We were frustrated with the access to the storage compartment underneath the curb side bunk seat in our Shadow Cruiser T-160. The only access was through a small panel under the cushion. Consequently, this space was badly under-utilized. The solution was to install a baggage door that is identical to the one that is for access into the compartment underneath the sofa bunk.
I purchased the door from Shadow Cruiser, but they are also available from Dyers online at www.dyersonline.com
I placed masking tape over the exterior fiberglass to mark where the door would go, which is directly beneath the window. I placed it the exact same height from the bottom edge of the wall as the baggage door on the other side. This is important so the door opening stays below the level of the seat cushion platform. I then drilled a 2" diameter hole and used this hole to locate the stud that runs from floor to ceiling at the front edge of the window. Once I located that stud, then I measured again and firmed up the location of the door opening.
I then cut the opening with a sabre saw with a long enough blade to reach entirely through the wal, thus cutting the inside and outside at the same time. My wife was inside holding wiring and plumbing out of the way of the saw blade. I used a narrow blade so I could cut the radius corners.
There is one short stud to cut through. The wall framing forms the upper and lower framing and the only new piece of stud I had to insert was at the rear edge of the new opening.
I caulked the frame of the door prior to inserting it in the opening so as to give a waterproof seal around the door. After inserting all the screws, I then finished with a bead of caulk around the top and sides.
Now this compartment is fully utilized as storage for chairs, sports stuff, etc.
