Fender well storage

[ripperj]

Does anyone use the fender well access doors on their camper? I am building a new lower section from scratch for my Alaskan, wondering if it's worth putting the access doors back in. I can see where you could put wet towels or dirty laundry there.

 

[LuckyDan]

I do not on my FWC Grandby because mine are a PITA to get to. I did frequently on my old Caveman hardside.

 

[mkish]

We put our folding chairs and shower tent and other odd items in there. I'd miss it, pain in the butt that it is.

 

[Davious]

My friend swears by it.
He is able to tighten the tie down on the inside of the bed from that door.

 

[Rot Box]

In my FWC those are access panels are in the front under the seat cushions and as Dan mentioned they are a paint to get to. I use mine for storing my jack, jugs of oil/atf/brake fluid/power steering fluid and things like that. Mostly stuff i hope I don't need but don't dare leave behind.

 

[ripperj]

mkish-sounds like your access doors are large, what camper?
thanks for the replies

 

[fisher205]

I have an early 80's Alaskan http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/34534-Alaska-2009 but this summer bought a mid 90's Alaskan. The new camper does not have fender well access and we have lost so much storage that we have considered going back to the old camper or taking out the dinette in the new camper and replacing it so that we can access the fender wells. (is that a run on sentence or what). We would put our folding chairs, table and net tent in one fender well, and I would carry my tools, spare parts and batteries in the other. I am seriously considering a flat bed like the previous owner Kilroy had.

Good luck with the replacement of the base of your Alaskan.

 

[ripperj]

Sounds like its worth the effort to put the access doors in, I will add it to the never ending list.

 

[mkish]

Mine is a Northstar tc800. They're small enough to still be awkward. Good sources of ventilation, too.

 

[ripperj]

I think I will make mine oversized. If I reinforce the opening there won't be any loss of strength. I had seen one camper where the dual batteries were kept in the bed thru the access doors, but seems like a pain unless you have those big DC plugs

 

[rotti]

I get a lot of use out of mine.

One side has the 2x6 wood leveling blocks, some plywood base for the Hi-Lift and a collapsable grey water bag.
Other side has a small air compressor. Plus a good spot for things with fumes: small propane bottles, charcoal fire starter, dirty underwear.
Could also be a good hidey hole for contraband?

x2 on the ventilation. I added some bug screen to one of mine.

 

[Umtaneum]

My Bigfoot and my StarCraft popup had the batteries in the fender well. Worked pretty well, until you needed to change one out with the camper IN the truck bed. Then it was a recipe for blood blisters.

 

[fisher205]

My old Alaskan's is through the top under the seat like a hatch. So wasn't totally inconvenient. I'll try and get pictures of that also for you.

 

[ripperj]

The Alaskan that I just cut up had access they the seat on the curb side too, I may go back to that

 

[Overland Hadley]

Yeah, I put stuff in there. Leveling blocks etc. Any extra storage space is nice to have.

I also use them for ventilation.