Unhinged Storage Lid is Now Hinged

BrianZ

Alas, no more unhinged storage lid flopping around, and no more holding it up with our heads!  

I used the leftover hinges from the shutter hinge kit shown in my rear lid stay topic (http://tabforum.nucamprv.com/#/discussion/7052/back-shelf-lid-stay-holds-lid-up-easy-down) to attach the lid, then added the two struts removed from the front upper cabinets after replacing those hinges with the popular Amerock BP2811J23-14  "all-the-way-up" hinges.


These shutter hinges are made for 3/4" thick boards, but this lid is only 1/2" thick, so I added a 1" scrap of 1/4" plywood as a spacer.  I still had to chisel out a thin layer of the plywood for a more perfect fit, and that also helps protect the seat cushion from metal corners.  One could just get some half inch hinges, but since I already had these, I wanted to use them.  I also thought there may not be enough clearance with the wall to use standard hinges.


The extra 1/4" height in the corner does not adversely effect the cushion - it still fits just fine.  I also added a couple of screws between the three hinges.  It could have been better to make the extra plywood strip the same length as the lid, but I used what I had on hand.


In case anyone wants to try reusing the struts leftover from the kitchen cabinets, here are the measurements of my strut placement.  Yours may be different, depending on how the lid is mounted & type of hinge.


How it looks when closed.


The two struts have just enough strength to keep the lid up, which is a welcome relief for me.  I go into this cabinet frequently, because it's where I store my tool bag & spare parts bag.  When I need a tool outside, it's convenient to just lean in the doorway & grab the tool bag through the side door of this storage area.
We also have a collapsible broom & dustpan combo & plastic can with roll of trashbags in here.  I plan to add more storage above the bags, but still mulling over ideas for using that 8"W x 5"H x 28"L remaining space.

By the way, those bags were a bargain at Lowes & fit the space perfectly...

https://m.lowes.com/pd/AWP-Polyester-Zippered-Closed-Tool-Bag/50175657

JonW

Nice mod.  Where do you store your bed slats?  Mine came in that space

Travelin3D

Nice mod and you got to recycle some old parts: win-win!

BrianZ

Thanks, @JonW and @Travelin3D.
We've been storing bed slats across the front of the under-back-seat storage, although now that we have the wire rack mod above the rear of that compartment, we have the option of putting them behind the rear seatback with our bed topper roll.

Freshaire

@BrianZ, you seem so versatile in what you are able to do.  Any chance you can clone yourself and send the second you my way? 

Well done and just another mod I will be lusting after.  : )

Dalehelman

Someone on Facebook turned me on to these gas struts at Walmart.com 
Very good quality and a super price with free shipping. 

https://www.walmart.com/ip/2-pack-100N-Hydraulic-Gas-Strut-Lift-Support-Cabinet-Hinge-Kitchen-Cupboard-Door-Gas-Spring-Shocks/739533359

Freshaire

@Dalehelman, these struts look great for underseat access.  Thanks for the link too.  I've already put in my order.  And you are right, what a great price.

BrianZ

Thanks, @Dalehelman, those look like a very nice alternative.  If mine should fail, I'll give those a try. The piano hinge looks like a nice option too, though would have required some trimming of our lid.
Update:
Dale's struts are too long to fit the space remaining after my tiered storage mod..
https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/7146/2nd-tier-storage-method-under-seat

BrianZ

PS:  I have since moved the gray bag to the space behind the wheel, so I could use the main floor space for my new DeWalt cordless drill bag.  I got the drill for use with Dale Helman's power tongue jack & rear leveler jack mods, plus front stabilizers & nice to have for any drilling or power driving screws.