Overhead Cabinet Hinges

[JRTJH]

If you're looking to find and install that "novel new hinge' that you saw on a new trailer, then finding them and modifying your existing cabinet doors to fit the new hinges may well become a "significant challenge that takes maximum time and effort"....

On the other hand, years ago overhead cabinet doors used spring loaded struts to do that job. Modern trailers use a "gas strut" to do the same thing. Those gas struts are found in many trailers, but it seems that Keystone's "bean counters" have elected to omit them and mark that $10 (my estimate) as profit... You can simplify the task and accomplish the same end result by installing one of these on each cabinet door that opens up. Just pull down on the door and it'll close and latch like it normally does, but when you open it, the door will stay open until you pull it shut.

I installed them on all my overhead cabinet doors that open upward. Nice thing with my Cougar is the doors all open from the side, so no need on this trailer...

Here's a link to what I used: https://www.amazon.com/Augiimor-Sup...8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1

 

[GoingPlaces]

Thanks for that, I'm still looking for a direct drop in hinge. It would be the cleanest looking install. Gas pistons or spring-loaded door closers would be Plan B.

I'll look around until spring, if I can't find drop in or nearly similar hinges by then. Plan B it is.

 

[JRTJH]

Good Luck !!! Milling the installation while the cabinet is in parts on a workbench is pretty simply. Trying to get a Forstner bit into a "built in cabinet" hanging over your head is quite a bit more challenging...

I'm certainly not a cabinet maker, heck, I'm lucky to get most saw cuts within 1/8" of what I hoped for, but putting a 1" hole drilling bit that's 8" long on a drill and wedging it into a 10" cabinet opening to drill a 3/8" deep hole that's the correct depth AND the correct angle/level.... All while trying to keep wood chips out of my eyes and off the DW's carpet... Well, for me, plan B is significantly less painful and given the infrequent use for those cabinets by people who would be "impressed with my woodworking skills"... Plus, when you add in the "risk of a slip with the Forstner bit"... Just my luck I'd wind up with gas pistone PLUS a hole in the cabinet framing.... :hide:

 

[Mr Mojo]

This is what I did. Bought off Amazon.

 

[mtmiller302]

Like these?

Dia 1inches/26mm Hole Euro Hydraulic Insert Style Soft Close Hinge for Cabinet Glass Door

European Style Insert style Hydraulic Soft Close HingeFor thickness 4-7mm (5/32 - 17/64 inches)Glass Door,95 Degree Open,Insparable style, with Screws Included?All Mental Construction Satin Nickel Finish,Round Cover is in Chrome, If you need it in another color, it needs custom make, MOQ 1000pcs...

www.hnfshop.com

 

[NH_Bulldog]

I would be wary of any hinge using "All Mental Construction Satin Nickel Finish" wouldn't that make them "unhinged"? Sorry, I couldn't resist.

The issue with the soft close hinges is that they are designed to close, not stay open. I have seen a few trailers recently when the cabinets that open upwards stay in the open position and the hinges appear to look the same as what I (we) have in there currently, but I couldn't get any numbers off them, nor could anyone tell me where they came from. Next time I go to an RV show I am bringing a screwdriver.....

 

[GoingPlaces]

Or .... maybe they are able to predict that you want to get in the cabinet and open automatically....

When we were at the RV show this past fall, I was sure I was seeing hinges that stayed open and had the same form factor as the hinges that came from the factory.