Hole cutting (1 Viewer)

[Keith E]

I'm thinking about doing something like this on our Approach.
I'm not planning on fitting a second tank, this was the only diagram I could find.
I like serviced pitches when I can get them.
Obviously I'll need to make a hole in the moho to fit the inlet into.
I was hoping to put it somewhere near the existing Whale inlet, because it seems to me to be the most logical place.
Has anyone cut holes into their Bailey, and if so, what are the does and don'ts?
Cheers in advance.

 

[Lenny HB]

Why not just fit a proper water inlet in place of the whale unit like this.

 

[Keith E]

I thought of that but I'm greedy.
I want both options.

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[Lenny HB]

I thought of that but I'm greedy.
I want both options.

Why would you, the Whale one is a horrible caravan contraption.

 

[Geo]

Buy the correct hole saw for the job let the tool do the job,messure three times and cut oncel
Be mindful of hidden framing and wires, pretend it's someone else's moho

 

[34127]

Anytime you are cutting a hole in metal be sure to thoroughly wash down the paintwork afterwards to prevent any metal filings causing rust spots.

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[Duck Truck]

and paint the edges of the hole

 

[tonyidle]

If you haven't used a hole saw before:
Drill a 6mm hole central to where you intend to install the inlet. Try to drill straight.
Use the hole saw pilot drill to enlarge the 6mm hole in the outside skin if necessary.
Hold the drill very firmly and run it high speed as you engage the hole saw - you can slow it once you are confident it has started correctly.
It might sound counter-intuitive but high speed reduces the likelyhood of the saw 'grabbing'.
Ignore all the above if you have done it before.

 

[Lenny HB]

Buy the correct hole saw for the job let the tool do the job,messure three times and cut oncel
Be mindful of hidden framing and wires, pretend it's someone else's moho

And put masking tape over the area.

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[Geo]

Meant to say practice on someone else's van first

 

[Keith E]

Thanks for the guidance guys.
I'm no stranger to cutting holes, I just wanted to know if there's anywhere I shouldn't drill.

 

[Keith E]

Why would you, the Whale one is a horrible caravan contraption.

So that I have the option of either filling the tank from a hose or leaving the hose connected to mains, thus bypassing the tank.
I'm getting rid of the Whale filler anyway.

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[Vic]

What model and age Bailey do you have ?

 

[Kev and Carolyn]

Thanks for the guidance guys.
I'm no stranger to cutting holes, I just wanted to know if there's anywhere I shouldn't drill.

A Bailey Approach! .....Lol I am only joking. You will be fine. Personally..I think your idea is a good one?

Kev

 

[Keith E]

What model and age Bailey do you have ?

2012 approach 745se

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[Geo]

If contemplating using what the Amercan RVs term City water or mains in the uk you shoul thi k about using a pressure regulater in your water hose a d do a thourough check on pipe conectuons inside

 

[Vic]

Keith,
This is what I did to my 2012 740.

 

[mitzimad]

You need a pressure limiter other wise mains pressure will blow your water heater apart

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[Spanner]

When I fitted a standard water filler to ours I started with a small hole say 2-3mm diameter drilling from the inside, only drill just through the inner panel then probe through that hole with a thin screwdriver to make sure you’re not hitting anything important then go from there, easier to rectify a small mistake on the inside than the outside !

 

[Keith E]

If contemplating using what the Amercan RVs term City water or mains in the uk you shoul thi k about using a pressure regulater in your water hose a d do a thourough check on pipe conectuons inside

Yes, there's one shown in the diagram.

 

[Keith E]

You need a pressure limiter other wise mains pressure will blow your water heater apart

The pressure reducer is built into the hose connector.

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[Daz6175]

Keith,
This is what I did to my 2012 740.

That's pretty much what I had in mind for mine - just a secondary inlet - did you have any problems installing it