It’s hard enough to get access to that basement storage in the front of your fifth wheel. Unless your rig is exceptionally tall—or you’re exceptionally short—you practically have to get on your knees to access it. Once you do, you may feel like the proverbial “one-armed paper hanger” as you hold the door open while you reach inside. If the door slips, you’ve got a knot on your head.
No more! This simple RV basement door hack will stop all the nonsense.
T-style door catch the heart of a great RV basement door hack
Nick A. Miragliotta, a Facebook user, got tired of getting his head bumped, so he came up with a quick and inexpensive fix. Using a T-style door catch, normally used to keep an entry door open, he fixed his basement storage door issue. He installed the “wall” end of the catch system on the underside of his fiver overhang, and the other piece on the outside of his basement storage door. Open door, attach catch, climb under without fear of clobber.
We found these catches available on Amazon, and in a variety of lengths. Perhaps the 4” variety might be best, keeping the door as “open wide” as possible.
Thanks to Nick for the great head-saving idea!
RELATED
- Homemade DIY RV accessories that save you $$$
- Cheap, DIY solar generator setup
- RV DIY: How to replace RV vinyl trim
- DIY motorhome stairs mod prevents falls for RVers and pets
- DIY resealing an EPDM roof on your RV. If I can do it, so can you!
- DIY tips to keep your RV fridge running smoothly
RVDT2697
Great idea, but I’d stick with the metal versions similar to this and not the plastic versions. Plastic will weaken as it ages, and at some point it will snap with the door suspended. And hopefully the owner isn’t below the door at the time.
Our Rockwood 5th wheel came with this.
I used the T-style latch on the door to my propane tanks where the plastic door catches that are on my other basement doors won’t work. The wind always seems to blow in the wrong direction when changing out the tanks smacking me with the door.
My 1997 Alpenlite came with those metal T latches. 1997!
Thank you for sharing the head-saving suggestion, Russ and Tina! Have a great day and safe travels!
Our 2022 Momentum came with a metal version of this.
Why not magnets? I haven’t tried it but they are great on all my other doors.