Very good idea to have PVC pipes for unexpected failure of the struts... I
have to make some too...

I'd think the best way or best time to test the struts is during cold
winter months... You open it and let it up for a couple minutes (more is
better)... if the hatch is going down slowly slowly and slowly then new
struts are in order.

On Thu, Sep 23, 2021 at 8:30 AM Eric Caron <ericcaron96@comcast.net> wrote:

> Agreed, when my struts failed I was amazed at how heavy it was.
>
> Makes me think I should make and carry one of those PVC splits pipes to
> help hold it up during long weekends or if it fails unexpectedly.
>
> Eric
>
>
> > On Sep 23, 2021, at 11:24 AM, Alistair Bell <albell@shaw.ca> wrote:
> >
> > Eric,
> >
> > My only contribution is to warn that the socket head machine screws
> holding the hinge to hatch and body are very , or I should say can be very,
> tight.
> > I’ve had to use impact screwdriver, I mean the type you whack with heavy
> hammer to impact loosen  the fastener.
> >
> > And I’ll second the comment about the hatch being heavier than you think.
> >
> > Alistair
> >
> >> On Sep 23, 2021, at 8:04 AM, Eric Caron <ericcaron96@comcast.net>
> wrote:
> >>
> >> Guesses are good!
> >>
> >> I’m pretty baffled by my hatch hinges.  Fingers crossed I don’t have to
> figure them out in the future!
> >>
> >> Luckily,  a friend replaced his when his son let the van roll down the
> driveway into a neighbor’s tree so I will turn to him for advice!  Now if
> only he was on the list to assist!
> >>
> >> Eric  Caron
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>> On Sep 22, 2021, at 11:27 PM, OlRivrRat <OlRivrRat@comcast.net> wrote:
> >>>
> >>>> On 22 Sep , 2021, at 8:04 AM, Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET
> <mailto:ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>> wrote:
> >>>>
> >>>> That seems like a bit of a reach.
> >>>
> >>>     You’re probably right,, But I did say it was My Guess ~
> >
>