The Deadly Hinge!

Michigan_Mike

Okay, I tried it and it took over the trailer and I removed both hinges as the experiment failed.  The small hinges are just too powerful and have pressure that far exceeds the holding power of the cabinet door hinges....  It was a sound idea but I wouldn't recommend installing them.  

Cyclonic

Interesting.  I have had mine on for a while now and have had no problem at all, but you are the second person to post this issue.  I wonder if the different build years have something to do with it.

Tonydjd

Odd factory might have changed something Mike I've had no issues. I'll go check and get back with you. I also had to use longer screw in the upper portion of hinge orginal screw short came right out simple fix.

Verna

There are different strengths of the door hinges, the silver hinges.

Tabaz

I had the same issue on one of my struts.  Thankfully, nothing damaged.  Used a little JB Weld in the screw hole and it has held up well for several months.  A few lessons learned:  These struts do have a great deal of pressure, so they must be positioned on the door in just the right spot so the strut can move freely when opening and closing.  Took me a few dry runs to find that location.  The placement on the door frame is pretty much fixed to one location.  Secondly, it's best to remove the latches.  The struts hold the doors closed without them.  Also, they create extra tension on the door panel when initially pulling the door open.  If I had to do it again, I would try to find struts with less pressure. But it sure is nice to have the doors stay open whilst I rummage around in the cabinet.

Michigan_Mike

 If there is a strut out there with less tension on it I would be interested in seeing it or finding out if anybody else has used it successfully. 

And post up some photos of your doors in the open position as well, maybe that will make some difference?

jkjenn

Michigan_Mike said:

 If there is a strut out there with less tension on it I would be interested in seeing it or finding out if anybody else has used it successfully. 

And post up some photos of your doors in the open position as well, maybe that will make some difference?

Ask and ye shall receive:
 


Note: mostly empty cupboards in prep for big trip.

Mike, I had the same thing happen with the regards to placement and strength of struts when I put a lid on my M416 trailer. There are formulas you can do to get it right, but I hate math.

Mr_Mrs_Gnome

I'm thinking the spring thing may be the less risky way to go.

jkjenn

Mr_Mrs_Gnome said:

I'm thinking the spring thing may be the less risky way to go.

You are probably correct, although, I saw some struts on cabinets at the factory last month, so perhaps those could be ordered through Elsie?

Tonydjd

Look closely at Mike installation might he need to to flip the orentation of the top piece it might be binding. I can tell you it does not take much to be off on this installation for this to happen.

Just an obersevation 

Cyclonic

Here is how mine are set up:


There may be an exact science, but I just put them where I thought they would work.  Maybe I got lucky.

jkjenn

Cyclonic said:

Here is how mine are set up:
There may be an exact science, but I just put them where I thought they would work.  Maybe I got lucky.

Ditto, but our placement is very close.

Ratkity

I'm sticking to the spring supports. If there's a 1% chance I'll get it wrong, then that'll happen! Murphy's Law is alive and well and I think Harvey is friends with Murphy.

cbarnhill

Im with Ratkity. I used springs (given to me by my friend, mickeytucs, when we met in coyote howls.) Works great! Of all the mods I have done ($$$$$), this is one of my favorites and cheapest. 

jkjenn

Here is what I saw at the factory:

Ramrod

Where can I purchase these springs?

Nomad

Ramrod - The things Jenn's pic shows or the "springs" - If the latter, almost any hardware store - search the forum for "springs" and you'll probably find pics, lengths, etc.

Dalehelman

It is also not uncommon for the rivet at the small end of the strut to fail after extended use. Those small rivets are under a pretty heavy load when the doors are closed. On previous RVs I have replaced these rivets with stainless steel ones when they fail.

Ratkity

@cbarnhill looks as though you might need ya a label maker for the spices! I know a dewd of a dewd that can get you one without registering it with OCD_R_US *looks around suspiciously and whispers* don't tell though.

cbarnhill

Yes, Ratkity-I am a little OCD. Of course I have a label maker, too.  If you have ever poured protein shake powder over cereal, you'll understand my need.

Ratkity

LOL cbarnhill.. ew! Still.. bahahahahaha. That was my laugh for the night. Only because I can see myself doing that half asleep pre-coffee.

Wanderoo

Here is the original mini-workshop instructions for installing the cabinet springs.  I followed these instructions and specifications and have been super happy with the springs in my front cabinet doors (2014 T@B). I got my springs at Home Depot.  I don't know who to give credit to for this amazing mod.  I've had mine installed for almost 3 years.  Whoever came up with this idea, mucho gracias!!!! ( It was originally posted on the T@B Yahoo Forum.)

Sharon_is_SAM

Anyone with a brand new T@b that came with cabinet struts?

Ratkity

Wanderloo, those are the instructions I followed as well. I've been very happy with the springs! 

Verna

This is how you use the label maker after you put your hinges or springs on:

Dalehelman

Our 2015 Sofitel came with them from the factory. The dealer had removed them for some reason but left them in the cupboard. I reinstalled them using the same holes.

Ratkity

Verna said:

This is how you use the label maker after you put your hinges or springs on:

Indeed! A beautiful sight! My home spices have the blue tops (plus labels). Since I rarely cook as much as I used to, I have a date on the label too.

lara9209

Michigan_Mike said:

Okay, I tried it and it took over the trailer and I removed both hinges as the experiment failed.  The small hinges are just too powerful and have pressure that far exceeds the holding power of the cabinet door hinges....  It was a sound idea but I wouldn't recommend installing them.  

I was the other one who posted the issue ... Tried it several different ways always with the same issue

TerryV6

Cyclonic said:

Here is how mine are set up:


There may be an exact science, but I just put them where I thought they would work.  Maybe I got lucky.

Hi Cyclonic, 
where did you get your struts?

TerryV6

Never mind... Found them....

TaBFan

Verna said:

This is how you use the label maker after you put your hinges or springs on:

Verna, I'm very surprised......they aren't in alphabetical order!