plastic hinge for galley

[wingrydr57]

Hello I am so excited I am gathering stuff for my first tear drop build. I Know there are some older posts on the plastic hinge but was wondering if anyone has used them and likes them or should I stick to a Hurricane type hinge? I was looking at the plastic hinge that Vintage technology has I can see where it would be water proof but would it hold up?

Thanks to all, Steve W.

[IndyTom]

Madjack loves the plastic hinge. There is a recent thread here somewhere where we were talking about Jack's experience with it. Search for "living hinge" to see if you can find it.

Tom

[StPatron]

I used that hinge from that same vendor and while it's still early... I'm completely satisfied. I wouldn't hesitate to use it on future builds. I might add that I have probably the largest and heaviest hatch that you'll find here.

[mikeschn]

Gary,

Did you have any problems sealing it from leaks?

Mike...

[2bits]

I loved mine, sealed great, mounted great, held the galley hatch weight just fine. MJ used it vertically on the side doors too whith success. I would do it again. Just make sure the one you are getting just isn't a plastic hinge, but is designed for outdoor use. McMaster-Carr calls the "Harsh Enviornment Hinge".

[working on it]

Is the living hinge UV resistant? I have had two Coleman coolers that had plastic hinges like that. One had the hinges go brittle and break in just a coupla years, carrying it in the back of a pickup, year-round. But, in cleaning out my garage, I found its' twin brother (bought at the same time), inadvertently buried under some lumber and cardboard for about ten years (I thought it was stolen), and the hinges are almost like new. No exposure to UV must be why. I considered using the plastic on my 45+ lb. hatch, but after my cooler hinge breakup, I didn't want the hatch to break off on the road. Maybe I'm comparing apples to oranges here, but I'd have to examine one after several years of UV exposure, and judge it good, before I'd trust it over a metal hinge. Just my experience.

[2bits]

Get the one that specifically says it does what you want to do. The McMaster-Carr Harsh Enviornment hinge is what most teardroppers who use them get:

http://www.mcmaster.com/#harsh-environment-hinges/=gw9xch

This is the quote:

Made of tough polyolefin plastic, these hinges resist saltwater, oil, most chemicals (including solvents), temperature extremes, and damaging UV rays. All hinges have rigid leaves and a flexible webbed middle instead of a pin for smooth, silent operation. Hinges surface mount using adhesive, screws, nails, or other fasteners. Can be cut with a box cutter or razor. For indoor and outdoor use. From the foloded position, the range of motion is 360°. Temperature range is –40° to +180° F.

[StPatron]

Gary,

Did you have any problems sealing it from leaks?

Mike...

I have yet to have a leak, Mike. And, it's been put to a good test. My trip to LCG last October was in a heavy rainstorm almost the entire way followed by a night of rain. I've probably opened/closed the hatch 100+ times, no signs of hinge failure, separation or leaks.

I followed Madjack's application recommendation, pre-drilling flat aluminum to use as bolsters on each side of the hinge.... with a slight variation. I added a strip of butyl tape underneath the hinge. Edited: Scratch that. I just read MJ's post again, he used the tape.The tape was applied over a luan covered roof/hatch that had been sealed with 3 coats of standard epoxy.

I can't remember now if Vintek's hinge is UV rated. Edit: It is. The exposure to sun is very limited with the aluminum bolsters in place. Details:
http://www.teardroptrailerparts.com/Plastic_Hinge.html

[BrwBier]

If you are ever in Sheboygan I can show you my plastic hinge and if you want sell you a piece.
Brwbier

[wingrydr57]

If you are ever in Sheboygan I can show you my plastic hinge and if you want sell you a piece.
Brwbier

Thanks! Would also love to see your teardrop too. We might have to take you up on that sometime.

Clear skies, Steve