New Used Teardrop in need of galley hinge repairs

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I could use some help / guidance and where to start. We just purchased a used home built teardrop. After looking at it I noted a few things that I would like to do it after the purchase.

First: I'd like to replace the piano hinge and gasket with a real hurricane hinge. The owner admitted to not putting on the proper hinge and that this one leaks. But because I haven't built one yet. I'm looking for suggestions on where to start. Based on the width that I've measured it appears that a standard 5 foot hurricane hinge won't work.

As part of this I'd also like to replace all the edge trim with aluminum to hopefully seal things a little better. Thanks in advance for any advice or suggestions.

Mike

[kayakdlk]

Grant Whipp at Little Bear http://www.teardrops.net/teardroptrailerparts.html will sell you a hurricane hinge up to 8' long. I had him ship me one 62" wide for my 5' wide teardrop. I asked for 2" extra so I could cut to the exact length of over hang that I wanted. You can even tell Grant the exact width and he will cut it slightly wider, so you will not have to cut it.

Dan

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Thanks Dan. I knew that others used his 4 and 5 foot hinges but didn't know he had anything larger than 5 foot. I'll check out his website. That's is big help. Thanks

[nevadatear]

Grant specially cut ours over 5 feet.

[backstrap bandit]

Grant is a good source for your trim also and a super guy to deal with he will steer you in the right path just ask him anything

[len19070]

If your going to replace the outside corner and the hinge heres a method that I use that does nor Leak,

Heres a Post I made earlier. There are many ways to do this but in the end....The one that doesn't Leak, is the Best.

I've always had a different approach to building a hatch. Instead of building heavy to prevent "Spring Back", Use materials that Don't "Spring Back"

I use FRP and Aluminum.

I build 2 outside rails, 1" thick (by using 2 pieces of 1/2") And cross spars. Then I cover the outside with FRP, good side in extending 1 1/2 past the rails on both sides.

FRP does not "Spring Back" and is strong enough when bowed around the hatch to not flex...as well as being stable enough to Triangulate the hatch.

I also install a second sheet of FRP on the inside, good side in as a finish.

2 sheets is more than enough, then sheath the outside with Aluminum.

I seal the outside edges with this;






I know, I know. But doesn't water get into the sides?

No! I build the sides in 3" at the hatch, and run the outside corner molding straight through. This is a very common area for leaks. The FRP/Aluminum extends 1 1/2" past the galley opening and I put a second outside insert molding on the inside of the galley.

This insert molding is 3/8" tall with a vinyl insert that acts as the hatch's seal. Plus I extend the offset Hurricane hinge past the galley opening.

For the water to get in it has to run down, make a right or left hand turn, run up hill and jump over a 3/8" tall molding that is under the FRP/Aluminum.

In addition the 2 outside corner insert moldings create a good Trough for the water to run down there by directing the water out and off the trailer.







Plus I extend the offset Hurricane hinge past the galley opening.


These shots are from 3 different trailers of mine, but the theory is still the same.

Happy Trails

Len

[Graniterich]

Where did you get that simple edge molding?

[[email protected]]

Grant is a good source for your trim also and a super guy to deal with he will steer you in the right path just ask him anything

Thanks Navadatear and Backstrap Bandit,

I feel a litter better now knowing that I can get a hinge greater than 5' even. I got several recommendations and such positive comments about Grant that I'll go with with him for the hinge and trim parts. I'll still probably have several questions or need help when it comes to the installation but this forum is such a great resource I have no doubt I'll get through it.

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Len

Thanks. That was a great post. I like your approach to the construction of the hatch and the extra material along the sides to create a place for the water to run. That looks like a great way to build with a leak proof trim. If I had built mine I'd like to try that approach.

Oh, and excuse my not knowing but what is "FRP"???

[bobhenry]

Len

Thanks. That was a great post. I like your approach to the construction of the hatch and the extra material along the sides to create a place for the water to run. That looks like a great way to build with a leak proof trim. If I had built mine I'd like to try that approach.

Oh, and excuse my not knowing but what is "FRP"???

fiberglass reinforced panel


It covers the walls in almost every commercial restroom !

And a few tiny trailers..................

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Thanks Bob

Duh! I should have figured it was something like that .

[bobhenry]

Under this weatherproof cover is two very simple Stanley hinges. About $2.75 a piece at the local lumber yard or hardware store.

[[email protected]]

Wow! Thanks Bob. That's simple and very straight forward. I like it. Looks like you left about an inch overhang of the black weatherproof cover. (where do you find that stuff?)

Looks like about 1" or 2" flat stock aluminum attached screws. What was beneath that aluminum strip besides the waterproof cover to attach or seal it. Anything?

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And a few tiny trailers..................

I missed this part

[bobhenry]

I have 4 tiny trailers built this way !



This one is Rubbermaid shelf liner from Menards

The other pics were neopreme sheet rubber from a plumbing supply store!

8 years on Chubby and never a leak open or closed !

Little secret there is a 3/4 " pvc pipe inserted inside to form a dam when open taking the water to the side where the dog ear flaps let the water drip without running down the sides of the trailer or curling under to wick into the galley while open.