Cab cut out

chuck · 06-09-2009, 08:01 PM

I have seen several cut out designe on the rear panel of the truck cab. Some have cut away the entire back wall and opened up the entire cab area, others have gone much smaller, and kept a larger portion of the back wall in place. I am thinking if I were to do something like this I would leave some of the wall in place to act as a web, re-enforcing the side walls and minimizing the chance of side wall flexing. Any thoughts one way or the other?

Chuck

Bob86ZZ4 · 06-09-2009, 08:27 PM

Mine has not a full cut out opening. It has about a 12" high step over into the cab. At first I thought that was kind of a hindrence. You make me think maybe it would contribute to a stronger cab structure? Makes sense to me. Another nice thing about that step over. It makes a nice place for a person to sit and chat with the two front seat occupants while driving down the road. My sister in law likes to sit there and chat with us and then she can watch where we're going. I know, not the safest with not belt. But, nobody has seen fit to belt themselves in the dinette or sofa seats ever on either of my two motorhomes I've owned.

Doc Weaver · 06-09-2009, 08:30 PM

Mine still had a back window in it, so after I removed the window, I just cut straight down. It had nothing to do structural engineering. It was just easier.

Doc Weaver

Radman · 06-09-2009, 08:35 PM

Chuck I have seen it done 3 different ways.

One and two as you described. Three is wide open with a double roll bar installed as a stiffener.

In our truck, we did it as you described in option number two and kept some of the original structure as a stiffener to maintain the structural integrity of the cab. I think this is the best option but I admit it is based on a feeling more than a actual structural engineering study. A good engineer could prove that wrong...or not.

It also provides a comfortable demarcation between the living area and what we built as our dinette or cruse party area. If it is me an the boys, we party up there while we are on the road. Or if it is my wife and I, we use it as a nice dinette area for dinners and a drink after a long day to relax.

Either way it works really well for us. The entertainment center back up to one side and the slide is at the other.

Rad

chuck · 06-14-2009, 09:20 AM

Think I will stick with my 4 x 6 foot cutout and call it good. Will re-enforce the floor area some how, thanks everyone for the feedback.

Chuck

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