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Topic: For those who've replaced their escape hatch lid (Read 290 times) previous topic - next topic
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For those who've replaced their escape hatch lid
Could you verify for me as to whether this is the correct part or not?

ESCAPE HATCH COVER
2021 Mid Bath
Re: For those who've replaced their escape hatch lid
Reply #1 –
It's been a few years, but I tried to order from a hatch much like that from a RV parts supplier only to find out that manufacturing had been shipped to China and sizes were now +/- an inch or two.  I had to order a second properly sized hatch from the mothership.

If you want to do it once and be sure it's right - my advice is to place the order, mail the check, and wait for the horse and buggy to bring you a new one from Montclair.  They also did a bit of prep work that didn't come on the generic version - painting, cutting a notch in the support rail for easier installation, etc...

Maybe someone with more recent experience will chime in.

Rich
'03 MB in NC
2003 MB
Re: For those who've replaced their escape hatch lid
Reply #2 –
Quote from: rich  - 
If you want to do it once and be sure it's right - my advice is to place the order, mail the check, and wait for the horse and buggy to bring you a new one from Montclair. 

Go with Rich's advice and buy a new cover from LD, there is a better chance of it fitting correctly. 
After-market covers are hit or miss in quality and fit.

Larry



Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: For those who've replaced their escape hatch lid
Reply #3 –
I've researched the replacement covers and I decided that the MFG was the place to go. My thought is do they still have a cover for as far back as 94? I know for a fact they no longer offer the bathroom sky light. I have that one handled when I need it.

Jon
1994 MB
Re: For those who've replaced their escape hatch lid
Reply #4 –
LD also includes the proper seal
2000 MB
Re: For those who've replaced their escape hatch lid
Reply #5 –
Quote from: JonS  - 
know for a fact they no longer offer the bathroom sky light

The old style shower skylight Is not available anymore, it was upgraded with a much better version that will probably fit your LD.
The only way to know what is available through the Mothership is to call.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: For those who've replaced their escape hatch lid
Reply #6 –
count me in the group suggesting to call the mothership.  That is just what I did the start of February this year.  Delivery was a bit delayed by the Covid-19.  The supplier that factory uses was busy making respirators.  The hatch is much stronger when compared with the one that came off my O7 MidBath.  Hatch and shipping to northern VA near DC was 151 and change.  Shipping was a large part of the expense.  If I had to do it over again the only thing I would do differently would be sending the check sooner.
I had the work done at the place I store the RV.  They could do the job indoors, I could not.  We get a lot of rain that time of year.
Currently: 2008 36' Tiffin Open Road
Previously: 2007 Mid Bath
Re: For those who've replaced their escape hatch lid
Reply #7 –
A few years ago after getting caught in a hail storm in Denver I also decided to replace the escape hatch lid on our 2010 RB before it developed a problem. I removed it and detached the lifting hardware and took it to a sheet metal fabrication shop and had them make a new lid from heavy duty aluminum. (See attached photos)  I then replaced the lifting mechanism and the piano hinge, and lined the underside with cork shelf lining for insulation. I then used soft stick on weather stripping around the inside edges. I finished the job by painting the exterior with white acrylic paint.
 It worked quite well for a while until green mold formed on the cork lining. After removing the cork, I replaced it with an insulation material that was used to insulate under the metal roof of my shop. It was plastic bubble wrap with an aluminum coating on both sides. That solved the mold problem. Never had any further issues with the lid. 
2010 RB "Monty"  & currently: 2021 RB "Villa Verde"
2004 Born Free 26'
1998 Beaver Patriot 33'
1992 Barth Breakaway 28'
1982 Fleetwood Jamboree 23'
1982 Dolphin/Toyota 22'
Re: For those who've replaced their escape hatch lid
Reply #8 –
Quote from: Mike Coachman  - 
A few years ago after getting caught in a hail storm in Denver I also decided to replace the escape hatch lid on our 2010 RB before it developed a problem. I removed it and detached the lifting hardware and took it to a sheet metal fabrication shop and had them make a new lid from heavy duty aluminum. (See attached photos)  I then replaced the lifting mechanism and the piano hinge, and lined the underside with cork shelf lining for insulation. I then used soft stick on weather stripping around the inside edges. I finished the job by painting the exterior with white acrylic paint.
 It worked quite well for a while until green mold formed on the cork lining. After removing the cork, I replaced it with an insulation material that was used to insulate under the metal roof of my shop. It was plastic bubble wrap with an aluminum coating on both sides. That solved the mold problem. Never had any further issues with the lid. 
And you added that nifty wind deflector as well, right?

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: For those who've replaced their escape hatch lid
Reply #9 –
Chris,  Yes, I did that early on when it was suggested (I believe) on this forum by Andy Baird. I went digging in my scrap metal supply and found this piece of angle stainless steel which I glued to the roof. Never had any water forced under the cover by high wind while driving. 
2010 RB "Monty"  & currently: 2021 RB "Villa Verde"
2004 Born Free 26'
1998 Beaver Patriot 33'
1992 Barth Breakaway 28'
1982 Fleetwood Jamboree 23'
1982 Dolphin/Toyota 22'
 
Re: For those who've replaced their escape hatch lid
Reply #10 –
Quote from: Mike Coachman  - 
Chris,  Yes, I did that early on when it was suggested (I believe) on this forum by Andy Baird. I went digging in my scrap metal supply and found this piece of angle stainless steel which I glued to the roof. Never had any water forced under the cover by high wind while driving.

We had a water intrusion problem in our 1983 LD's escape hatch, Water was being forced around the hatch cover,was solved with the same solution, it worked fine.

Love the sheet metal cover, wish someone manufactured themin bulk. Several years ago, a member of the LD Caravan Club had several hatch covers made from polished diamond-plate sheet aluminum, they were very expensive but good forever .

When I repace covers, I line the inside of the cover with one of more layers of closed-cell insulation, to insulate from heat and cold and to block light, so the bunk stays dark in the morning.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze