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Topic: Bay door won’t open (Read 583 times) previous topic - next topic

Bay door won’t open

So, we are out on our maiden voyage in our 97 295 and stopped for the evening.  Went to open the bay door on passenger side where the water manifold is.  The latches on the left side seem to be releasing, but the right side is holding tight.  Any idea how to open the bay door if one of the latches won't release? 
Bruce & Jen Evans
Montgomery, TX
1997 U295 36'

Re: Bay door won’t open

Reply #1 –
First thing to try is put firm pressure on the side of the door that's not releasing while working the handle. Best to do that by leaning into it with your leg.
Dub McBride 1996 270

Re: Bay door won’t open

Reply #2 –
Assuming it isn't just locked, you can lay under there, carefully pry it outward, peer in with a flashlight, insert a long rod or something and try to push the latch mechanism to free it. Arrows in photo.

Also, sometimes the bay doors will bind a bit if the coach is twisted. Change its configuration by moving or playing with the levelers.
jor

93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320

Re: Bay door won’t open

Reply #3 –
Something inside the bay against a latch will do similar. Put some steady pressure on it but don't pull so hard on the handle as to break it.
Dub McBride 1996 270

Re: Bay door won’t open

Reply #4 –
Thanks Dub.  That did it. 
Bruce & Jen Evans
Montgomery, TX
1997 U295 36'

Re: Bay door won’t open

Reply #5 –
Pull up on the latch with your left hand and then grab the bottom of the door with your right hand and pull up  Door will come right open 
2014 ih45  (4th Foretravel owned)
 1997 36' U295 Sold in 2020, owned for 19 years
  U240 36' Sold to insurance company after melting in garage fire
    33' Foretravel on Dodge Chassis  Sold very long time ago

Re: Bay door won’t open

Reply #6 –
10/4 Bruce.
Dub McBride 1996 270

Re: Bay door won’t open

Reply #7 –
Jor, I am so impressed with the inside of your bay doors and locks etc. You must have nothing to do but clean everything all day long.
JohnH
Coachless, now use aircraft. 2003 Ford Travelair TC280 class C. Super shape. Just for 1 yr .
1994 Ford E350 ClassC,total renovation inside and out. Now sold.
2000 U295  36' Cummins 350 c/w Banks Stinger, Resonator upgrade,Solar, LED lites.Residential fridge with slide out pantry. Build 5674. Sold
ex 92 GV 022C ored Cummins. Sold
ex 95 GV240 cat 3116. Sold
2017 Mini cooper s & 2016 land Rover LR2 HSE  LUX.
jhaygarth@aol.com    SKP #130098
treat everyone as you would like to be.

Re: Bay door won’t open

Reply #8 –
Quote
I am so impressed with the inside of your bay doors and locks

Thanks, Juanito. You should have seen them when I bought this rig. It had little care outside of mandatory maintenance so it took awhile to get it in shape. It's good now with the exception of front end damage from a flying alligator in Houston (ouch!). I was thinking about dumping it and getting another 320 but I really like this little guy so I'm keepin' it (for now).
jor
93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320

Re: Bay door won’t open

Reply #9 –
[quoted]  I was thinking about dumping it and getting another 320 [/quote]

Dream on JohnBoy.