Escape Hatch July 02, 2003, 09:06:06 am Yahoo Message Number: 24094The escape hatch on our 1989 22 RL won't close completely. I called the factory and "the guys" said the hatch sometimes gets bent a bit so get on the roof and "pound" on the hinge to bend it back into shape. That helped, but it still won't close completely. I really don't want to replace it for fear water leaks would start. Anyone have similar problems and if so, how did you fix? It was enough out of kilter that pressure on the raising/lowering arm popped one of the rivets off. Right now I kind of have it jerry-rigged, but it still doesn't close completely and rattles going down the road. Thanks.John & Cheryl 1989 22' RL
Re: Escape Hatch Reply #1 – July 02, 2003, 10:12:42 am Yahoo Message Number: 24097QuoteThe escape hatch on our 1989 22 RL won't close completely. I called the factory and "the guys" said the hatch sometimes gets bent a bit so get on the roof and "pound" on the hinge to bend it back into shape. That helped, but it still won't close completely. I really don't want to replace it for fear water leaks would start. Anyone have similar problems and if so, how did you fix? It was enough out of kilter that pressure on the raising/lowering arm popped one of the rivets off. Right now I kind of have it jerry-rigged, but it still doesn't close completely and rattles going down the road. Thanks. Those hatch lids will eventually crack, and need to be replaced. They are available at CW (parts counter), and you will have to slide off the old and take it in to properly id it. The mechanism can be replaced too, if it no longer works smoothly.We have replaced both on ours, and the lid is again due for it.Steve
Re: Escape Hatch-maintenance Reply #2 – July 02, 2003, 11:40:31 am Yahoo Message Number: 24102"Those hatch lids will eventually crack, and need to be replaced. They are available at CW (parts counter), and you will have to slide off the old and take it in to properly id it. The mechanism can be replaced too, if it no longer works smoothly. We have replaced both on ours, and the lid is again due for it."The sun's ultraviolet rays slowly degrade the plastic used in the escape hatch. As a preventative, a coat of elastrometric roof coating or even white house paint will do a lot to extend the life of the hatch. Our '83 LD's escape hatch had cracking in the corners. I repaired it with fiberglass and then painted it. Nine years later, the hatch was still useable. There is no cure for preventing the mechanism from wearing other than making sure that the lid is cranked down tight before driving, to prevent it from opening while on the road.Larry
Topic: Escape Hatch (Read 15 times)
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Topic: Escape Hatch (Read 15 times)
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