hinges on wardrobe losen

[bfwoz]

I'm having a problem with the hinges always coming lose on the wardrobe cabinet. Are there any suggestions on how to keep them from coming lose? I just read an article on Euro hinges and I'm wondering if I should try to use these in place of what came with the Safari.

[TomW]

Bob,

A different style hinge may help alleviate the symptoms, but check this thread for insight into the problem. Post #16 in the thread appears to parallel your issue. BTW, RivetED is aka Ed & Debbie.

Tom

[Pahaska]

The Safari cabinets are what Airstream terms "light plywood", as were the cabinets in my 2003 International AS. This plywood is amazingly light, but it does not hold screws well, especially if they have ever been removed and replaced once.

I poked toothpicks dipped in glue in some of my loosest screw holes and it helped a lot. Worst case, drill a 1/4" hole partway through the door and glue in a piece of 1/4" birch dowel. Pre-drill the screw holes in the dowels so that the dowels do not split.

I might suggest that a set of Centramatic balancers will reduce the vibration that loosens things in the trailer.

[bfwoz]

Originally Posted by Pahaska

The Safari cabinets are what Airstream terms "light plywood", as were the cabinets in my 2003 International AS. This plywood is amazingly light, but it does not hold screws well, especially if they have ever been removed and replaced once.

I poked toothpicks dipped in glue in some of my loosest screw holes and it helped a lot. Worst case, drill a 1/4" hole partway through the door and glue in a piece of 1/4" birch dowel. Pre-drill the screw holes in the dowels so that the dowels do not split.

I might suggest that a set of Centramatic balancers will reduce the vibration that loosens things in the trailer.

John

The last thing I was have guessed was a vibration problem, I assumed that the trailer gets bounced around on the road. What type of hinges did you use?

[Pahaska]

Originally Posted by Bob Wozniak

John

The last thing I was have guessed was a vibration problem, I assumed that the trailer gets bounced around on the road. What type of hinges did you use?

I just used the hinges that came on the trailer and tried to reinforce the holes in the lightweight plywood. I didn't see any problem with the hinges ... just the holes in the weak plywood.

As far as balancers go, I no longer have screws on light fixtures looseniung, so it should help equally with screws in the wood.

[bryanl]

Originally Posted by Pahaska

I might suggest that a set of Centramatic balancers will reduce the vibration that loosens things in the trailer.

Good idea!

screws don't come loose without something working on them Trailer wheel hubs aren't known for being balanced and have caused other problems. See Andy's (inlandrv.com) thing on balancing. The Centramatic balancers seem to be a better solution.