Adding a rear compartment.

[ArgosyRover]

Hello all,

I've added a rear compartment to my 24' twin.
I don't know how common this is, I couldn't find any other references.
I'm converting to a rear bed so I wanted to use the space under the bed efficiently.
I've actually put a generator locker in the side as well.
A little tricky as the side must be curved.

The reason I'm sharing is that I couldn't find any commercial hatch doors I liked so I made them out of the rather nice aluminum extrusions the interior cabinetry is made from.

There are a few more details on this page of my blog

Best cheers
Peter

Travels with Geordie

[robert claus]

Very nicely done. I live the pix of you running the table saw on the beach.

[ArgosyRover]

Thanks Robert,

It was a lovely place to work.
I'm in New Orleans now, also lovely.

Cheers

[crunch27]

Good luck, Peter. Will be following your blog and updates.

[perryg114]

What about the structural connections between the shell and the frame? That section you removed is about 90% of the structure back there.

Perry

[ArgosyRover]

Hi Perry,

90%?
It just isn't.
The section I removed is between the double ribs both sides which are still solidly anchored to the steel angle and frame.
The only "structure" sheet aluminium offered here was sheer, bracing.
And there is plenty of sheer left in the remaining skin and the diaphragm effect of the bed structure I've added.
Thanks for the concern though.

Cheers
Peter

[Kevin245]

Nice work Peter. Keep us posted on your progress.

Kevin

[perryg114]

On most Airstreams there is a hold down plate that connects the rear of the shell to the rear cross member. There are several bolts that bolt this plate to the frame crossmember. There are also two larger bolts that bolt the thin weak c-channel to the frame rails. Unless you beefed up the two remaining connections to the frame, you have really weakened the structural attachment between the shell and the frame which is already pretty weak. Was there a hold down plate that you removed to put your door in?

Perry