Access to Engine and New Bed

[Fred Mc]

Currently in my GM PD4106 I have two single beds in the bedroom at the rear of the coach with a centre isle.With this setup it is fairly easy to access the engine through the access hole above the engine. For those who are not familiar with this model the engine sits transversely and there is a raised "bench" in the rear of the bus to clear the engine. The access hole in the top of this "bench"  allows you to get at the starter and it has been my experience in the 20 years or so that I have owned the bus that access is needed more often than I would have anticipated. Starter problems seem to be one of the more common problems with the DD engines.So I think it is important to maintain "easy" access to the engine though this hole.

Having said all that I am considering changing from two single beds to a regular bed. This bed would necessitate having the bed cover the access to the engine. For those who have this setup what have you incorporated into your setup allowing continued access to the engine. Does you bed slide back, raise up, levitate etc. Any ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks

Fred Mc.

[Jerry32]

I dont have a GM but MCI's also have the bench and access holes so I left them under the bed which has gas cylinders on the foot to raise and I figure to take the hinges loose if I need to. Jerry

[Dreamscape]

I don't have the same setup as you because we have an 01 Ealge. Having said that I was concerned with the same thing, engine access. We installed our queen bed over the access panels to one side and made a frame that is hinged. After doing that I would not change anything. It works great. I also installed a couple of gas struts to help facilitate the lifting and installed a leg mounted on a hinge for additional support when up. Just my way.

Happy Trails,

Paul

Dreamscape

[white-eagle]

We have a queen size bed with access to the engine underneath.  We just installed linear actuator lifts so that my wife can get under there without my help for storing things.  before, it was for things that you almost never need.  now much easier and quicker to get to.
the bed is hinged in the rear, at the head of the bed.  there's a switch on the side of the base, that raises the foot of the bed about 30 inches.
then i can pull up the carpet, unscrew the access cover, and get to the top of the engine compartment.
you'll be able to see it in about a month on bcm.

[Utahclaimjumper]

Mine is very simple, and Ive used it for many things like starters, adjusting valves, and so forth. At the head of the bed I have an access cover with two 3 by 3 pieces of ply wood that slide rearward after sliding the mattress back..>>>Dan