Side flap prop

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Look, Mom, no hands! Jody Rath, Jeff Simek, Connie Maalish, John Mandryk, Tom Barr, Doug Garrett and others have voiced the need for improved access to the grey water hose. Sam's had the same issue filling the propane behind a similar flap on the passenger side. The biggest problem is the side flap hitting our heads. Install this quick hack and the flap stays up with a flick of a prop. Picture 1 shows the propane-side prop holding the flap up. Picture 2 shows the prop retracted so the flap closes.

The installation takes about 5 minutes per side and costs less than $10. Picture 1 shows the passenger side flap.

Tools:

• #1 point Philips head screw driver
• drill with 3/32 bit

Parts (see picture of parts available from Home Depot)

• 2 ea. 8" galvanized mending strap @ $3.67
• 2 ea. #8 x 1/4" x 3/16" aluminum spacer @$0.70
• 4 ea. hose washer
• 2 ea. #6 3/4" stainless pan head sheet metal screw
• approx 6 ea. #6 SAE stainless washer

Installation

Some SUIET Hacks require many tools and skills. This hack was intentionally kept low-tech so everyone can add it. Picture 3 shows all of the parts and the order of assembly. Drill out the center of the shown pop-rivet with a 3/32 bit (picture 4). This removes the rivet installation tool from the center and will not weaken the rivet. For the passenger side, put a washer on the screw and then a spacer. Next put the strap over the spacer and add one more washer. Look at picture 2 to confirm the strap is facing the same way. Flip the strap over to match the picture, if needed. Put two hose washers around the washers and spacer. Now screw the whole assembly into the rivet hole. Check to confirm the hose washers are not jammed. If jammed loosen the screw a turn and slide them together and around the washers. Add a second washer if the prop moves too stiffly. Give the screw one last check to confirm it's tight. One down, one to go.

The driver's side is similar. Put a washer on the screw and then a spacer. Next, put the strap over the spacer and add TWO more washers. The strap is flipped the other way on this side (see pictures 5 and 6).