Help with getting hatch up and keeping it up?

[Sanuk.Sanan]

Hi Friends!

I am just about finished with the mods on my teardrop. This afternoon my dad and I will install the solar panel set up and then ta-da the rolling doghouse will be finished. Maybe...

There is one problem I have with it that I'd like your input on. The galley hatch is heavy. I can lift it, but gosh it's heavy. Currently, I keep it up with 2 sticks on both sides. I've tried to install hydraulic hinges for it, but no joy. Nothing seemed to work in the space I have. I'm also a little paranoid that somehow the hatch door will fall and kill someone.

I'm currently tying it up with a static rope. It's ugly but it works. Can you help me think through an easier, possibly more elegant solution? And maybe one that helps me get the hatch up, too?

Thanks!
Julie in SoCal

[Pmullen503]

Photos would help.

[Sanuk.Sanan]

Here are some pictures:









The pool noodles are just there to keep the broomstick handles from flying around when they are stowed.

Thanks for your help!

Julie in SoCal

[Woodbutcher]

I see a couple problems. If you want gas props to make it easier to open, there is not enough clearance between the top cabinet and where the hatch frame work goes. Most often the prop attaches about 6-8" from the hinge. You may be able to rework the cabinets right where they meet the side wall. It would require a notch a couple inches wide and maybe 4" deep. The other end of the prop should be able to mount on the countertop. The trick is getting the right poundage in the props. Several years ago I bought props for a similar situation. I ordered the length I needed but didn't know the poundage (strength) required. I found a company that sold an adjustable gas prop. It was charged to 300#. There was a small set screw that allowed you to bleed off pressure till you found just the perfect spot. If you took out to much, you were not able to recharge them. The link I had no longer works, but a search may find them. I believe the company was SPD or something. Otherwise you need to weigh the hatch in the up position and find someone smarter then me to tell you the poundage you need. If you struggle to open the hatch you will hate those prop sticks. Work to get the gas ones and save yourself some grief.

[ricky herbold]

Check McMaster-Carr. That’s where I found my adjustable struts


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[halfdome, Danny]

I agree with Woodbutcher.
Your pictures aren’t clear enough, but for safety sake your props should have safety pins to prevent the hatch from rising during a gust of wind.
Once my lid got pounded by gusts of wind off a lake.
The screws holding the lid started coming out.
Now I weld half of a house door hinge to the mounts so I have additional screws going into the face grain of the sides of the lid.
t
Danny

[BigDave_185]

There are limitless options of liner actuators that use a mechanical screw to raise things like boat engine compartments

Expensive but would add a bit of badassery to the whole project


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[GTS225]

Another option might be air cylinder(s) of proper length and size. It would require an on-board air supply in order to lift the hatch, but that's do-able too, with an automotive air pump for emergency tire filling.

Roger

[Tomterrific]

Hi Julie, after looking at your hatch and the inside, I think you should mount the hatch support on the outside of the camper. This will give you plenty of room to design your support no matter which strut you use. I envision the top strut mount to top of hatch and extending over the side of the hatch so the strut bottom mounts to the outside camper wall.

Tt

[tony.latham]

If you want gas props to make it easier to open, there is not enough clearance between the top cabinet and where the hatch frame work goes.

I agree with Woodbutcher. If you want gas struts, those are probably going to have to go.





Tony

[Sanuk.Sanan]

Thank you, friends! I hadn't thought of putting the gas props on the outside. I just knew that there was no easy way I could install them inside. So exterior gas props is now the plan. My shoulders just can't manage the hatch door.

Now I'm off to do a little math

Thank you again!

Julie in SoCal