Recommended Hinge Arrangement for Swing-Up Side Mounted Door on Enclosed Trailer

Question:

I have a 30 foot enclosed tandem car trailer I am considering putting a door on the side over the wheel well. The door will be kind of large, probably 7 foot by 6 foot. The door will open up and out. Is this the style hinge I would need or would you suggest another?

asked by: Travis A

Expert Reply:

According to the folks at TRC, the # 362100-955 hinge you'd looked at is intended for a downward opening ramp-type door that would have the load resting vertically on the spring. For an upward opening door, there would be nothing holding the door in place which would be dangerous because the door would become unhinged.

A piano, or continuous hinge like # H300 would be a much better choice. You'll need to be sure to install a header of some sort above the door that's tied into the wall studs of the trailer to provide a mounting point for the hinge that is also capable of handling the weight of the swing up door.

expert reply by: Mike L