[VAL] Weakening a rib for want of a door.

[Glyn Judson <glynjudson@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

    All,

    I'd love to access the space beneath and aft of  my curbside pullout
berth more easily and to that end, it occurred to me to find a used access
door and install it.  The problem is that it would have to be located right
on the rib at the end cap, what I understand to be a no-no.  There's not
enough room to move forward without hitting the wheel well or I'd do that.
Hey, these Caravels are tiny.

    Then I was cruising the Vintage Airstream Photo Archives and ran across
this 1971 Caravel. 
http://www.vintageairstream.com/archives2/71Caravel/1971Caravel%202/index.html

    Note the outside access door.....right on the end cap seam.  Isn't there
a rib there?  Did these models have gussets added for strength?  Couldn't I
do the same thing on my '69?  Also note the next two larger models.  They
also have a access doors in the same place.

    Thoughts anyone?

    Glyn Judson
    1969 Caravel #508
    Santa Monica CA