Replacing 5.0 Hatch over bed?

[occer]

When I replaced the crank mechanism I had to remove the small screws that are located on the outside of the hatch cover (2 in front 2 in back). Those screws allow the track to be moved around. I used a ladder and leaned over to the hatch and removed the two small screws in front. I stood up through the escape hatch to remove the two back ones. The ones towards the front of the trailer are a little difficult to line up to reinstalled.

The front screws are easier if you have a magnetic screw driver.

 

[Jim Bennett]

Any suggestions anyone with experience? (Sorry, I don’t know how to attach photos from my iPhone.)

There was a screw in each end to stop the lid from sliding to the sides. I removed one. I did have to cut the Proflex with a knife to level it out and make it a tad lower in order to slide the lid off. After that it was easy peasy.

 

[WannaBeEscaped]

Thank you Donna, occer, and Jim! I appreciate that you took the time to respond.

(By the way, Donna, you showed us your 5.0 back in 2015 or so when we lived in Portland that convinced us we wanted one of our own!)

 

[Donna D.]

Thank you Donna, occer, and Jim! I appreciate that you took the time to respond.

(By the way, Donna, you showed us your 5.0 back in 2015 or so when we lived in Portland that convinced us we wanted one of our own!)

You're welcome twice!

 

[Grasshog]

When I replaced the crank mechanism I had to remove the small screws that are located on the outside of the hatch cover (2 in front 2 in back). Those screws allow the track to be moved around. I used a ladder and leaned over to the hatch and removed the two small screws in front. I stood up through the escape hatch to remove the two back ones. The ones towards the front of the trailer are a little difficult to line up to reinstalled.

The front screws are easier if you have a magnetic screw driver.

I am going through the same thing, but I cannot find the screws you’re talking about. Can you be a little bit more specific where they’re at?
I have not been able to get on the ladder yet but from the bed, I can feel around the top of the hatch and can’t feel those screws,, hope this makes sense if anyone knows what I’m talking about and how to remove. This thing would be great thanks again, love this

 

[Grasshog]

I am going through the same thing, but I cannot find the screws you’re talking about. Can you be a little bit more specific where they’re at?
I have not been able to get on the ladder yet but from the bed, I can feel around the top of the hatch and can’t feel those screws,, hope this makes sense if anyone knows what I’m talking about and how to remove. This thing would be great thanks again, love this

Thanks for all the help!! I found the screws and replaced the crank,,

The only problem is that the Hatch Cover for whatever reason doesn’t close down properly on the rubber weatherstripping ,,,oh well, one thing at a time ,,hopefully at least it won’t open while traveling now?? It’s just kind of junkie the whole plastic top hatch should be replaced eventually.
Thanks again for this forum and all the members on it, you guys are the best. Gary

 

[iamunique127]

It’s just kind of junkie the whole plastic top hatch should be replaced eventually.
Thanks again for this forum and all the members on it, you guys are the best. Gary

I replaced the escape hatch cover on our 5.0TA last year. The old one had deteriorated badly and was yellow and brittle.

As many here have done, I painted the new one with white Krylon paint and now I wipe it with 303 protectant a few times a year as well. It seems more UV-stable now but time will tell.

You are correct, the whole apparatus seems junky. I was very careful standing up through the escape hatch when replacing the cover. It too is yellowed and brittle.

Somewhere on the forum, someone has posted a link to a metal escape hatch replacement which seems like a good idea if the proper size is available.

I think if I need to replace the whole hatch with the same crappy one again I'll paint the base white before mounting it.

The hatch cover seemed to be made of the same material as the original range vent. There is an improved range vent available. I wish there was an escape hatch of the same material as the Thetford range vent that would be more UV-resistant..