Lippert Friction hinges to replace entry door gas strut

[Hawkeye Ed]

We weren't happy with the gas strut ETI's been using recently to keep the entry door from blowing around in the wind. It fastens to the bottom of the door and to the door threshold which puts it in the way of entering and leaving the camper.

I took off the gas strut after installing friction hinges that are supposed to keep the door from blowing around even in 25 mph winds. Hasn't been that windy yet but the friction hinges seem to be working great.

I got the friction hinges from Lippert, the manufacturer of the entry door on our 2020 Escape 5.0. They are designed to fit all Lippert doors so I checked the edge of our door to confirm it's a Lippert door.

Here's the link to the Lippert web page about the friction hinges:

https://store.lci1.com/friction-hing...hinge-kit.html

It was more work to install the hinges than the videos on that page would suggest. I was glad I had a drill press to drill the extra holes that are required in the friction hinges. But I finally figured it out and installed the hinges in about half an hour after drilling the holes in the hinges. The two friction hinges fit between the upper, middle and lower hinges already on the door so they don't require removing the original hinges.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Ed

[sjnuss]

Thanks for the write up, Ed. This is something that has been on my list for a while-will be ordering the hinges today.

Steve

[LRCURTIS]

+1 to the disdain for the gas strut. Ordered these hinges and look forward to removing the strut before our next outing. Thank you for sharing this find!!!

[WillyB]

I've looked around a bit here but I wanted to ask those who have added the Lippert Friction Hinges their thoughts, good and bad, since installing them.

I'm not a fan of the piston as I seem to always let it go too soon and it slams open.

[Hawkeye Ed]

Originally Posted by WillyB

I've looked around a bit here but I wanted to ask those who have added the Lippert Friction Hinges their thoughts, good and bad, since installing them.

I'm not a fan of the piston as I seem to always let it go too soon and it slams open.

Still lovin’ the friction hinges. I think I saw a video where Escape is using them in their neeest trailer.

[diannelgraham]

Originally Posted by WillyB

I've looked around a bit here but I wanted to ask those who have added the Lippert Friction Hinges their thoughts, good and bad, since installing them.

I'm not a fan of the piston as I seem to always let it go too soon and it slams open.

The friction hinges came standard on my 2017 19 foot. On my 2021 21C it came with the piston rod and I hated it. Your door was either all the way open or closed no in between. My 21C now has the friction hinges and I'm again a happy camper. They are easy to install and the original hinges are left in place.

[kathytony1985]

We love the friction hinges! Our 21NE came with the piston, so we removed it and added the hinges.

[WillyB]

How hard is it to push the door open or closed?

I don’t want to have to fight the door but understand there needs to be enough friction to function.

[kathytony1985]

Not hard at all!

[WillyB]

Thank you for your comments.

I've ordered the friction hinges.

[kathytony1985]

You won't regret it!

[SageRpod]

For those new to friction hinges, remember that they have to be lubricated periodically. I know that is counter intuitive, but if the hinge gets too stiff, the frame of the door will torque and then you have a bigger problem. Don't ask me how I know this.

[waltkaren]

What is the recommended lubricant for the friction hinges?

[SageRpod]

Originally Posted by waltkaren

What is the recommended lubricant for the friction hinges?

Everyone seems to have their favorite but Tri-Flow seems to be the one a lot of folks use.