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Topic: Compartment Door won't open (Read 762 times) previous topic - next topic

Compartment Door won't open

I've been stalking for a while and we are actually on our 2nd Foretravel now.  We purchased a 1995 U320C-SE last week and had a successful maiden voyage over the weekend.  However, on our way home I stopped for fuel and the compartment handle on the passenger side for the fuel area turned 90 degrees and does not unlatch now.  I suspect the lever attached to the handle has stripped so it will not actuate the 2 latches to release them.  I've looked for another way into this area but I'm coming up with nothing short of cutting holes.

Suggestions?
1991 40' U300 SAI (2014-2015)
1995 40' U320C-SE (2015-2018)
1994 36' U280 Current

Re: Compartment Door won't open

Reply #1 –
Do a search here, others have had the same problem.  Solution seems to be to pull rubber gasket out of the way and use a flat rod with a hook to grab bars and open doors while laying on your back in the dirt.
Good Luck
Gary B

Re: Compartment Door won't open

Reply #2 –
I have the lift handle type but they still go to two wires on the sides.  Lift the coach all the way up.  Get a bent hanger with about a 1/2 inch hook on it at 90 degrees and pull the weather stripping out with a pliers and reach up and grab the wire.  If you have the lift type and the electic lock breaks you can use a 18 inch thin screw driver to push the plastic clip off and then your key will work.

Open up a door that works and look at it and see about where you ahve to reach too and then just go in and do it.
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: Compartment Door won't open

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Lone_Domino –
I've looked for another way into this area but I'm coming up with nothing short of cutting holes.

Suggestions?
The fuel/propane bay is vented at the bottom and perhaps you can rip out the screening and get at the mechanism. The nut on the inside has probably fallen off of the crank handle. If you can get at it you can hold the bar onto the square drive of the crank inside and have someone turn the handle from the outside. If you raise up the coach without blocking in the future we may have to refer to you as "Dead_Domino". Be careful
good luck
Rick

Re: Compartment Door won't open

Reply #4 –
Quote from: John S –
Open up a door that works and look at it and see about where you ahve to reach too and then just go in and do it.
I found that I had to push UP close to the latch on the side to unlock. Used a steel ruler left over from the old line-printer continuous paper days. Cut a notch in it to hold on the connecting rod.
Elliott & Mary Bray
ex. 1996 36' U295 - Build 4879
ex. 2018 Coachmen Leprechaun 319MB
 

Re: Compartment Door won't open

Reply #5 –
I had to pull down on my coach but needed to push up to remove the clip for the selenoid but he needs to check on another door what way it needs to go easiest.  I found I could pull down on the last time I did it but pushing up would do the same thing.
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: Compartment Door won't open

Reply #6 –
I finally got a few hours when it wasn't raining and was able to pull the weatherstrip off the bottom and then get the compartment open.  Turns out the nut had loosened and it allowed the lever to jump 90 degrees.  All is good now and I checked all the compartment latches, found a few more that were loose.  Thanks!
1991 40' U300 SAI (2014-2015)
1995 40' U320C-SE (2015-2018)
1994 36' U280 Current

Re: Compartment Door won't open

Reply #7 –
don't you just love it when is a simple and cheap fix ;D

Larry
Larry Warren
1996  U320 36' SBID "Lola" sold 2020
Build #4970
Motorcade #18318
 

Re: Compartment Door won't open

Reply #8 –
Yeah, I wish the crack in the intercooler was as easy to fix...
1991 40' U300 SAI (2014-2015)
1995 40' U320C-SE (2015-2018)
1994 36' U280 Current