP MOCK UP


So get busy and figure out how to do this! You're a wizard at installs like this--bet it would be amazing and I'll shamelessly copy whatever you do.

Howard

[Jlawles2]

Dennis66 Dennis, I made the same suggestion after seeing BTBRV do a review on his new unit and he had them install a door on the backside like that. He added a cord reel and a few other things to make it a usable space.

[Dennis66]

That's what I need I was thinking cord real, (manual one) great place for it.

[Cate&Rob]

howson

Grand Design OEM hatches are designed to fasten to a perimeter aluminum frame (as they use for all production openings). There are aftermarket hatches (I think) that use an inner frame to capture the unsupported wall (luan/foam/luan) and the inner and outer frames clamp together. To use an OEM door like you have, would require inserting some type of "frame" in place of the foam around the opening. This could be done by removing some of the foam and inserting pieces of hardwood set in epoxy. I have done this on a boat . . . not "easy" . . . but, doable.

Rob

[howson]

I have done this on a boat . . . not "easy" . . . but, doable.

Exactly why we need Professor Farrow to document how to do this so us mortals can also do it.

If were to even contemplate tackling something like this I'd get a junk panel and wall from a scrap yard to practice. But that's a dream for some distant day...calendar is full through the end of the year.

[Dennis66]

yep just a dream need to enjoy it the way it is, just the engineer in me to change things, would be nice to see GD incorporate this in next or 2 model years down the road.

[Country Campers]

This would for sure be a great addition but ,,,, The model 303RL already has a weight issue on that side , 500# or so heavier than the other side. Adding this storage and resulting "stuff" would put more weight on that side. Then Rob would have to recalculate spring arch and weight distribution to counter this effect.

Brian

[Dennis66]

That was the first thing I thought of with that being the heavy slide you may get someone that fills it with firewood, GD just trying to catch the 1% of the people.

[Jlawles2]

Well the stuff I want to put in there is already on that side of the camper anyway. Primary thing would be that it's over the axles or back thus it's not on the hitch.

The biggest things would be water hose and electrical anaconda.

[howson]

Well the stuff I want to put in there is already on that side of the camper anyway. Primary thing would be that it's over the axles or back thus it's not on the hitch.

The biggest things would be water hose and electrical anaconda.

Oooo....a 50A cord reel in that space would be awesome (if it would fit). Have it recessed just a bit so the male plug stays "outside", then a cover that secures in place that's flush with the exterior of the camper. Wouldn't that be convenient!

[Canyonlight]

This would for sure be a great addition but ,,,, The model 303RL already has a weight issue on that side , 500# or so heavier than the other side. Adding this storage and resulting "stuff" would put more weight on that side. Then Rob would have to recalculate spring arch and weight distribution to counter this effect.

Brian

Yes, Brian - you are right on. Rob and I and many others have shared numbers since 2014/2015 with these floor plans. Our 303 was 560 lbs. heavier on the street side right out of the box. Many when loaded shared numbers close to or over 1000 lbs. with 303s, 337s, and similar Solitude floor plans.

Rob Cate&Rob would be working overtime calculating and modifying but it would be REALLY good !

Dan