Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

by **Gerdo** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 9:20 am

I'm looking to buy some of the mechanical hatch props like I used.

I've looked at Austin Hwd and McMaster Carr and neither carry them anymore. Anyone have another supplier?

by **Dean_A** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 10:50 am

Austin Hardware still sells them, but they're harder to find since they re-did their site (for the worse).

Here's a link: http://www.austinhardware.com/subcatego ... bCatID=203

by **Gerdo** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 1:17 pm

Dean

That is exactly what I'm looking for. You da man!

Thanks

by **Creamcracker** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 1:49 pm

Gerdo wrote:Dean

That is exactly what I'm looking for. You da man!

Thanks

So which ones did you use (of those shown on the link) ----how do they work, for closing/opening? ANy close up ics of the emchanism?
Philip

by **Dean_A** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 3:12 pm

I used these as well. They are a star-wheel type mechanism, so they lock automatically in the up position, then release by lifting up a little bit. The mechanism works great and they hold a ton of weight. They also have a hole that you can put a pin into when they are in the up position to prevent them from closing accidentally, though I can't image that ever happening unless you were in gale-force winds.
I don't remember what length I got, but I ended up cutting them down anyway to exactly the size I needed.

by **Creamcracker** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 3:42 pm

They look very similar to what is fitted to the bonnet of my MGB as seen in this catalog: Item 16 -- (cheaper at austin hardware)

http://www.victoriabritish.com/ICATALOG ... px?Page=42

Philip

by **Gerdo** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 6:17 pm

BONNET?

Your car wears a BONNET?

by **Creamcracker** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 6:20 pm

Gerdo wrote:BONNET?

Your car wears a BONNET?

Yep! and it's prettier than a HOOD!

by **Gerdo** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 6:22 pm

Just kidding.

I have a TR6 and yes it also has a bonnet.

I used these on my teardrop because I knew that they would work. My hatch is big and a little heavy. I also didn't like the thought of gas shocks constantly pushing on the mounting screws. I also didn't want to have to replace them when they can't hold the hatch open from age or cold. These are predictable. I just bought a pair to replace the gas struts on my pickup topper back window.

by **Creamcracker** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 6:26 pm

Gerdo wrote:Just kidding.

I have a TR6 and yes it also has a bonnet.

I used these on my teardrop because I knew that they would work. My hatch is big and a little heavy. I also didn't like the thought of gas shocks constantly pushing on the mounting screws. I also didn't want to have to replace them when they can't hold the hatch open from age or cold. These are predictable. I just bought a pair to replace the gas struts on my pickup topper back window.

Can you quote the part number you bought?
Philip

by **boomboomtulum** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 6:40 pm

This is exactly what I have been looking for as well. Now a Question. What method other than Trial & Screw -up is best for fitting? Where and how do you figure placement of these and length of supports?
:thinking:

Dave

by **Dean_A** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 7:00 pm

boomboomtulum wrote:This is exactly what I have been looking for as well. Now a Question. What method other than Trial & Screw -up is best for fitting? Where and how do you figure placement of these and length of supports?

Dave

by **Gerdo** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 8:23 pm

The way I figured which to buy and where to mount was simple. I marked, with tape, where I wanted the props to mount when opened and compaired the given sizes. I then closed the hatch to see if I was at the closed length or longer, longer is not bad. If not I moved my marks until the two worked. I wanted the mounting points out as far as possable.

by **Dean_A** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 8:33 pm

Gerdo wrote:The way I figured which to buy and where to mount was simple. I marked, with tape, where I wanted the props to mount when opened and compaired the given sizes. I then closed the hatch to see if I was at the closed length or longer, longer is not bad. If not I moved my marks until the two worked. I wanted the mounting points out as far as possable.

That's pretty much what I did too, but you described it much better! :thumbsup:

by **2bits** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 10:45 pm

Keith here on the board showed me his hatch stands and I am going to do mine like that. For the poles he used conduit, and put an insulating pad around it for looks and to keep it from banging around. For the base he used a pair of those kick down door stoppers, but flipped them over, (the conduit slipped right over it) so they both lay flat on the galley counter and flip up. I can't remember what he used to attach to the hatch, maybe he can chime in, but it was a small tube that he drilled a hole in. Then he flattened out the conduit and drilled a hole in the flat part to go through the stud.

I know that's alot of talking but it is a real simple and cheap design and looks nice. Obviously not hydraulics but not bad for $10.

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