Upper cupboard spring loaded hinge replacement to keep doors in open position

KBaggins1

Got tired of holding cupboards open with my head so bought these replacement hinges by Amerock Part # BP2811J2314 or if you are in Canada, you can purchase them at Home Hardware Part#2307399.  These are a direct replacement, no extra drilling.  Works like a charm.

Nomad

Got a pic?

ChanW

Cool. Wish I'd found these before I did the 'spring mod'.
I'm going to remove the springs now! Thanks.
These are on Amazon 

Nomad

KBaggins1

Those are the ones that we used.  Thanks for finding them on Amazon and posting the link.

AldebaranJill

This weekend at my first trial run of the springs mod, they irritated me, thank you for posting this link,have ordered and will remove my springs.

rfuss928

In addition to the hinges similar to the OP, I had to add these:

from:  http://www.tab-rv.com/forum#/discussion/comment/46243

My DM clamshell came with these extra spring loaded hinges on the rear cabinets that pass through to the kitchen.  I bought two extras and added them to the front overhead cabinets.  Pretty easy install.  Similar parts are available at Lowes & Home Depot in my area.  ~$2
Just another approach to a solution.
Have fun!
Bob

TexasSlim

Bob, after seeing your post we have looked at Lowe's, Home Depot, Ace Hardware, and many outlets online, but have been unable to find this hinge.  Do you have a source for them?

rfuss928

I purchased mine directly from Dutchman about six years ago.
Their part - Cabinet hinge # 112566

I found this at Lowes with a quick online search.  It is what I have seen in my local store.  Although not an exact match it is very similar except for the mounting flange on one end and I think it would work.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Richelieu-1-1-2-in-x-1-1-2-in-Satin-Nickel-Cabinet-Hinge/3576254

AldebaranJill

This is, so far, the best mod ever!

Easy, inexpensive, and honestly, the factory should be using these. They're a total drop in replacement.

@Verna = I suggest sending this to factory, these are what should be shipping with new T@B's.

@KBaggins1 Absolutely FANTASTIC FIND!!!!!! 

Get rid of your springs! These are way way way way better. I got mine on Amazon.
Amerock BP2811J23-14 1/2-Inch Overlay 2-Way Adjustable Concealed Matrix Blum Hinges, Nickel, 1 pair https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000I24GTQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_0j2rybT70AMFF


$8 for a pair!

Verna

@AldebaranJill, you can send a message to the factory with your information. This is really not something that Mike or I need to be involved in. 

AldebaranJill

Is there an email address or do I just call the number?

Nomad

Over there in the right hand column is contact info.

AldebaranJill

Done, thanks!

TabberJohn

KBaggins1 said:

These are a direct replacement, no extra drilling.  Works like a charm.

Does this mean the factory installed hinge is a MIC knock-off with an inadequate spring?
Where is the Amerock unit made? 

Tabaz

I just replaced my struts with the Amerock hinges.  Much better design.  The struts just have too much pressure in them.

ericnliz

AldebaranJill, OutbackAZ, Did you replace both hinges per cabinet? Just curious.

Tabaz

Yes, both hinges on one door.  I can do just one hinge on the other door and report back to you.

Tabaz

One of the Amerock hinges on each door works just fine.  Save yourself $8 by buying just the two-pack.

ericnliz

Outback, Thanks for the quick reply! They look pretty sturdy, that's why I asked.

Photomom

On my mod list for next year! The springs work okay but are kind of tacky.

DebM11

Thanks for the info, I too was wondering about the one hinge replacement. 

TexasSlim

These hinges look great, but unfortunately are no longer an option for us.  When we contacted the factory about our hinges popping out, they recommended that we glue them in, so we can no longer remove and replace them.

Vermonster

Texasslim, leave the existing hinges in place and add the spring hinge in the middle

marknjudy

Just wondering, do the holes line up exactly when replacing these? Does it matter whether it's an Outback or Max S?

Tabaz

Yes - the holes line up exactly - direct replacement.  I have a 2016 Outback.

dinzzy

I replaced with the Amerock hinges.  I used the original screws!!  They fit perfectly. 
I have one very happy wife!!

KBaggins1

I noticed on a pic of a brand new T@B that the factory was using struts to hold up the front over counter cupboard doors.Thought I would bump this thread to show the alternative to the struts for older models. 

TabberJohn

Instructions for the Amerock replacement hinges above indicate a 105° opening.
Factory installed struts appear to be slightly less than 90°. See: http://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/4475/2017-t-b-maxs-has-great-upgrades-included
So those two options hold the doors open just fine but in your face.
I wanted the doors to remain open when using the galley, not just for stocking or removing items.
I considered the spring fix since that goes well past 90° if the spring is long enough and positioned correctly.
I ended up using tiny rare earth magnets so the doors snap all the way to the ceiling (cost: $1 plus super glue gel).  See: https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/comment/52584#Comment_52584
A hinge that opens far past 90° and presses the door against the ceiling would be the ideal solution. Until then I'll stick with my magnets.

KBaggins1

You are right the Amerock hinges do not hit the knob to the ceiling. The cupboard door closest to the trailer entrance has the knob 1 1/2 inches below the ceiling. The other one comes 3/4" between the ceiling and the knob. Even if the door knobs could touch the ceiling , I still could wack my head on them if we just left them open while in the galley and not paying attention. They work the way we intended them too. Your magnet idea is great, but we did not want to glue something to the ceiling. The reason we did not like the strut idea was because of the strain they put on the wood. Some where on this forum there is a pic of a strut that split the wood it was screwed into. And they reduce the size of the opening.

jkjenn

KBaggins1 said:

You are right the Amerock hinges do not hit the knob to the ceiling. The cupboard door closest to the trailer entrance has the knob 1 1/2 inches below the ceiling. The other one comes 3/4" between the ceiling and the knob. Even if the door knobs could touch the ceiling , I still could wack my head on them if we just left them open while in the galley and not paying attention. They work the way we intended them too. Your magnet idea is great, but we did not want to glue something to the ceiling. The reason we did not like the strut idea was because of the strain they put on the wood. Some where on this forum there is a pic of a strut that split the wood it was screwed into. And they reduce the size of the opening.

Strut placement is essential. I have not noticed any issues with a receded opening nor has their been any signs of wear on the wood on the cabinet. If people follow Austin's diagram, stress on the wood should not be an issue.