Holding a vertical door open - SOLVED

[eggsalad]

I bet the title doesn't even make sense. It's hard to explain. I have a vertical door (as opposed to a horizontal hatch) at the back of my camper. It swings on a piano hinge. if I let it, it will open to 180 degrees. But that would stress the mounting, and there's a whole host of other reasons I don't want my door to open that wide. I'd like the door to open to 90 or 100 degrees and then lock there.

I've considered a gas strut, but honestly, I can't wrap my tiny brain about the geometry of the mounting points, and I think a gas spring might be TOO strong for this application.

Another idea is something called a "lid stay". It's something like you would see on a foot locker or a step ladder, to hold either one in the open position. I'm not convinced this is the best idea either.

What have some of you folks used to keep a door open, but not TOO open?

Thanks,

eggsalad

[tony.latham]

I used two of these. Stainless steel, nylon bearings and $10 a pop:

http://www.rcpw.com/truck-accessories/t ... DP100.html



They work well for my hatch. Dunno if they will do what you're trying to do.

Tony

[eggsalad]

That may work! Thanks for the link!

[working on it]

... I have a vertical door (as opposed to a horizontal hatch) at the back of my camper.

I looked at your build thread and saw this:

10163727086_7ea1ebe802_z.jpg (146.94 KiB) Viewed 794 times

I would attach a stay at the top, like this:

door stay.jpg (18.78 KiB) Viewed 794 times

I forgot where I found this photo, but I've made my own stays before, much like it. Or, you could reverse (turn it upside down, mount on the right) the mounting of your door, to open to the curbside, then you could mount a "cushioned" stop, or mechanical "trailer door" door clip to keep it from overtravel. And, that would enable a larger free space at the rear when opened.

[eggsalad]

I would attach a stay at the top, like this:

door stay.jpg

I forgot where I found this photo, but I've made my own stays before, much like it.

I bet you found that photo here:

http://realcarriagedoors.com/hardware-i ... neous#jump

Neat idea. Obviously that one is way oversize, but I might be able to make one like that.

[skypirate]

I use 2 closely wound coil springs for props on my galley hatch. I don't have a photo so use your imagination. ... These are extension springs, like old fashioned screen door springs. Mine are 7 inches long. I attached one to each side of the hatch just as you would position a stick as a prop. The coils are wound so closely that the spring is not compressible and is therefore rigid. Use a screw & washer to attach the ring on each end in position. (I added a couple of bushings too). Now the cool part, when you want to lower the hatch (or door) you simple push on the spring and it will "break" in half allowing the door to close. Be sure to keep one hand on the hatch otherwise it will just fall out of control. When you lift the door open again the springs will return to straight and become rigid props once more.

Just as effective as gas struts but only cost $4.00 at Home Depot. Good luck.

[citylights]

I used two of these. Stainless steel, nylon bearings and $10 a pop:

http://www.rcpw.com/truck-accessories/t ... DP100.html



They work well for my hatch. Dunno if they will do what you're trying to do.

Tony

I like it! The only concern I have is for wind. It says to unlock, extend slightly to release, then let down. Can the wind unlatch it and let it down accidentally? How do you deal with that?

[tony.latham]

Yes, the wind can do that. I had the same system on my Hunter tear and it happened at least once. Here's the solution: when open, there's a hole that lines up and you can slip a 1/4" pin through them and lock em in place. There's at least two lengths made.

[citylights]

Yes, the wind can do that. I had the same system on my Hunter tear and it happened at least once. Here's the solution: when open, there's a hole that lines up and you can slip a 1/4" pin through them and lock em in place. There's at least two lengths made.

Sweet. Done deal, ordered them. Thanks!

[eggsalad]

The person called "working on it" gave me the idea. Of course, the ones shown in that post were for garage doors, way too big for my TTT. So I built one just like it, only scaled down.



Just some junk bits hanging around the shop, and about a dollar's worth of hardware. The wing bolt acts as a set screw, so the door can be "locked" in any position.

thanks for the idea, "working on it"!

[bentrotor]

Why not just use a spring loaded door closure just like on an exterior storm door. Not only will it close your door automatically, you can prop it open to any angle you would like. You can get one at any hardware store.

[eggsalad]

Why not just use a spring loaded door closure just like on an exterior storm door. Not only will it close your door automatically, you can prop it open to any angle you would like. You can get one at any hardware store.

Why not, indeed? Fact is, there are a whole bunch of good, and not horribly expensive solutions. I just like making things myself.