Big hatch, again

[Bruce Wray]

I had admired Jim Bennett's large hatch addition (10.5"x30.5" -- it's on p.3 in this section) ever since he posted what he had done last year. I ordered one early this fall, and let it sit in my basement for a month while I screwed up the courage to slice into the Egg Nest's hide. Approaching cold weather last week finally got me going -- caulk goes down much better over 60*. I didn't get it done in Jim's 2 hours; it took me more like 3+. For the most part, the job was pretty straight forward, like Jim described.

Wow, what a difference. No more standing on my head with my neck cranked to get at what I want. Thanks for the inspiration, Jim. However, the trailer is now fully winterized, so the hatch won't get road-tested until next spring.

A couple of photos:

[Jim Bennett]

Good Job, Bruce. It looks great. Amazing what difference it makes.

In talking to Reace, this can't be done on the newer 19's as the awning has been moved forward so if the arm is left attached to the trailer, the door does not hit. This move puts the arm by the hatch over a foot or so to the right. Kinda glad we have one done the old way.

[Bruce Wray]

Me, too. I think if I was ordering a 19 right now, I'd ask for the old awning & location. The door hitting was a quickly and easily solved problem.

Bruce

If I may ask, what was the problem with the door hitting the awning and the fix? That big hatch looks very convenient.

Thanks,

Dave

[Jim Bennett]

I am not sure what Bruce's fix is, but most of the time I swing the awing arm down to a vertical position, and put an anchor into the foot of it. I actually prefer this as it is way easier to get past then when it is angled out from the trailer.

[Bruce Wray]

When we picked up our trailer, Tammy supplies us with a couple of adhesive rubber bumpers to put on the door where it would hit the awning arm. With the awning open, I use a 4' adjustable strap (secures my rolled up carpet when traveling) over the arm and inner door handle to pin the door open.
End of problem.

Thanks guys, each of those solutions seem ok.

Dave