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Topic: Wall construction on 89 280 Unibody (Read 754 times) previous topic - next topic

Wall construction on 89 280 Unibody

I am adding entrance assist handles on the inside of my entrance door. Can someone that has seen the inside of the walls next to the door opening from the inside tell me how deep is the aluminum frame. The screws that I will mount the walnut handles to the wall with must go thru something substantial to stay tight and in place. Appreciate anyone who has seen the inside wall construction tell me how deep my screws need to go to contact aluminum. I will be out of the office more than not but will look in when I can to see if there is any advise or input..  Thanks..... Dub McBride
Dub McBride 1996 270

Re: Wall construction on 89 280 Unibody

Reply #1 –
There is ΒΌ" plywood paneling plus whatever trim is there. The framing in the walls is steel and the framing of the roof is aluminum. The steel is probably 18 gage, so not real thick, but a carefully sized pre-drilled hole with an appropriate screw will hold the handle. The screw should penetrate the steel a bit beyond where the threads reach their largest diameter. The frame tube is an inch and a half square, so you have some pretty good margin for the length of the screw without risking penetrating the outside skin.

Don
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Don & Tys
1999 U270 3602 WTFE #5402
Xtreme Stage 1 w/Headlight, Step Conversion, etc.
2009 Honda Fit Sport with Navi
Freedom is NOT "just another word for nothing left to lose"... with apologies to Kris Kristofferson

Re: Wall construction on 89 280 Unibody

Reply #2 –
Dub,

Don't know if photo below will help.  I took it while working on the entry step wiring circuit on our coach.  The walls on our coaches are basically a sandwich of interior plywood and exterior fiberglass, with insulation in between.  In my photo, you can see the wood, some of the insulation, and the yellow fiberglass.

When screwing/bolting items to the interior walls, the only place you will find any real substantial "mounting" strength is where you tap into a steel frame member.  You can find these members using a magnetic stud finder.  The entry door will have a steel frame going all the way around it.  You will have to check your coach with the magnet to find the precise position of the steel frame.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Wall construction on 89 280 Unibody

Reply #3 –
Give some thought to whether there might be some wiring hidden back there. The switch for the step is on the hinge side and has wires going down to the step.

Re: Wall construction on 89 280 Unibody

Reply #4 –
I initially thought of a stud finder Chuck but was not aware that there were metal stud finders available.. That will be the next tool I get and it should find my metal.. Those electrical wires, if any, will take some more thought David.
Dub McBride 1996 270