I'm going to be removing our water heater (never will be used) to free up space. However this will leave a hole in the side. If I leave the access panel (which I plan on) this will still leave an opening due to the vents. Any suggestions on what to do to board up the hole?
Water heater removal
- Thread starter Mikey26
- Start date
Sheet metal over the vents and maybe a wooden door on the inside wall. I wouldn't seal up the opening as it would make a nice access point to load things when the top is down.
I'm considering doing the same thing at the end of the season. I am on the fence between trying to repurpose the flimsy-ish water heater door or putting in an actual access door in it's place once the WH is out. I'll be curious to follow along and see your work!
Good idea on the sheet metal. I do like the idea of an access door since it will open up into my storage area and now have a door on the other side. But I would like to add a lock somehow. I'll have to think about that.
Thank you.
I'll keep you posted, I'll try to take some before and after photos.
bondebond
Super Active Member
- Aug 14, 2008
- 2,330
I would definitely be tempted to replace it with an actual access door. Most water heaters are around 16"x19". Just doing a quick poke on Amazon and found at lease one 24"x24" with locks.
There are a few companies that make custom sized access doors. You can have them made with key locks or thumb latches or both.
Here is one of them: https://www.recpro.com/rv-compartment-doors/
Definitely do a lock. If you don't key an access door as mentioned above, put a lock on the inner door and make the outer door look a if there's still a water heater behind it, maybe paint that sheet metal black or even put bug guards on the outside.
Did you end up doing this mod? Curious to see as I am considering do this mod during the off season.
