Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

I hope I can explain this, and since you all have already mastered every possible way to make homemade hatch props, I'll pick your brain.



I know the benefits of purchased gas struts, and MJ's gasless gas props, but I have some good 1/2" galv pipe and would like to attach it at the hatch end, and then be able "fold" it across towards the center of the hatch inside. Then when raising the hatch, just unhook and pull it down, and secure it at a spot onthe outer edge of the galley counter.

What I'm trying to find or come up with is the best, secure way to have a hinge or how to connect it with some kind of bracket/bold/hinge or something at the edge of the hatch....

I've brainstormed with a couple of friends, about a swivel bracket or swivel hinge and found one at Ace hdwe but it didn't fold flat...
Clear as mud? thanks!

Look under the hood of most newer cars for a hood prop idea.

Here is how we did ours. We folded ours to the countertop, not the hatch...

http://picasaweb.google.com/tdcampers/G ... chSupports

I see a "t" hinge with a bolt thru the last hole on the long leg and thru your pipe. The hinge should lay flat when closed and will swing down when opened. the single bolt will allow the prop to pivot front to back.
If it looks a little primitive just sew up a decrative sock like cover.
Add one of those handy dandy broom clips from the hardware and use it to secure the prop when in transit.

IIRC I used a "commercial" door stop/holder opener thingy from HD. The kind that attaches to the door and swings down to hold the door open



Something like this. You'll need two. One for the bottom (counter) one for the top (hatch)

Cut the thing of just past the rubber part and it fits inside the electrical conduit. Hinges up and down. Use another just like it on top (on the hatch) to receive the conduit. drill a hole through the conduit and door stop. Use a cinch pin pin (hair pin) to keep the wind from blowing the hatch off.

That's what I did. Don't look half bad either. Yes, mine folded down on the counter for travel.

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Julie,
The cheapest way to do this is to:

1. drill a hole in each end of your pipe (you might want to think wooden dowel also) to put a pin or bolt(pin should have the ability to use a kotter pin to secure it ) in about 1/4 to 1/2 inch from the end
2. build 2 "u" shaped holders tall enough to allow the pipe pivot without binding.
3. Attach these holders to your hatch and counter

To hold your support out of the way you could use velcro to hold it up to the hatch.

I am at work and do not have any way to draw you a picture of this, maybe somebody else can. I would suggest making the holders out of metal but you can make them out of wood.

Thanks all ! see? I knew you were the BEST!!!!

Yeah, bobhenry, I've already thought of one of those garage tool type clips to secure it down, during travel and propped.
and rbeemer... I thought of your idea, but was wondering if I would find a premade type U shaped bracket to do that idea.
and Geron... I had that same thought! of the door stop, but knew I couldn't get that peice off... I'll look and see if I can just slip/fit the pipe over the cut off leg... thanks!

and sid n side... I love the clean look of yours, and the way you have it attached down at the galley floor . I've hoped to avoid having to use a cotter pin, etc I mean at least be able to have it stand in place THEN put the pin in for security.

THANKS EVERYBODY!!!! If i go with a dowel, I'll be sure to get oak or mahogany and maybe a full inch.

Hatch props tomorrow ... a/c secured this week, then camping Mar 30!!!

Julie,

If you can find them pre-made that is even easier and yes the pin and kotter pin are for security reasons to keep the pin from coming out and if in any windy conditions pins can vibrate out quickly and without notice, just ask the top of my head