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Topic: Heng's Escape Hatch (Read 623 times) previous topic - next topic
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Heng's Escape Hatch
Hello everyone!  I see that a few people have replaced the escape hatch lids, but I have received my second one, and it's a little larger than the one currently on my 2005 26.5 LD.  Has anyone replaced it with this issue?   What modifications, if needed, should I make? 
2005 Mid Bath
Hello!   I just brought my first RV and it’s a LD!  I’m looking forward to many years of traveling in it by myself or with family and friends.  I plan to make new friends in my adventures.
Wishing everyone safe and happy travels!  😃

Re: Heng's Escape Hatch
Reply #1
Hi Dee; Welcome to the group!  (FOLD Fellowship Of Lazy Dazers), or the traditional Lazy Daze Owners Forum.
    How much bigger are we talking about?  If the lid will still sit down on the sealing edge of the escape hatch framework, then it should work. It might interfere with the CB radio bracket. The hinge may not fit into the new bracket either (that is attached to the new lid.)  RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB

Re: Heng's Escape Hatch
Reply #2
I was emailing with Todd a bit earlier in the year and he was working with a company to get a batch made. Not sure if that came to fruition though. This post just reminded me to send him an email. I will let you know what he says.
Jodi, Kevin, and Lincoln (the crazy doodle dog)
2011 TK - also the "DogHaus"- adopted October 2023
2000 30IB - the "DogHaus" - adopted April 2020 - rehomed October 2023

Re: Heng's Escape Hatch
Reply #3
Precisely how much larger (eg 1/4" all around?), is the hinge compatible once the old one is removed, and can you mount the cross-bar for the lift hardware? If 2 & 3 are positive and #1 is slight and symmetric, then it should work.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit

Re: Heng's Escape Hatch
Reply #4

If the hinge on the new cover is incompatible with the escape hatch, the rivets can be drilled out and the old hinge pop-riveted to the new cover.

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: Heng's Escape Hatch
Reply #5
Still no progress from the company that he is trying to get to manufacture the hatches. He said he might have to go with a different company and that will also take a while. He did send this picture and said this Heng's hatch is the one that would work best for my 2011.

Thankfully mine is still functional but I am just looking to have a backup on hand.

Jodi, Kevin, and Lincoln (the crazy doodle dog)
2011 TK - also the "DogHaus"- adopted October 2023
2000 30IB - the "DogHaus" - adopted April 2020 - rehomed October 2023

Re: Heng's Escape Hatch
Reply #6

Hello Dee,

We do not have an escape hatch on our 2015 Rear Bath, however, I have repaired the roof vents on our rig using Flex Seal Clear Liquid. If your Hatch is mostly intact or only cracked, perhaps my hack can buy you some time until you can locate the correct hatch cover.

I was having water intrusion either through cracks in the vent lid or the surrounding seal on the roof. The center vent had several hairline cracks in the cover. I purchased the Flex Seal Clear Liquid at Home Depot for about $35. Amazon.com: Flex Seal Liquid, Rubber Coating Sealant, Waterproof, Flexible,... (This is the Amazon link for what I believe is the product I used.

I also purchased Dicor Non-Leveling Sealant to spread over the existing Dicor sealant around the vents. Dicor 651SANSW-1 NON-Leveling... Amazon.com: Dicor 651SANSW-1 NON-Leveling Ultra Sealant System - 10.1 Oz,...

I applied 3 coats of Flex Seal to each vent and 2 coats of Dicor around the vents. Allowing the product to dry overnight between each coat.

If your hatch needs some stabilization, you may need to use painters tape from below (inward facing surface). This hack for you is only a suggestion as a stop gap. NOTE: If you attempt this repair, you will need to use the flex seal on the top (top surface of the hatch).

Just a thought. Here is a picture of my repair. My repair is holding perfectly. One day I will replace the original vents but until then I am very satisfied with the repair.

Kent

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"

Re: Heng's Escape Hatch
Reply #7

This is the one I installed a few years ago, it was just fine. It was smaller than the one posted above. It was 18" by 25".
Amazon.com: Heng's 90008-C1-LO Escape Hatch LID ONLY fits Current Model...
Heng's 90008-C1-LO Escape Hatch LID ONLY fits Current Model 58621-C2 - RV Fan - White - 18' x 25' - Modern Style - Cross Bar Included, No Arm Crank

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Steve and Jill, Steve posting
1999 26.5 Mid-Bath

Re: Heng's Escape Hatch
Reply #8
When I had a issue with the plastic lid on the escape hatch on my 2010 Rear Bath, I removed the plastic from the mounting hardware and took it to a sheet metal fabrication shop. They used it as a model to make a new aluminum one. Before reattaching the mounting hardware I glued foil bubble wrap inside the cover for insulation and a rubber seal around the edges that contact the vent frame. I never had any issues after that. 
2010 RB "Monty"  &  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: Heng's Escape Hatch
Reply #9
When I had a issue with the plastic lid on the escape hatch on my 2010 Rear Bath, I removed the plastic from the mounting hardware and took it to a sheet metal fabrication shop. They used it as a model to make a new aluminum one. Before reattaching the mounting hardware, I glued foil bubble wrap inside the cover for insulation and a rubber seal around the edges that contact the vent frame. I never had any issues after that. 

Years ago, one of the LD Caravan Club members had several aluminum hatch covers fabricated, too bad I missed out on it. They were expensive but a one-and-done solution.
On our escape hatch, I glued in a closed-cell backpacker foam pad, covered by a piece of dark blue indoor/outdoor carpet for insulation. It made a big difference in temperature control.

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: Heng's Escape Hatch
Reply #10
I used the same replacement as referenced in Reply #7. It went in easily and fit just fine.
2004 26.5 Island Bed. Gumby
2006 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon