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Old 04-21-2019, 12:07 PM   #1
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5.0TA Enlarge Front Cubby

Just wanted to share this modification. I opened up the front cubby after seeing that someone else had success doing this but also added the 3m insulation to help keep the trailer stairs warmer. Previous to this when sitting on the stairs in cold weather you could really feel a draft. Not so much now. Waiting for a warm day to paint the inside to help protect the wood. Enjoy!
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442C1666-10B5-4FB2-ADBF-A554B7BCAE3Ea.jpg   CCA7E216-3C1F-4FFD-8E75-7064DF867C06a.jpg  
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Old 04-21-2019, 04:47 PM   #2
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Originally Posted by grape_escape View Post
Just wanted to share this modification. I opened up the front cubby after seeing that someone else had success doing this but also added the 3m insulation to help keep the trailer stairs warmer. Previous to this when sitting on the stairs in cold weather you could really feel a draft. Not so much now. Waiting for a warm day to paint the inside to help protect the wood. Enjoy!
Do those black holes in the newly opened up side area have something to do with the landing gear? I just assumed the jacks were in that blocked off space, and was told at orientation that if we needed to operate them manually in an emergency the access was through those side panels. If the jacks are below the level of the upper storage compartment, I wonder why they close off so much of it? Sure makes me want to unscrew one of those panels and have a look....more storage space is always a good thing.
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Old 04-21-2019, 08:09 PM   #3
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Yes the black holes are to easily access the jacks. We are surprised by the amount of space we gained.
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Old 04-21-2019, 08:16 PM   #4
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Originally Posted by davidmurphy02 View Post
Do those black holes in the newly opened up side area have something to do with the landing gear? I just assumed the jacks were in that blocked off space, and was told at orientation that if we needed to operate them manually in an emergency the access was through those side panels. If the jacks are below the level of the upper storage compartment, I wonder why they close off so much of it? Sure makes me want to unscrew one of those panels and have a look....more storage space is always a good thing.
Yes, prior models had access holes in front to the left and right of front box openings. Current models you will need to remove side panel in upper storage box to operate jack manually.

Here are pictures from driver side landing gear cavity.
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DS Frt Box_DSC_2184.jpg   DS Frt Box_DSC_2182.jpg   DS Landing Gear_DSC_2176.jpg  
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Old 04-21-2019, 09:02 PM   #5
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Thanks for those pictures. Now I better understand Cathy and Twyla's post. Looks like a worthwhile mod. I have my orientation Thursday, and will ask how accessible the jacks need to be. Perhaps put in a hinged floor in that area in case of jack failure that needs replacement. Hmmm.

The access hole for the manual operations is a good idea.

Thanks Cathy, Twyla and Kent!
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Old 04-22-2019, 12:10 AM   #6
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Happy to help. Cheers
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Old 04-22-2019, 08:33 AM   #7
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I really like this mod I have a couple of light-weight items that will not fit in the front cubby because they're too long. Hummmmmmm.
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Old 04-22-2019, 08:44 AM   #8
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I've got to stop reading these threads. Will the modifications ever end?

Enjoy,

Perry
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Old 04-22-2019, 08:50 AM   #9
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I've got to stop reading these threads. Will the modifications ever end?

Enjoy,

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Hmmm, yah think😂
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Old 04-22-2019, 11:54 AM   #10
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Is there any structural implications to the front of the trailer by making this mod?
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Old 04-22-2019, 12:00 PM   #11
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Is there any structural implications to the front of the trailer by making this mod?

I don't have the answer, but when a great idea comes to mind, the first thing to consider is why isn't this already done?
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Old 04-22-2019, 12:44 PM   #12
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I've got to stop reading these threads. Will the modifications ever end?
Not soon I hope...
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Old 04-22-2019, 01:51 PM   #13
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Is there any structural implications to the front of the trailer by making this mod?
I have my orientation Thursday morning for my 5.0. This will be one of my questions of ETI. I'll post their response on this thread.
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Old 04-22-2019, 07:06 PM   #14
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I really like this mod I have a couple of light-weight items that will not fit in the front cubby because they're too long. Hummmmmmm.
I hear you, if I could somehow get my Clam shelter in, I would be a happier camper. It is a pain in the truck bed and just gets left behind.

Might mean a wider hatch though.
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Old 04-22-2019, 07:47 PM   #15
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I have my orientation Thursday morning for my 5.0. This will be one of my questions of ETI. I'll post their response on this thread.

Thanks!
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Old 04-22-2019, 08:59 PM   #16
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I hear you, if I could somehow get my Clam shelter in, I would be a happier camper. It is a pain in the truck bed and just gets left behind.

Might mean a wider hatch though.
For me, not a wider hatch (opening) but more length. I could even leave all the bracing/structure as long as the 'paneling' is gone. Tip it a bit and shove it in! Hummmmmm.
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Old 04-23-2019, 07:20 AM   #17
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I hear you, if I could somehow get my Clam shelter in, I would be a happier camper. It is a pain in the truck bed and just gets left behind.



Might mean a wider hatch though.


Hmmm...I will have the same issue. I hope it will fit too.
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Old 04-23-2019, 07:50 AM   #18
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I hear you, if I could somehow get my Clam shelter in, I would be a happier camper. It is a pain in the truck bed and just gets left behind.

Might mean a wider hatch though.
The Clam is a monster! When we towed the Casita with our Odyssey there was plenty of room for the Clam. Once we purchased the F150 that extra room went away. We moved to a Gazelle 5, and the Gazelle went in the back of the truck bed easily, Then we purchased the 5.0. Because of the 5th hitch there is not enough room for the Gazelle, our camping stuff, and Terry's trike, so it goes on the bed in the 5.0. Terry's not happy with that arrangement, but the floor of the 5.0 has our emergency cooler (filled with charcoal, lighter fluid, two refillable 1# LP tanks, lighters, etc.), and the Weber oven. We like to move around to make sandwiches, change clothes, etc. when on the road.

We carried the Gazelle for nearly three months this winter and didn't need it even once. Next winter it will stay home. However, living in Minnesota, it's nice to have the screen room when mosquitoes are out.

Except for the "family campout" I doubt the Clam will ever travel with us again. The Gazelle is a reasonable substitute.

Enjoy,

Perry
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Old 04-23-2019, 08:24 AM   #19
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We carried the Gazelle for nearly three months this winter and didn't need it even once. Next winter it will stay home.
This is what I ran into with the small Clam, I carried all around the country for a couple winters and never used it. It stays home now with the generator.
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Old 04-23-2019, 09:15 AM   #20
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This is what I ran into with the small Clam, I carried all around the country for a couple winters and never used it. It stays home now with the generator.
When I have brought the Clam, it has been used little, but it seems when I don't have it there are lots of windy and rainy days it would have been nice.

I bought my daughter a Gazelle at a super deal Ed (Eggscape) found and she had it set up this past weekend. Not quite as robust as the Clam, but for the price a very nice unit.
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