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Mody n Domy · 05-11-2013, 11:13 AM

I have a 2008 Damon Challenger. The door to my dump valves hinges from the top so every time I need to dump the tanks I have to crawl under the door its very awkward. I am looking into installing a piano hinge on the side of the door so it swings open rather than up. The hinge would be on the leading edge of the door so it would not blow open going down the road. I was wondering if anyone has done this or may know of a better way of dong it?

phranc · 05-11-2013, 06:26 PM

I don't see why it wouldn't work. Nothing in the way of the swing I assume.
Maybe a gas strut could be added to help keep the door open.
How about the latch device ? Got that sorted out ?

Mody n Domy · 05-11-2013, 09:32 PM

I would use a substantial stainless steel piano hinge. Keeping the latch in the same position it is centered at the bottom. On the top corner to the left of the hinge install a pin on the inside of the door that goes through a hole drilled into the frame to support the weight of the door when closed. Reusing the gas strut to keep the door open while in use. Ill have to make it work once I cut the top hinge off I'm committed or I should be committed for trying to do it.

MDPD · 05-12-2013, 04:30 PM

The door on my 09 Winnabago Tour also opens up but it will fold flat against the wall above the compartment and is held open by the gas struts. Does yours not go that far? Maybe struts just getting too weak to hold it open.

Fred Cooper · 05-12-2013, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MDPD

The door on my 09 Winnabago Tour also opens up but it will fold flat against the wall above the compartment and is held open by the gas struts. Does yours not go that far? Maybe struts just getting too weak to hold it open.

Agree...if no obstructions above the door, probably only the strut is keeping it from opening all the way. A different strut may help, or no strut and a latch on the wall of the motorhome to hold it open could work also.

Fred

Mody n Domy · 05-12-2013, 10:06 PM

There is a strut that wont let it open up all the way, and when the slide is out the door would hit it. Most times when I dump the slide is out and I don't want to close the slide every time I dump.