Anyone ever done a FRONT hatch?

[Evan Gaffney]

I've been going back and forth on the tongue box or no tongue box issue. I'd like the extra storage and a place to potentially put AC, but I've finally settled on a profile that I'm in love with, and I think the tongue box RUINS it. I just had a brain wave and I need to know if it's even feasible.

Instead of a tongue box, I'd install a bulkhead at the head of the bed (insulated and structural, just like the one for the galley) and make the front part of the profile a second hatch with a hinge at the top. Has anyone done anything similar? Am I just begging for leaks? The image sort of shows what I have in mind, although I'd extend the profile forwards a bit if I did this.

[desertmoose]

No reason why not, just make sure the hatch clears the tongue jack when it swings up.

Also, depending on the sizes, you might have to unhitch to clear your tow vehicle...

Sam

[Tumbleweed_Tex]

And then there's the "shin bump" factor.

[Evan Gaffney]

And then there's the "shin bump" factor.

Excellent point that I had not considered. I would totally ruin my shins on the tongue. Hard to identify these things when it's still only on paper. Thanks!

[desertmoose]

And then there's the "shin bump" factor.

Excellent point that I had not considered. I would totally ruin my shins on the tongue. Hard to identify these things when it's still only on paper. Thanks!

I assumed you were going to do a removable tongue... If not,.... ouch....

Sam

[IndyTom]

Look at the plans for the Jim Dandy in the Vintage Plans section. It is a vintage front galley design. I really like the looks, but the biggest drawback has always been the tongue being in the way.

Tom

[Evan Gaffney]

It's worth noting that IF I did this, I would still have a normal rear hatch and galley. The front hatch would just be for a few shelves of extra storage space that I would only need access to during set up: Chairs, awnings, propane bottles, AC, etc. I am not planning on a removable tongue, so it would be a little awkward, but I'm mostly concerned with not messing up my profile with a tongue box. I think they look awesome on a benroy, canned ham, etc. but on anything with a curved front, it strikes me as kind of an afterthought. It would also make AC a snap, since you could just put the window unit through the front bulkhead and leave the front hatch cracked while in use. I'm just concerned that it would be difficult to seal.

[bobhenry]

Most of the Jim Dandy's have a removable tongue.

http://www.angib.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/teardrop/tear43.htm

They are really quite neat one of our Hoosier tearjerker members has one.

[mvperini]

I've been going back and forth on the tongue box or no tongue box issue.

We restored a 1947 Kenskill teardrop, which is 4x10 one of the biggest made in the 40s, the trailer has front cabinets which i can say very seldom used, wasted space to me.and i think another hatch especialy on the front of the trailer is asking for water leaks and water damage. for a trunk to look good ,it all depends on what kind of trunk you make for the front of the trailer. we use a late 1930s auto rear storage trunk on ours. but what you really need is a VW style roof rack for your teardrop. I made my own roof rack and always recieve questions and compliments on how great it looks on our teardrop. mine is pinned so if i want to remove it it only takes a few minutes

[CarlLaFong]

I don't get the point. The storage capacity is the same either way, so why not access it from the inside? No exterior opening, no leaks.

[LDK]

I don't get the point. The storage capacity is the same either way, so why not access it from the inside? No exterior opening, no leaks.

I agree.

[StPatron]

I suppose an advantage would be that you wouldn't be shuffling awnings, chairs and other potentially muddy/dirty items across your bedding. But I don't believe that's enough of an advantage to risk frontal leaks.

[bestclimb]

Why not a side door, easier than a hatch, smaller chance of leakage.

[Evan Gaffney]

Thanks for all the responses. Sounds like the general consensus is that it's more trouble than it's worth. A side door is another possible option that I'll look into. The roof rack is a cool idea too, though I think it looks better on your stunning aluminum rig than it would on the blue oval. I'll keep plugging away at it and see what I come up with.