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

["Tom" <thomm@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

If the rib ends at the frame for the door, the frame takes the load and 
passes it down to the floor level.  Actually, the door frame is probably 
stronger than the rib by itself.

You'd need to see what you wanted to cut out of the skin, where or what 
you'd need to cut out of the rib if not remove the end of the rib all 
together, then build in the door frame so it takes the downward load from 
the rib.  The entire opening will then be stronger once the door itself is 
installed.

To paint you a better picture, it's like installing a window in a solid wall 
that has studs placed every 16" on center and your window opening is 24" 
wide, therefore you'd be cutting into 2 studs and building the strength back 
into the original design.

See?

Easy! ;))

By the way, of course you'd NEVER drive the Airstream with a hole in the 
side so that the rib end flexes in the breeze!  You'd need to complete this 
job once you began cutting out material.

Tom
WBCCI 5303