Build/Seal a Flat Galley Hatch for Grasshopper Type Trailer

Anything to do with mechanical, construction etc

Build/Seal a Flat Galley Hatch for Grasshopper Type Trailer

Postby stu_stumble » Wed Oct 19, 2011 8:08 pm

Hello All. I am going to be building a Grasshopper type trailer and am having some issues with how to build the hatch for the galley. It will be on a 5x8 Northern Tool Frame. I will not be stretching the plywood so the dimensions of the actual trailer will be just a typical 5 foot wide by 8 foot long.

Well I better get to the point here. I was thinking I am basically going to have the hatch be a flat hatch like the original Grasshoppers were designed. No roof involved in the hatch. I was just wondering about your thoughts on the actual hatches construction.

I was thinking that I would just frame out the hatch as you would for a Benroy or others except it would be flat and no curve. Figured then cover it in 1/4 ply as this is what I will use for the roof outer skin.

As far as sealing the hatch would go I was thinking about just using T molding with weather seal that would lay against the body of the trailer and be tightened down when I would crank down on the hatch handle. OR I could build a lip inside the hatch and line this with weather seal to press against the hatch lid when it is closed.

I am new at this and so my ideas may be awkward at best and I would appreciate any help on this. If you have pictures of how you have done it or would do it that would be great.

Again I really appreciate all of the help I am receiving on this forum. You all are such great people.

:)
Haze Gray and Underway!!!!

Anchors Aweigh Me Boys.
stu_stumble
Teardrop Builder
 
Posts: 44
Images: 7
Joined: Mon Oct 17, 2011 11:49 am
Location: Nebraska

Postby Sonoma ZR2 » Wed Oct 19, 2011 8:28 pm

One way you could go about a flat hatch is to buy a compartment door from a RV surplus dealer such as. http://stores.ebay.com/Bottom-Dollar-Surplus-Inc Here is a Cargo door 49" x 25" x 2" it has a lock and key ready to screw in. 260874575148
User avatar
Sonoma ZR2
Teardrop Master
 
Posts: 140
Images: 90
Joined: Mon Jul 05, 2010 4:47 pm
Location: Forest City, Iowa

Postby bobhenry » Thu Oct 20, 2011 7:00 am

Here ya go stu

Joanne has done a great job of documentation of her entire grasshopper style build. I used it as a guide for the very detailed electrical schematics and pictorials on my teardrop build. You might want to browse thru front to back it may save you some OH S$%^T moments.

http://www.asolidfoundation.com/

"Building the shell part 3" is the start of framing the hatch!
Growing older but not up !
User avatar
bobhenry
Ten Grand Club
Ten Grand Club
 
Posts: 10368
Images: 2623
Joined: Fri Feb 09, 2007 7:49 am
Location: INDIANA, LINDEN
Top

Thanks

Postby stu_stumble » Thu Oct 20, 2011 8:01 am

Thanks Sonoma and thanks Bobhenry. Both of your ideas are great. I really appreciate the help. You guys are awesome. I was looking at Joanne's electrical schematics for a DC system and they are a great help. I will be sure to check out the rest of her build for ideas. thanks again. :thumbsup:
Haze Gray and Underway!!!!

Anchors Aweigh Me Boys.
stu_stumble
Teardrop Builder
 
Posts: 44
Images: 7
Joined: Mon Oct 17, 2011 11:49 am
Location: Nebraska
Top

Postby mallymal » Thu Oct 20, 2011 5:21 pm

Sonoma ZR2 wrote:One way you could go about a flat hatch is to buy a compartment door from a RV surplus dealer such as. http://stores.ebay.com/Bottom-Dollar-Surplus-Inc Here is a Cargo door 49" x 25" x 2" it has a lock and key ready to screw in. 260874575148


Wow! and check out the prices of windows too.....pity I dont live a little closer :lol:
User avatar
mallymal
The 300 Club
 
Posts: 308
Images: 18
Joined: Fri Sep 26, 2008 4:20 am
Location: manchester, UK
Top


Return to Teardrop Construction Tips & Techniques

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 5 guests