Can't Get Into Spare Tire Compartment

[Bryan]

No spring on my old 1980 bus so probably no help. Sounds like you have a solution in the near future. I will call my Prevost guy in the morning and see if I can send you a simple explanation. Sorry these are sideways but I took them with my phone instead of my camera.
Best of luck. Will PM you if my guy has easy answer about the spring.

Ah, I see! On mine it appears that the secondary door on yours is actually attached to my bumper, but after seeing your pics, I could double check for that! My bumper is still not coming down regardless though. I believe you are right, I'm close to figuring it out though!

[Tedsoldbus]

E-mailed my Prevost guy at six because he gets to the shop at five! He answered right away. He wanted to know who did the conversion because some put an electric motor to lower them. But he is guessing unless you can see a motor attached, he says lubricate the hinges and use more muscle. The spring is strong but they just pull hard on it to get them down. It will work or not. You probably can't break it.
Best of luck

[Bryan]

E-mailed my Prevost guy at six because he gets to the shop at five! He answered right away. He wanted to know who did the conversion because some put an electric motor to lower them. But he is guessing unless you can see a motor attached, he says lubricate the hinges and use more muscle. The spring is strong but they just pull hard on it to get them down. It will work or not. You probably can't break it.
Best of luck

Thank you so much! I think the same of the company that converted it was ECM. I didn't see any kind of electric module. Might just be stuck like you said... I've pulled pretty hard LOL. The spring is definitely holding it back because it's tight. I think I might still be missing something. Thank you for your help!!! I really appreciate it!

[robertglines1]

yes the stainless skin behind the front bumper comes down attached. There is two bars that act as a hindge and support the bumper in the down position.. If no one has fixed that permant closed just get down on it. It was intended to be spare tire compartment. Many put cruise air equipment in there.

[Tedsoldbus]

Now that I know how easy it is to access that area on my bus, I'm debating about putting a spare tire in there. I wouldn't want to have to change an inside tire myself, but if I have to call roadside assist, having the tire would speed things up. It would add weight to the front tires I'm but guessing even my baby bus can handle it. My owners manual shows the water tank should be there like Freds. That has to be heavy at 8 pounds per gallon.
Plan B is build a firmly mounted box to put in there that has all the things we carry -  but hope not to need. Belts, hoses, extra starter....
At 35 feet I have one less bay for my fluids, tools, gas grill etc.  And I made the mistake of having all the bays open last week and Rita thinks there is PLENTY of room for some of her things!
Rats!
Fred, My guy says if there are 2 big bolts, it has a hinge. But if your water tank is there, why bother. If it has 2 big bolts the bumper is not motorized unless it was done post converter.  (He worked for Prevost for 8 years and has had his own place for 20. He only does Prevost so I am guessing he is usually correct.)
When Bryan tells us how his mystery was solved, bumper class will be complete.
Now lets talk air conditioners!

[RickWest]

I know I'm late to the party, but I have never had my bumper bolts off. I have been underneath allot and behind my bumper are the 2 Cruise Air units. I have had one out to replace the compressor and the other unbolted and move over to the far side to make room to remove the first.