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Topic: Cannot Open Aqua Hot Bay Door (Read 769 times) previous topic - next topic

Cannot Open Aqua Hot Bay Door

Went to open the AH bay door today after I had an unfortunate encounter with a parking lot light standard cement foundation and only the left catch would release.  This door has given me problems in the past but I have always managed to get the darn thing open by pulling on the door handle and the bottom edge.  But not today!!  This door is under the living room slide so it doesn't open bus style.  It's on a piano hinge and has two latches, one on each side that are controlled by the latch using flat metal rods.  It operates like the genset door.  Any ideas on how to get the door open?
David & Sherry Kendrick
"Gizmo" The Doggy Lama
USAF(Ret) 1971-75; 1979-95 (20 yrs)
2003 U320 F03 [6179] 38PBDS (3/2016)
2016 Chev Silverado Z71 LTZ
Motorcade 17738
--------------------------------------
New Horizons 5W 25' RKS (1/2004 - 3/2016)
2003 Chev Silverado 2500HD Duramax
Tent (5-person) White Stag (1972 - 2003)

Re: Cannot Open Aqua Hot Bay Door

Reply #1 –
I don't know if pulling in where it is cracked might help.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Cannot Open Aqua Hot Bay Door

Reply #2 –
Try snagging the right hand wire and pull it down.

If that fails, the wire may be broken, hope that it is broken near the handle. You may be able to snag the wire near the latch
and pull it out the bottom and pull to the left.

Good luck....
 
Tim Dianics
Pam Sapienza
Vader PupZilla Labrador Canine Beast (AKA Pup)
Columbia, MO
1996 U320 4000
2021 Jeep Gladiator, Diesel

Re: Cannot Open Aqua Hot Bay Door

Reply #3 –
Not sure on the '03, but on our 2000 I could open the opposite side and crawl through to the door that would not open and open that way.  Hope this helps as our latch broke and had to be taken off to open the door.  Pulling on the handle, wires or metal rod did not help!
Joe & Dottie Allen
Sold!  December 2023.      2000 U320; build # 5645
Our coach " Maxine"
Motorcade #  15922;  Escapee 150950; FMCA F330833; Boondockers Welcome;  Harvest Hosts;  Thousand Trails
'98 U320 from 2000-'06
USAF '62-'66

"Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for." ―Epicurus

Re: Cannot Open Aqua Hot Bay Door

Reply #4 –
Unfortunately the bay is sealed off from the other side, behind the AH on my '03 U320.  No suggestions (sorry), but here's a few pictures of what you are working with so you can make a plan.
Keith
2003 U320 38' #6197

Re: Cannot Open Aqua Hot Bay Door

Reply #5 –
Try leveling the coach - there may be some pressure on the bay door from being not level
2009 Nimbus CE
2016 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk
 ̷2̷0̷0̷6̷ ̷C̷o̷u̷n̷t̷r̷y̷ ̷C̷o̷a̷c̷h̷ ̷I̷n̷s̷p̷i̷r̷e̷

Re: Cannot Open Aqua Hot Bay Door

Reply #6 –
With the water bay door up and out of the way, is it possible to remove the piano hinge rod?  I assume that's how it is installed.
Keith
2003 U320 38' #6197

Re: Cannot Open Aqua Hot Bay Door

Reply #7 –
Thanks for the suggestions and pictures.  A technician at Xtreme suggested a long screwdriver; may have to drill a hole to gain access. They would fix the hole at the same time they're repairing the door.  Not the best, it is what it is.
David & Sherry Kendrick
"Gizmo" The Doggy Lama
USAF(Ret) 1971-75; 1979-95 (20 yrs)
2003 U320 F03 [6179] 38PBDS (3/2016)
2016 Chev Silverado Z71 LTZ
Motorcade 17738
--------------------------------------
New Horizons 5W 25' RKS (1/2004 - 3/2016)
2003 Chev Silverado 2500HD Duramax
Tent (5-person) White Stag (1972 - 2003)

Re: Cannot Open Aqua Hot Bay Door

Reply #8 –
All this door not opening action sounds like a recalcitrant HAL-9000. "I'm sorry Dave, But I'm afraid I can't do that"
Jerry & Nona and Kimeru the cat that thinks she's a dog
1998 36' WTFE U320  #5314 Motorcade #17711
USAF 1975-1995
2019 Subaru Crosstrek 'toad'
2003 Subaru Legacy touring car
jerry Fincher | Flickr

Re: Cannot Open Aqua Hot Bay Door

Reply #9 –
Success!!!  :dance: I studied the door latch system on the side genset door to determine exactly how it works.  I then noticed there was a screen in the floor of the AquaHot bay for diesel spillage.  Using my flash light I could see the recalcitrant latch.  I was able to spray some sliding window tract lubricant and actually hit the latch mechanism. I pulled very hard on the latch handle and that was enough to get the latch to release.  After I got the bay door open I noticed that my accident had not only damaged the fiberglass door, but had damaged (bent) the door frame underneath.  Have an appointment with Xtreme to repair the door, but don't know if they can also repair the door frame.
David & Sherry Kendrick
"Gizmo" The Doggy Lama
USAF(Ret) 1971-75; 1979-95 (20 yrs)
2003 U320 F03 [6179] 38PBDS (3/2016)
2016 Chev Silverado Z71 LTZ
Motorcade 17738
--------------------------------------
New Horizons 5W 25' RKS (1/2004 - 3/2016)
2003 Chev Silverado 2500HD Duramax
Tent (5-person) White Stag (1972 - 2003)

Re: Cannot Open Aqua Hot Bay Door

Reply #10 –
Quote from: WagonWheels –
  Have an appointment with Xtreme to repair the door, but don't know if they can also repair the door frame.

When is you appt at Xtreme? We will be there Nov 29 for 5 or more days.
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: Cannot Open Aqua Hot Bay Door

Reply #11 –
It's scheduled for mid-Dec after bladder repairs at MOT.
David & Sherry Kendrick
"Gizmo" The Doggy Lama
USAF(Ret) 1971-75; 1979-95 (20 yrs)
2003 U320 F03 [6179] 38PBDS (3/2016)
2016 Chev Silverado Z71 LTZ
Motorcade 17738
--------------------------------------
New Horizons 5W 25' RKS (1/2004 - 3/2016)
2003 Chev Silverado 2500HD Duramax
Tent (5-person) White Stag (1972 - 2003)

Re: Cannot Open Aqua Hot Bay Door

Reply #12 –
David, glad you got the door open!  I was wondering what you use for sliding window track lubricant?  I have a couple of windows that will only open a couple inches. 
Bill and Joyce, The House2 and Dashboard Pig III
2000 U320 4210 CAI (The House2)
Build # 5733
2019 F150 King Ranch FX4
 

Re: Cannot Open Aqua Hot Bay Door

Reply #13 –
3-in-one RV care window & track dry lube.  We bought it on Amazon.
David & Sherry Kendrick
"Gizmo" The Doggy Lama
USAF(Ret) 1971-75; 1979-95 (20 yrs)
2003 U320 F03 [6179] 38PBDS (3/2016)
2016 Chev Silverado Z71 LTZ
Motorcade 17738
--------------------------------------
New Horizons 5W 25' RKS (1/2004 - 3/2016)
2003 Chev Silverado 2500HD Duramax
Tent (5-person) White Stag (1972 - 2003)