Hidden Storage

[Houston Remodeler]

I wrote to Starcraft and got the rear panel construction diagram complete with measurements. We used that to install our after market ladder. Seems to work just fine getting up and down to the roof.

[dlh]

We just had this door installed on our 2016 by the dealer; it cost over $400. The awning doesn't interfere; it looks just like the 2015. It only has a 12 1/2" opening (height) which is enough for our small BBQ, but there is room for the full size door that is on the front. If anyone is thinking about having one installed, try to get them to put in the bigger door. I've attached (I hope) a photo of a 2015 which looks identical to ours (now).

Starcraft really screwed up when they deleted this for no good reason other than to increase their profit margin.

Another thing they didn't do is install the backing required to install a ladder! The roof is strong enough to walk on, but no way to get up there.
The entire right side of the back is open just waiting for a ladder, but you can't put one in without opening up the wall to install the support needed. Stupid.

[moallen]

Here's a few shots of the 24rls hidden space. I left the upper shelf in place, but even so the bottom space is 38" long, 22" deep and 20" high. I could probably fasten the wires to the walls, but they're not really in the way. I've kept all the wood, so I could put it back like original if need be. I just used the palm of my hand to bump the wood panel loose. It was just stapled not glued.

By the way, that 12DC cord/connector is connected directly to the converter. I fused it with a 5 amp inline fuse. I thought about putting in a neat looking wall connector but decided this way I could always remove it.

Mystery_Space_1.jpg (74.07 KiB) Viewed 3539 times

Mystery_Space_2.jpg (76.93 KiB) Viewed 3539 times

Mystery_Space_3.jpg (61.9 KiB) Viewed 3539 times

[lilred14]

Pictures would be awesome. Thank you. Which sofa do you have that has storage underneath? We just have the jack knife sofa with arms.

[moallen]

I gave up the idea of installing an outside door into that area. The 19' awning does prevent installing a matching door like the ones in front. I was afraid anything else would look like a hack job.

Anyway, I took out the wood panel on the inside. Cut it down a bit, so I could re-install part of it. This left a nice space accessible from under the sofa where we store big light things like blankets, pillows, games, etc. Part of it is also accessible in front of the sofa. We store large trays in there. It's hard to describe. I'll take some pictures next time I go to where we have it stored and post them.

[lilred14]

Moallen, or has anyone figured out a solution for the missing storage area? I contacted Starcraft yesterday and I was told it was eliminated a year ago when they made the awning into a 19 footer. However, I know I've seen the 24RLS with the storage area and the 19ft. awning in March of this year. Would love to see pics or get ideas on making use of this valuable space that we currently don't have access to in our new 2016. Any and all help is welcomed please.

[phi408]

I have a 2015 24RLS without the rear storage door. I contacted Starcraft and they said it was discontinued in late 2015 models as well as all 2016 models. I wish mine had it.

[rbrent]

moallen, my 2015 24rls has these options- a stationary low profile roof antenna. It also has a heavy duty cable lock mounted on the frame up front and a battery shutoff switch inside the front compartment. And your right that is a lot of wasted space in that area. Please let me know what the dealer says about the door! Thanks

[moallen]

Thanks. It looks like a matching front door would work. I removed the panel inside and measured the cavity. It's 38" long, 22" deep and 20" high. That's some serious unused space! There are a couple wires in there that can easily be pushed out of the way. I'm going to contact my dealer and see what a door/frame would cost.

This would even be big enough to hold my Coleman Road Trip grill, except I don't think the door would be wide enough to get it in. The front door inside dimensions are 16" high x 26" wide. A lot of grills would easily fit, though. I wonder if the 3rd door option is part of the bumper grill option?

[jcarlilesiu]

I bet you should be able to replacement door from the dealer as if you were replacing the one on the front.