more bathroom space

[msspag]

We have a 2015 19 ft. Flying Cloud and are very happy with the space, towing capabilities and operation except that the bathroom was cramped because the door closed at a 45 deg. angle. The design was changed, I think in 2019. Acquiring the new door, hardware, etc. for the upgrade is cost prohibitive. So I decided to create the needed space in a more economical way. It involves a piece of 1/4 inch thick high density polyethylene (HDPE) for the door extension and a continuous hinge and some hardware to attach to the existing door. You can purchase the HDPE panel cut to the exact size you want from "Interstate Plastics" quite reasonably and it was shipped to our door in just a couple of weeks. After receiving the panel, I realized that it needed a trim on the outside edge to prevent warping. A 3/8 OD aluminum trim fits and does the trick. I have attached a few pictures of the finished job. When not in use, it fits flat against the inside of the existing door. When in use, it squares off the area allowing for additional space when using the toilet or dressing after showering. Hope this helps any who are dealing with the same issue.

[RFP]

This is absolutely brilliant! SO much better than Airstream's fiddly new design.

[tbrowne]

Very clever. Kudos!

[Johnco]

Really genius solution. Care to share dimensions and some details on the latch hardware? Very nice work, I really like the whole concept better than the current flip-flop door. Thanks for sharing!

[msspag]

The sheet of HDPE I used is 1/4"x16"x72" and I added a piece of 3/8" OD aluminum channel designed to trim 1/4" plywood(Lowes) on the loose edge to prevent any warping. The hardware consists of a stainless continuous hinge (Home Depot) and a bunch of 6x32 fasteners to attach to the existing door. The HDPE sheet is held to the existing door with a JQK cabinet door magnet (Amazon) when not in use and I utilized the same magnet as part of the latch when in use. The other side of the latch is simply a piece of !/8" cable and some random hardware that is ferrous on the end to connect to the magnet. I hope this helps.

[Johnco]

Perfect, thanks so much!

[Aironius]

msspag, that is some solid engineering. I may steal your idea. We have a 2001 Bambi 19 with the same bath and the same complaint, too cramped with the door closed. I am currently replacing the carpet with vinyl so the interior is torn out and I plan to do a toilet mod to address the lack of foot room at the same time.
My toilet (photo attached) is turned slightly toward the rear, apparently with the intent of allowing one to close the door while using the toilet. It doesn't work. I'm not a giant, but at 6 ft. I have to leave the door open and place one foot in the shower and the other outside the door. In your photos it appears that your toilet may be mounted straight ahead, is that correct? I am trying to turn mine either straight ahead or even a bit toward the front. I have removed my toilet and removed the six screws holding the flange to the floor, but can't see how to turn it. Did you have to turn your toilet, and if so, what is the trick? I may make a new thread from this, but maybe you or someone reading your post will have the answer...

[msspag]

Aironius, My toilet is in the original place facing straight out. No need to move or relocate it. Just utilizing the square space in front of the toilet is what the door mod produces.
Thanks