Hurricane Hinge Gap for a Teardrop Galley Door

[nackler]

I built my galley door assuming the hinge would just sit on top of the joint with screws going downward through both wings of the hinge. My door is butted right up against the trailer so that when closed there is no gap.

Now I am looking at hurricane hinges and they all have flanges that stick down into the crack. Furthermore they enforce a gap between the two flanges.

Im tempted to cut those off rather than cut my door shorter. Is there a hinge that doesnt have these?

 

[Pmullen503]

Search for "live hinges".

 

[Tom&Shelly]

I'm pretty sure those pieces sticking down are integral to the strength and integrity of the hinge. Without them, I suspect the hinge won't stay straight and the aluminum will eventually fail as the hinge is flexed (natural, as the trailer is pulled).

Tom

 

[halfdome Danny]

It’s important to have two areas to attach the hurricane hinge as there is a lot of force lifting the lid and gusts of wind. You also need a gap for it to operate smoothly. That gap also is where a gasket goes to keep water from leaking into the galley. Most builders let the hurricane hinge extend an inch on each side for water run off.
Either modify the lid or consider rebuilding it. I’ve built 6 teardrops and the last one I had to rebuild the lid for some reason. Danny

 

[nackler]

I guess I will cut my door. I di look at the plastic living hinge and i worried about it tearing with the strut force.

Thanks all!

 

[gearsoup]

I guess I will cut my door. I di look at the plastic living hinge and i worried about it tearing with the strut force.

Thanks all!

How much we talking, and how do you plan on doing it?

 

[Tony Latham]

I'd look at the plastic living hinge...

I tried one on a tongue box. It lasted three years.

Tony

 

[nackler]

How much we talking, and how do you plan on doing it?

Looks like 3/8 total would do it, but ill have to puzzle for a bit to decide whether that needs to be cut off the door, the trailer, or some off of each. I could use a jigsaw.

 

[gearsoup]

I also made a similar goof, I only have a 1/4". I'm not done with the hatch yet, but it should be rather straightforward to run a circular saw down it (my door is 1-3/4" thick)

 

[Tony Latham]

From a book about building teardrops:

'The scrap of wood taped to the spar is 5/16” and maintains room for the hinge during the hatch building process.'

Make sure to cut off the bottom legs so the hinge protrudes 3/8" or so outside the wall.

Tony