Adding drivers door

[Ken1]

Has anyone added a drivers door in a Winnebago in which it was an option not included. In my specific case, a 1986 Chieftan with no drivers or passenger door.  I was wondering if I could locate a used drivers door and casing. Does anyone knows if the required framework would be inside the wall. Hm?   

[Lefty]

I doubt the framework would be there if no door was ever planned as an available option. That doesn't mean you couldn't build in the necessary framework if you knew how.

If a door was available as an option, but your's just didn't come with that option, then it's very possible the framework is pre-installed in the walls. Just like when a car has power windows as an option, but comes with manual windows.. the doors still have the bolt holes pre-stamped for mounting the power motor.. and the wiring harness usually has the appropriate plug too.

[ClydesdaleKevin]

We have a driver's door on our 89 Holiday Rambler Imperial, and hardly ever use it.  Its more convenient to use the main entrance door instead of climbing into the rig from the driver's side, which is no easy feat since it sits so high, even with the built in ladder rungs in the wheel well.  Just wondering why you would want to add one.

Kev

[Ken1]

Thanks for the response.  I phoned the Winnebago technical support # this morning and they say the side wall was built differently if the door option was to be installed and the framing is not there. I was considering adding the drivers door for convenience as well as a extra emergency exit.   

[Oz]

I wondered about the same thing back in 2005.  For me, it would have been convenient to be able to hop out of the driver's seat and outside if needed for a few different reasons.  I thoroughly planned it out, but after considering the time and effort involved to do it and how often I'd actually use it, I decided not to.

But as I always say, these vintage RVs are like a canvass.  If you can dream it, you can do it!

[HandyDan]

I concur with Kevin, I have a driver's door on my '84 Holiday Rambler and have never used it to get in the coach.  The only time I use it is to access the HWH levelers.  The levers are behind the driver's seat.  It is also convenient to get to the fuse panel under the instrument panel. 

As far as getting in and out, I use the side door.  It, also, makes a lot of wind noise while driving unless I lock the top latch.  If I do, and forget to unlock it, there is no way to unlock it from the outside.  So I have to go in the side door anyway.