Mike,
I agree with you that the Coachmen wiring plug cover is chintzy --
especially now that I've replaced the always-breaking bakelite plug
with a more substantial one -- which won't let the door close.
When I installed the flip-down license plate I was more concerned
about getting rear control of the air suspension than hiding the
utilities, so I filled that area with switches. No turning back now,
that I can see.
An interesting side note: When I gutted the GMC I found that there
was structure at the rear, above the Onan, for a standard GMC utility
door casing. So I got a door from Zeb Frady and made a jig to guide a
router around the outer contour. When I cut the plug out, lo &
behold, there was a welded-on striker lug for the latch! Behind that
door is now a fairly good sized fiberglassed storage compartment,
beneath the floor of the bathroom closet. Water hoses, extension
cables, adapters, etc., all reside there.
Some years ago I bought a purpose-designed external shower compartment
with door. I've never installed it because I can't figure out how to
duplicate the setup I had on the 40' SOB: I had a U-shaped 3/4"
aluminum tube "curtain rod" which swung up against the side of the
coach, surprisingly innocuously. A plastic curtain around that gave
me a private outdoor shower for use in relatively private parking
locations. I seldom used the inside shower upon return from the gym
and beach, even though it was home-sized.
Ken H.
>
>
> IIRC: The GM upfitted 23 foot coaches had the same "electrical cable" compartment over the street side rear wheels as the 26 foot coaches.
>
> I agree that having the cord utilize the space behind the Onan would be much better. BUT, I would not do it like Coachman did it... I find the little doors they used rather ugly. My plan (for any of the coaches) is to move the access to behind the license plate. I found some flip down plate holders at the junkyard. It is on the list... almost as far down my list as a paint job.
