Caravan Access Hatch & Service Door Buying Guide

Choosing a Caravan Access Hatch or Service Door

A caravan access hatch gives you convenient access to storage or service compartments from outside your van. Whether you’re replacing a damaged locker door, renovating an older caravan or planning a new RV build, choosing the right hatch starts with the opening size and the space you need to access.

VanDIY’s SJRV range includes compact service hatches, tunnel boot doors and larger storage access doors. Features across the range include aluminium foam sandwich panels, UV-resistant construction and mechanical locking systems.

Access Hatches, Service Doors and Tunnel Boot Doors

These terms describe similar exterior doors used for different access needs.

Compact service hatches

Smaller hatches provide access to compact storage compartments and service areas. A suitably positioned and sized service door can also provide access to a cassette toilet compartment.

For cassette access, allow enough room to withdraw the cassette and operate its handle—not just enough space to see inside.

Storage access doors

Larger hatch doors provide access to luggage compartments, under-seat storage and other enclosed storage areas.

Consider the size of the equipment you want to move through the opening. The clear opening through an installed door is smaller than its overall frame.

Tunnel boot doors

A tunnel boot door provides external access to a caravan’s through-storage compartment. The door size and position should suit the equipment being stored and the space available along the caravan wall.

The SJRV tunnel boot hatch offers horizontal or vertical mounting, keyed locks and an opening angle of up to 180 degrees.

Measuring a Caravan Hatch: Height × Width

In this guide, all dimensions are expressed as Height × Width (H × W), in millimetres.

Keep these three measurements separate:

• Overall frame size: the outside dimensions of the complete hatch assembly.
• Installation cut-out: the opening required through the caravan wall.
• Clear access opening: the usable space available for passing equipment through the open door.

For example, the compact SJRV service hatch has an overall frame size of 331mm H × 379mm W. Its specified cut-out is 297mm H × 349mm W.

The outside frame overlaps the wall opening, so the frame size and cut-out size are different.

For an existing installation, record the wall opening’s height, width and corner shape. Also measure the wall thickness and the space around the hatch for the frame, hinge and locks.

Some existing product titles display dimensions in a different order. Use the explicitly labelled height and width in the specifications when comparing models.

Corner Shape and Frame Coverage

Rounded corners form part of the hatch’s installation shape.

The compact service hatch and tunnel boot hatch have R33 corners. The matt-finish storage hatch range lists R30 corners.

A replacement needs to match both the opening dimensions and its corner shape. The outer flange must also cover the opening and provide a continuous mounting and sealing surface.

Panel Construction and Exterior Finishes

SJRV access hatches use aluminium foam sandwich panels, combining aluminium surfaces with a lightweight core.

The compact service hatch and tunnel boot hatch are available in black or white and feature keyed mechanical locks.

The matt-finish storage doors have a textured surface designed to minimise visible fingerprints and make cleaning easier. They use push-lock mechanisms and EPDM sealing strips.

Choose the size and finish that suit your storage layout and caravan exterior.

Hinges, Locks and Opening Clearance

The listed hatch doors open up to 180 degrees, helping move the panel clear when loading or retrieving equipment.

Before choosing a position, allow space for the door to swing around nearby fittings, wheel arches, awning components and other doors.

Mounting flexibility depends on the model. The tunnel boot hatch specifically supports horizontal or vertical mounting.

Mechanical locks secure the door when closed without requiring a 12V electrical connection.

Compare SJRV Caravan Access Hatch Sizes

The measurements below are overall frame dimensions, listed as Height × Width. They are not installation cut-out dimensions.

Follow each product link for its cut-out, corner profile and model specifications.

Planning a New Hatch Installation

Choose a position that gives useful access to the compartment and enough room for the panel to open.

Before cutting, identify the wall structure and any concealed wiring or plumbing. Use the selected hatch’s installation drawing for the cut-out and corner shape.

The mounting surface needs to support the flange evenly. Use suitable caravan installation sealant and fixings for the hatch and wall construction.

An access door provides an opening into a compartment. Ventilation requirements for equipment housed inside that compartment must be addressed separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an access hatch to reach caravan storage from outside?

Yes. Storage hatches provide external access to suitable compartments, including under-seat storage, luggage areas and tunnel boots.

Can a compact service hatch provide cassette toilet access?

Yes, where its position and clear opening suit the toilet installation and allow the cassette to be removed.

Can I lock the hatch when it is closed?

Yes. The range uses mechanical locking systems, including keyed locks on the compact service and tunnel boot models and push-lock mechanisms on the matt-finish range.

Are black and white hatch options available?

Yes. The compact service hatch and tunnel boot hatch are available in black or white. Other models have their own listed finish options.

Do these hatch doors open up to 180 degrees?

Yes. The listed models specify a maximum opening angle of 180 degrees, subject to sufficient clearance around the installation.

Are overall frame dimensions the same as the wall cut-out?

No. The outer frame overlaps the wall opening. Use the selected product’s specified cut-out dimensions for installation.

Will every hatch with a similar outside size fit the same opening?

No. Cut-out dimensions, corner shape, flange coverage, wall construction and opening clearance also determine fit.

Does a standard access hatch provide powered ventilation?

No. These are mechanically operated access doors. They do not include an extraction fan.

Shop Caravan Access Hatches and Service Doors

Explore VanDIY’s caravan access hatches, service doors and skylights to compare the range and find the right access door for your caravan or RV.