Hatch props

[shil]

KISS. Broomsticks rule.

[Arne]

Okay, I can accept broomsticks, but am having trouble with the string holding open the cannon-port cover../g/

[IraRat]

Okay, I can accept broomsticks, but am having trouble with the string holding open the cannon-port cover../g/

Hey, that's probably strong string! And he;s using two strands! (I think.)

[TomS]

Keeping it really, really simple, we use two lengths of broomstick and sockets on the counter and the hatch. ....

This is exactly what I plan to do.

My hatch isn't heavy at all, and in the meantime, I've been using my RAKE to hold the darn thing up.

Hey Ira, I really like that RAKE idea. It has the added benefit of allowing me to weasel my way out of the fall yard clean-up. "Sorry Hon, I can't rake the yard today. I need to use that rake to prop up my galley hatch"

Seriously though, what are you guys using for sockets on your prop rods? I suppose, I could easily make a pair out of some maple left over from building my cabinets.

[shil]

Okay, I can accept broomsticks, but am having trouble with the string holding open the cannon-port cover...

Why? Easily adjustable, almost free, works better than anything else that I came up with.

Seriously though, what are you guys using for sockets on your prop rods? I suppose, I could easily make a pair out of some maple left over from building my cabinets.

I fabricated (love that word) a couple of little plywood 'doughnuts', screwed in place on the hatch and the floor.

[IraRat]

Tom, I'm figuring on using some small flag holder thingy, or just go exploring down the aisles of HD.

This ain't rocket science.

It can be brass, aluminum, wood, tin foil--I don't care WHAT it's made of. As long as it's CHEAP and does the job.

Hell, I might even use some of Shil's string.

[SteveH]

Whatever method y'all chose to prop up the galley hatch, I suggest you read this thread: http://tnttt.com/viewto ... highlight=

There IS the possibility of the wind blowing the hatch off the props.

[Chris C]

I don't remember exactly where the post was, but one of our members had the hatch ripped right off of their trailer on the maiden voyage. So it can happen. I plan to have my hatch supported and locked down for certain.

[IraRat]

Broomsticks.

A hatch ripping off while driving has nothing to do with the props. It has to do with how the thing was closed and sealed.

Anyway you cut it, they're just two stupid sticks holding up a kind of a door. There are more important things to worry about in life.

Those pins are a good idea though in the event of a wind gust when you're stationery. Makes sense.

Or I'll just use more of Shil's rope.

[s4son]

Shil,
Is that you and your teardrop. I would like to see more pictures. It looks pretty spacious especially with the window in the side.

Scott F.

[shil]

That's me and the TD. More here

I've never had the hatch come close to lifting off the props. If it starts to get too windy I close the hatch. I close it whenever I leave the campsite. When it's torn from its moorings and comes crashing down, then I'll wish that I'd locked it down.

[davel]

Listen to SteveH. Our last trip to the coast ended up with the hatch blown off the tear. Luckily it was a clean break at the joint and was easy to fix.

Whatever method you use to prop the hatch up, it's a good idea to have the prop attached at both ends.

[bledsoe3]

For the "sockets" used to hold the broomsticks, look for the coat rod hardware. The big box stores carry them. They are available in unstained wood, plastic and brass.

[Arne]

Bruce, on your mechanical props, can the wind lift the hatch and let it drop? I read the blurb and it says it uses the star wheel system, where to close it, you lift it and drop it down to close. Can the wind do the same thing?

[Roly Nelson]

Tom, I was faced with the same decision when building my hatch. I wanted something made of wood, kind of a step up from a wooden pole. So after 4 attempts, I made some articuating 2-piece fold-away hatch-holder-uppers. The first 3 broke, so after finally making them out of baltic birch, I do have a working pair. I don't trust them for an extended period, so add solid wooden supports at each side to help carry the weight. So far no crash & fall problems. Next time it'll be gas struts for me.

Roly~~