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Post by barbarab on May 26, 2011 17:09:38 GMT 10
Hi,
I've seen mention a few times about hatches flying off while travelling. Is it because they're not properly fastened, or is the design of the fastening not good enough?
Barbara B
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Post by JBJ on May 26, 2011 17:39:16 GMT 10
Hi Barbara,
Hatches come adrift only because the latching system fails, generally thru not being secured properly.
Having said that, many of the old securing systems arent real good.
I've rebuilt 3 old vans, & each one had a different system.
I find that if you create some way to add an extra bit of security to the hinges/locking catches, it makes a big difference, & that can be as simple as sliding a bit of plastic pipe over a hinge that has an elbow joint, to stop it from opening.
I've also changed the securing catches to use ones that allow you to put a small lock thru the catch. On our sunliner I shaped a wooden wedge to fit when fully closed, so it couldnt move.
Its really just a matter of looking at what you have, while it is closed. Consider what will open up if the catch comes loose, & see if you can think of something you can (simply) add to prevent this. Whatever you do is only for when you are travelling, so it doesnt have to be pretty.
Its pretty rough to lose a hatch, & I've picked up a few on our vintage van travels in the past. Will's Kennedy threw the hatch pretty easily, & several Sunliners I know did the same.
think about it & you will come up with something.
JBJ
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Post by barbarab on May 26, 2011 18:22:57 GMT 10
Hi JBJ,
that sort of reinforces what we've felt. I'll put on my thinking cap.
Barbara B
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Post by barbarab on May 26, 2011 19:08:36 GMT 10
Hi Dave,
our van has two hatches with four elbow hinges on each one. They both have acorn fasteners front and rear, but I don't like the angle of the front one. I reckon it could let go just from the air lifting it.
Thinking thinking thinking.
Barbara B
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Post by curtis on May 27, 2011 21:14:37 GMT 10
Hi Barbara,
The hatch on Curtis is the same as your Freeway from memory. I replaced both of the latches and re attached the existing stays and have not had an issue yet. We have traveled at up to 110 km/h on the motorway and the hatch has never moved. I figure that Franklin made many many Freeways and if that is the design they used, then it is OK by me.
The latches are available at almost any caravan parts place and these days are stainless steel so they never rust.
Good luck and let me know if you would like a photo of what we did.
Dave
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Post by barbarab on May 28, 2011 4:51:44 GMT 10
Yes, Dave, I'd like to see a photo of it. We will change it somehow - just doesn't seem a good angle to have the fastener on. Aaannd - she's already had one accident to a roof hatch. When we came to painting them, one was made differently to the other. One was welded - the other was rivetted.
Barbara B
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Post by curtis on May 28, 2011 17:55:43 GMT 10
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Post by barbarab on May 28, 2011 19:05:36 GMT 10
Thanks Dave,
it changes the angle that the acorn part meets the catch. I can see that it would work better, but we're still thinking - there must be somet way better. Thinking, thinking, thinking....
Barbara B
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Post by nitesurfer on May 9, 2012 0:14:43 GMT 10
Wow dave are these pictures of the hatch in curtis??? If so it looks like it is made of wood....
The reason I dont know what a franklin freeway hatch looks like is because i think mine is one of the liberated ones flying free by some highway long ago.....
So maybe a brief description of the hatch.. and maybe a shot from outside would be appreciated.... then when i make new hatch i will surely attach it as you have... ;D ;D ;D
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