American Clipper Owners Club

Tech Forum => Tech Forum => Topic started by: caninecaravan on October 03, 2010, 10:56:44 PM

Title: Escape hatch cover
Post by: caninecaravan on October 03, 2010, 10:56:44 PM
We have lost 5 count them 5 escape hatch covers from the clipper. Anybody have any ideas on how to keep the things in place. The last one went because the crank handle got loose, the screws came out and the rod wouldn't hold it in place. Help. I don't want to have to replace another one at $40 a pop. Caninecaravan
Title: Re: Escape hatch cover
Post by: John Eversoll on October 04, 2010, 03:23:03 AM


  Hi K9, I know what ya mean about  $40 bucks!!!!

  I even made one out of sheet steel  Worked great for six months and

  Lost it somewhere in Colorado.....Sigh.... 

  Yea, anyone with an idea please step up to the plate!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Escape hatch cover
Post by: jon on October 04, 2010, 03:54:32 AM
Mine started leaking so I caulked it shut. I cant fit through that little hole to escape anyway so it dont really matter if it can open or not.
Title: Re: Escape hatch cover
Post by: JerryT on October 04, 2010, 07:29:35 PM
I cut a square of 4" foam to insert in mine. I made it a bit large so it was a tight fit. I installed it (from the inside) when ever I did not have it open while driving. I made a notch for the crank to nestle in to. I found that the pressure/vacuum on both sides of the hatch lid would work back and forth and beat it up till failure. I gave up my hatch for my dome and a Maxxair vent.

http://www.maxxair.com/manual-maxxfan.html

Good luck with your hatch.

JerryT
 
Title: Re: Escape hatch cover
Post by: LARRY RAY on October 05, 2010, 11:52:19 AM
That's what I did too Jerry. It was what my dear deceased dad told me to do years ago. Thought it sounded a bit odd at the time, but as of this date and many years of rving I have never lost one.
Title: Re: Escape hatch cover
Post by: Horst on October 05, 2010, 12:04:59 PM
I have 1 inch L-brackets attached to both sides of the mounting hardware - (these are pre-drilled to accept screws) - I then connect two bungie cords across the top of my escape hatch and hook into the L-bracket.
So far - so good - because it holds it down tight and doesn't let the wind slowly vibrate things loose.