Solution for door over microwave without hydraulic lift

[Ralph & Paulette]

Probably like most, we hated trying to get something out of the cabinet above the microwave in the 21 because it doesn't have a hydraulic lift to keep the door open. I searched everywhere and couldn't find one small enough to fit (which I assume is why ETI doesn't put one there).

But I found the next best thing - spring loaded cabinet hinges to replace the original ETI hinges. These are inside-mount hinges, so to hide the holes and indentation left by the orignal hinges, I simply cut off the tab that the door mounts to, epoxied the bit that was left of that side of the hinge so it wouldn't swing down and get in the way, and screwed it back in place. With the door closed, it looks unchanged. But pull open the door, and it stays up. Woohoo!

The hinges were cheap - $3.39US for a pair, including shipping on Ebay - 2pcs 90 Degree Concealed Kitchen Cabinet Cupboard Spring Door Hinges w Screws | eBay
I later found a slightly smaller version for $2.19US that might also work - 2pcs 90 Degree Easy Mount Concealed Kitchen Cabinet Cupboard Sprung Door Hinges | eBay - but didn't see it until after I'd ordered the larger ones, so larger one is what you see in the pictures.

[Rosalyn]

Very good idea! I will definately use this.
Thanks

[cpaharley2008]

Now if we can just find a 180 degree hinge for the Escape 19' bath door.....

[thoer]

Great idea Ralph, thanks for sharing it.

[drpaddle]

I just ordered my new hinges -- thanks for the great idea!

[NW Cat Owner]

Great, thanks for this info. Are there other cabinet doors in the 21 that would benefit from this? That way I can order multiple sets, if need be.

[Ralph & Paulette]

Originally Posted by NW Cat Owner

Great, thanks for this info. Are there other cabinet doors in the 21 that would benefit from this? That way I can order multiple sets, if need be.

Nope, just the one over the microwave. All the other up-swing doors have the little hydraulic lift that holds them open.

[NW Cat Owner]

Thanks, off to order mine right now before everyone else on this forum with a 21 does the same! I noticed only 10 sets were left when I checked a while ago.

Edit: MORE than 10 sets available. So, yeah, plenty there. Anyway, got mine ordered and it'll get stashed away with all the other stuff needed for when the trailer finally arrives. Yay!

[Ralph & Paulette]

Originally Posted by NW Cat Owner

Anyway, got mine ordered and it'll get stashed away with all the other stuff needed for when the trailer finally arrives. Yay!

Since yours isn't built yet, you may want to consider asking ETI to leave the door off (but of course still included) so you don't have to worry about the "fake" external hinges to hide the indentation and holes. Unless you want the hinge "stubs" there for appearance. Just a thought.

[santacruzer]

Or maybe pass the idea and information off to ETI, on the thought that they might want to utilize these in future construction.

[NW Cat Owner]

Originally Posted by Ralph & Paulette

Since yours isn't built yet, you may want to consider asking ETI to leave the door off (but of course still included) so you don't have to worry about the "fake" external hinges to hide the indentation and holes. Unless you want the hinge "stubs" there for appearance. Just a thought.

Already thought of that, but thanks, just in case my mind was elsewhere (which it many times is). I'll send an email to Sarah about that and will include the link to those hinges in case they're interested (per the suggestion by another smart person).

[Ralph & Paulette]

Originally Posted by santacruzer

Or maybe pass the idea and information off to ETI, on the thought that they might want to utilize these in future construction.

Yep, I sent an email to ETI with the info. Haven't heard back.

[NW Cat Owner]

I just did the same and got a reply back from Tammy as Sarah was out of the office. They're not going to put the door on and have made a note of that on the build sheet. So, they know about that hinge twice!

I really appreciate this thread as I wasn't aware that door is like that and I know it would drive me nuts very quickly. But, now we don't have to search for a solution. Yay!

[Maury&Julie]

Well, this thread explains things. I thought they simply forgot to add the hinges that hold the door open.
Julie

[Ginger]

Can't you just put a smalll wooden block under the hinge when it's open to hold it up? There's a door in our casita that hinges from the top and the little block works great. Is it different from the casita door?

[The Quilting Lady]

Originally Posted by santacruzer

Or maybe pass the idea and information off to ETI, on the thought that they might want to utilize these in future construction.

Yes, absolutely.....it would be great for ETI to do it!

[The Quilting Lady]

Maybe if enough people ask for that type of hinge they will put it on to begin with for all trailers, instead of just leaving the door off. Leaving the door off doesn't help for people who are not handy at drilling holes and using a screwdriver. I could see me really messing things up and making holes in the wrong places. I have used the little wooden block in the Casita and it works, but it would be much nicer not to have to mess with that.

Good with needle, not with drills and screwdriver!
The Quilting Lady

[Ralph & Paulette]

Since they were only 2 bucks, I went ahead and ordered the smaller hinges to see how they compare against the larger ones. A photo of both is attached.

BTW, I did send the info to Reese, and I think someone else did too. But the more people who ask them about it, the more likely they'll decide to make these standard.


Sent from my SM-T807V using Tapatalk

[Ralph & Paulette]

Hmm, not sure why photo shows up twice. ..

Sent from my SM-T807V using Tapatalk

[drpaddle]

Hi Ralph... I got my hinges and I'm staring at your picture and realize I need to attach some wooden blocks inside the cabinet so I can securely mount the hinge. Will you reveal how you attached your wood blocks? Epoxy?

Thanks!
Doug