Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

Being a person with no door hanging experience; I am wondering about the need for the offset mount of the torpedo style lift off hinges.

I see nearly all installs are offset, but what is the real reason for it? Does it provide additional clearance to all allow the door to open? Is it because of the trim work being installed? When I see piano hinges installed, they don't look like they are offset, so why mount the lift-off style offset?

Thanks for the time.

It's to give you clearance to get the weather seal in there.

Makes sense, a clearance issue. Thanks Rich!

Earl, I just used a piece of 1/4" ply to make a spacer (offset). I was rushing to make the IRG so it's not trimmed yet, but you can see it here.
http://tnttt.com/album_ ... c_id=10168

Thanks for the link/photo. You think the wooden spacer/shim is best? I was looking at an aluminum spacer, although, then you get into the dissimilar metals game, and may create an environment for corrosion.

Earl, if you are skinning in AL it doesn't matter cause you all ready have a dissimilar metals deal going...we applied auto windshield sealant to the any SS to AL joins to help with that problem but it is probably not needed other than as a water seal...the other part of your question is that if you use "T" molding to trim/seal the door you will need the spacer for clearance issues as Jim said...if you are doing something similar to what we did for trim/seal(an internal seal) on your doors, the the shim is not needed
madjack

I'm a big fan of the torpedo hinges, but as stated above, you do need to shim them for clearance. We made our spacers out of aluminum plate, and I too was curious about the compatibility of the dissimilar metals. (My trailer is aluminum skinned also.)

The hinges are made of zinc diecast w/chrome plating. The chrome plated hinge has an anodic index of 0.60, where the aluminum has an anodic index of .75. This difference of 0.15 is right at the edge of acceptable compatibility requirements for harsh environments (outdoors, high humidity, salt).

http://www.engineersedge.com/galvanic_capatability.htm

I suspect that hinges and aluminum spacers will last a long time and stay strong.

Gern

Thanks Jack. I plan to have a painted exterior finish, so no metal there. I was initailly planning on doing like Jim did on is, however, perhaps a closer look at the Gator is in order.

Thanks Guys!

Earl, I used wood cause that's what my sides will be. I bought t-molding and seal from Grant and my doors need a firm push for them to latch. The seal is good.

Thanks Jim and Gern. I'll be painting my sides with a marine paint. I think I'll use some aluminum shims. I was planning to trim the door out just like your's is Jim (and many others), no sense in changing now.

For for clearing this up for me guys.