Where to place the hatch hinge?

[dahoon]

I'm ready to start putting things together. And I need to know where to place the hinge for the hatch. I've searched most of the threads and all; about sealing and cutting for length. But, I haven't found anything on the placement.

Is there a distance up from the bumper? Do I design and install the galley to determine the placement?

What did you guys do to figure out where to place the hinge? I figure if I get six different answers, somewhere in the middle will work.

The cold weather has put me behind my Memorial Day due date. So it's going to be overtime to get it done in time.

I'm shooting for the Spring Fling and Goldendale.

Mike

[Micro469]

Since most sheets of ply are 4x8 or 4x4, the place to put the hinge would be about 4' from the bottom of the tear.... Unless you want a splice in your hatch.......

[martha24]

Unless you use a piece of Baltic Birch which usually comes in a 5'x5' piece, then you can go a little more the 4'. To some degree I think it depends on where you think it looks good too. The wood bends easier crosswise, so it may depend on what wood you use too.
Martha

[Gage]

Make your hatch 3' 10". What ever you decide, measure up along the trim line of your side to locate your hinge line.

[dahoon]

Thanks Gage,
3'-10" seems short but it makes sense and you're the more experienced.

Thanks Mike

[bledsoe3]

I planned on 4' just for ease (plywood size). But I think it came out to be about 3'10".
I have two inchs hanging down. I guess I should have asked Gage first.

[Gage]

Aw shucks

Use a 4' sheet. Do not trim. The extra 2" should be on the bottom and will be a place to add your rubber seal. I made mine 4' and had a problem sealing at the floor. I have sense added an awning rail which over hangs by an inch and is where I'll apply the rubber seal to keep water from coming up under the hatch while on the road. You'll never notice the difference between 4' and 3'10" Remember,measure it along the arc.




When the hatch is open, the lower end of the hatch is 6' 2" off the ground. Just a little added information.

[dahoon]

Cool thanks Gage,

That last little bit of info was my next question of how high the hatch becomes when open. Thanks again for the info.

Mike

[Gage]

You know Mike, after thinking about it and looking at my mod. 2" is to much. !" would be right and not get in the way. Also I could open my hatch more or less. Depends on the length of your supports.