2021 303rls wasted space?

[Jlawles2]

howson Skip to about 4:00 mark, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKPLpcAeJPY you will have to forgive him, he does not know any better.

[Dennis66]

yep seen that a couple weeks ago, just what I was thinking

[TedS]

I see that aa a little inconvenient. Having to lift the cord over the door opening instead of directly feeding the cable into the spool. Good idea, not the execution I would expect for a mid-range priced rig. It may be ok as an after-market idea. I had an electric rewind that I could wipe the dirt off the cable as it fed directly on to the reel. I do miss that feature.

[Dennis66]

yep mine is manual rewind with rag into my tub.

[Popga]

I can't believe this topic just came up! We just completed our 10 day inaugural trip in our 297rsts. I was going over every nook and cranny and saw that space behind the fireplace. Our camping neighbor had an Imagine with a fireplace cabinet with a pop-up TV. I started thinking, why not put in the pop up and add a window to the curbside of the slide? Then I have a view, and my wife can pop up the TV whenever a soccer game is on...Thoughts on adding a window?
Erik

[howson]

I can't believe this topic just came up! We just completed our 10 day inaugural trip in our 297rsts. I was going over every nook and cranny and saw that space behind the fireplace. Our camping neighbor had an Imagine with a fireplace cabinet with a pop-up TV. I started thinking, why not put in the pop up and add a window to the curbside of the slide? Then I have a view, and my wife can pop up the TV whenever a soccer game is on...Thoughts on adding a window?
Erik

That would be quite a project. All the concerns and issues Rob raised in post 8 are still applicable.

[Cate&Rob]

Popga

The earlier discussion on this thread was about installing a storage compartment door. Without wall frame structure surrounding the opening, the compartment door (or window) would only be supported by the very thin luan ply on the outside and inside of the wall plus the foam insulation in between. There are aftermarket RV windows with an interior trim ring to clamp the wall . . . but, I have yet to find a compartment door with this configuration. I "borrowed" the attached drawing form the internet to illustrate how the interior trim ring would secure the window to the wall. Definitely a significant undertaking.

Rob

[Popga]

howson Cate&Rob It does seem like a bit too much of an undertaking. Maybe I'll just go outside to enjoy the view...Thanks
Erik

[Cate&Rob]

Popga
Hi Eric,
Get an outside camera and put the view on the TV screen . . LOL!

Rob

[Jlawles2]

Popga Erik, The biggest things you would need to overcome in such a project start with the cabinetry in that area. The TV is mounted to a false wall with copious amounts of dead space behind it. Next is the "pop up tray" you need enough room for it to fit (most likely behind the FP is ample) and it needs to be tall enough for the mechanism to fit, and possibly a counter top to replace the piece that is there (if it runs to the back wall its littered with holes for utilities at this point). Lastly would be to install the window, as Rob stated, they make "sandwich frame" units designed to fit in the opening, provided there is not a structural member hiding right where you want to put the window.

[Jlawles2]

Popga
Hi Eric,
Get an outside camera and put the view on the TV screen . . LOL!

Rob

Get a motorized one with remote control and zoom so you can human watch. It's the best most entertaining sport out there.

[Cate&Rob]

howson
Hi Howard,

Back to your question in post #9 . . .

1) Cut the hole for the hatch frame
2) Dig out 2" of foam between the inner and outer luan surfaces all the way around (this is the most difficult part of the project and needs to be reasonably accurate)
3) Make hardwood blocks to fill the 2" space all around. The side ones have the curved ends and go in first. The upper and lower ones are straight and go in second.
4) Coat the blocks in thickened epoxy and insert between the inner and outer walls. Clamp into place until the epoxy sets.
5) Install hatch with frame screwed to the hardwood just as it would be to an aluminum perimeter frame.

Unfortunately, this is modelled after a boat project from years ago and I don't have any pictures.

Rob

[Dennis66]

piece of cake lol