Mod to Cougar 28SGS basement water heater access panel

[Cougar1957]

Has anyone made a modification to the large basement panel that has to be removed to access the water heater bypass valve? I'm thinking of cutting an access hole and possibly attaching it with a hinge so that it can be just swung up/down to reach in to access the bypass valve. I would love to hear any ideas or modifications you have made.

[JRTJH]

Check the options in this thread. Consider post #2 as a simple solution. The Search feature is your friend)

http://www.keystonerv.org/forums/sho...ghlight=access

[Ayotte]

I just cut a round hole and put a small hindge on the top and glued a small piece of wood on the back on the bottom to stop the cut out piece from going in.

[Bill & Deb]

Originally Posted by Cougar1957

Has anyone made a modification to the large basement panel that has to be removed to access the water heater bypass valve? I'm thinking of cutting an access hole and possibly attaching it with a hinge so that it can be just swung up/down to reach in to access the bypass valve. I would love to hear any ideas or modifications you have made.

Mine has a small access panel that was held in place by 4 screws. I took two pieces of velcro and riveted it to the backside of the panel. It now holds itself to the felt style backing of the wall and makes for easy access.

Bill

[Cougar1957]

Great ideas...I knew I couldn't be the only one that had an issue with having to remove that huge panel every time I needed to access the bypass valve. JRTJH I missed that "Cabinet door" thread probably because the title sounds nothing like what I was looking for suggestions on. I'm really liking your access hatch idea. Thanks all!

[Cougar1957]

I ended up purchasing a screw out deck plate similar to the one JRTJH recommended. I wanted a slightly bigger access hole due to having rather large forearms. Here is the one I got off Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ilpage_o00_s00 Should be here in a few days. Hope to post pics when installed.

[RedRover]

Using an oscillating saw, I cut a 5 inch square "door", Pop riveted a couple of small hinges, glued a thin stick to the back side so the door doesn't hinge through and secured with a single sheet metal screw.

[Shepstone]

Obtained this access panel from the plumbing department in lowes , it is 8X8 plastic



Its hard to see from the dark pics but the bypass valve is directly back from the door . This makes it much easier to get to, and also find the valve, as it is less visually confusing when you can't see all the other wires and plumbing there as well. I had to move the top left screw over a bit as I felt it was too close to the p trap