RV Designer H233 Self Closing Hinge Antique Review

Let’s Dive into RV Designer H233 Self Closing Hinge Antique

The RV Designer H233 Self Closing Hinge Antique is a small but crucial component for anyone looking to maintain or upgrade their RV’s cabinetry. These hinges, offered by RV Designer, promise to prevent damage with their self-closing mechanism and offer an aesthetic touch with their antique finish. At a price point of just $5.99 for a pack of two, it seems like an affordable solution but is it worth the investment?

My old RV, affectionately nicknamed “The Wanderer,” suffered from perpetually swinging cabinet doors. Every bump in the road, every slight incline, and those doors would swing open, threatening to spill contents and creating a general sense of disarray. I needed a solution that was both functional and wouldn’t clash with the RV’s existing, slightly dated aesthetic. I was specifically looking for a self-closing hinge with a vintage or classic look, and the RV Designer H233 Self Closing Hinge Antique seemed to fit the bill.

Upon receiving the hinges, I was immediately struck by their solid feel. They seemed reasonably well-constructed for the price, possessing a reassuring weight in my hand. The antique finish, while not perfectly mimicking a true antique, was a decent match for the existing hardware in The Wanderer. The packaging was simple, including the two hinges and a small bag of mounting screws.

I considered a couple of other options before settling on these hinges. There were some cheaper, generic self-closing hinges available, but they looked flimsy and I doubted their durability. On the other end of the spectrum, there were some high-end, solid brass hinges, but their price was exorbitant for a simple RV upgrade. The RV Designer H233 Self Closing Hinge Antique appeared to offer a balance between affordability and quality.

Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. I liked the finish and the self-closing mechanism seemed promising, but I was unsure about the long-term durability and the ease of installation. Would these hinges be the answer to my perpetually swinging cabinet door woes, or would they be another RV-related frustration? Only time and testing would tell.

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Real-World Testing: Putting RV Designer H233 Self Closing Hinge Antique to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the RV Designer H233 Self Closing Hinge Antique during a week-long camping trip to Big Bend National Park. The park’s rugged terrain and bumpy dirt roads provided ample opportunity to assess the hinges’ performance under challenging conditions. Installation was straightforward, requiring only a screwdriver and a few minutes per hinge.

The hinges performed well in the dry, dusty conditions of Big Bend. The self-closing mechanism worked reliably, gently pulling the cabinet doors closed and preventing them from swinging open while driving. I noticed a significant reduction in the noise and disruption caused by the previously unruly cabinet doors.

Using the hinges was simple. No extra force was needed to open the cabinet doors and the self-closing action was smooth and controlled. There were no unexpected slams or jerky movements.

After the first day, I was pleased with how the hinges were working. The only small issue was that I initially used a screw driver that was too large, and stripped one of the screw heads! But that was my fault, not the hinges fault!

Extended Use & Reliability

After three months of regular use, the RV Designer H233 Self Closing Hinge Antique hinges continue to perform admirably. They’ve endured several more camping trips, including one particularly rainy weekend in the Pacific Northwest. The self-closing mechanism remains consistent, and the antique finish hasn’t shown any signs of fading or corrosion.

The hinges have proven to be quite durable. Despite the constant vibrations and occasional bumps associated with RV travel, they show no signs of loosening or wear. The self-closing mechanism is still as effective as when they were first installed.

Maintaining the hinges is simple. I occasionally wipe them down with a damp cloth to remove dust and grime. I haven’t needed to lubricate them or perform any other maintenance.

Compared to my previous experiences with standard RV hinges, the RV Designer H233 Self Closing Hinge Antique hinges are a significant improvement. They offer a level of convenience and peace of mind that standard hinges simply can’t match. The self-closing feature has eliminated the constant annoyance of swinging cabinet doors, making life on the road much more enjoyable.

Breaking Down the Features of RV Designer H233 Self Closing Hinge Antique

Specifications

The RV Designer H233 Self Closing Hinge Antique features the following specifications:

• Finish: Antique. This finish provides a classic, slightly aged look that blends well with traditional RV interiors. It’s a painted finish, designed to resist chipping and fading.
• Type: Self-Closing. The self-closing mechanism gently pulls the cabinet door closed, preventing it from swinging open during travel. It’s spring-loaded, providing a consistent and reliable closing force.
• Mounting: Surface Mount (Flush). These hinges are designed to be mounted on the surface of the cabinet door and frame, making them easy to install without the need for mortising. This flush design means the door sits flat against the cabinet frame.
• Height: 2-3/4 inches. This is the overall height of the hinge, determining the amount of surface area available for mounting and support.
• Material: Likely steel (though the manufacturer doesn’t explicitly state it). Steel provides a good balance of strength and affordability.

These specifications are important because they directly impact the hinges’ performance and ease of use. The antique finish adds a touch of style, while the self-closing mechanism provides convenience and prevents damage. The surface mount design simplifies installation, and the overall dimensions ensure compatibility with most RV cabinets.

Performance & Functionality

The RV Designer H233 Self Closing Hinge Antique performs its primary function effectively: preventing cabinet doors from swinging open. The self-closing mechanism is consistent and reliable, providing a gentle but firm closing force. This has significantly reduced the noise and disruption caused by swinging doors in my RV.

The hinge’s strengths lie in its ease of use, simple installation, and consistent performance. However, the self-closing action may be slightly too strong for very lightweight cabinet doors. It’s not a major issue, but it’s worth noting.

The hinges largely meet my expectations. They are not the highest quality hinges on the market, but they are a good value for the price. They are functional, durable, and aesthetically pleasing.

Design & Ergonomics

The hinges are constructed from a relatively robust material, likely steel, and finished with an antique-style coating. The weight is reassuring, suggesting a decent level of build quality. The design is simple and functional, with no unnecessary frills.

The installation is straightforward, requiring only basic tools and a few minutes per hinge. The surface mount design eliminates the need for mortising, making it accessible to even novice DIYers. There’s virtually no learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience, these hinges should last for several years with proper care. The steel construction and painted finish are reasonably resistant to wear and corrosion. However, the self-closing mechanism may eventually wear out, requiring replacement.

Maintenance is minimal. Simply wiping down the hinges with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to keep them clean and functioning properly. Lubrication may be necessary after prolonged use.

Accessories and Customization Options

The RV Designer H233 Self Closing Hinge Antique comes with a small bag of mounting screws. There are no other accessories or customization options available.

The hinges are a standard size and should be compatible with most RV cabinet doors. However, it’s important to ensure that the screw holes align properly before installation. If the finish doesn’t match, you could consider painting the hinges.

Pros and Cons of RV Designer H233 Self Closing Hinge Antique

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Who Should Buy RV Designer H233 Self Closing Hinge Antique?

These hinges are perfect for RV owners looking to upgrade their cabinetry without spending a fortune. They are ideal for those who want to prevent cabinet doors from swinging open during travel and add a touch of style to their RV interiors. DIYers will appreciate the easy installation process.

This product might not be suitable for those who require high-end, solid brass hinges or who have extremely lightweight cabinet doors. Also those who require exact color matching to existing antique hardware may be slightly disappointed.

A must-have accessory is a good quality screwdriver set. Using the wrong size or type of screwdriver can strip the screw heads, making installation difficult.

Conclusion on RV Designer H233 Self Closing Hinge Antique

The RV Designer H233 Self Closing Hinge Antique is a solid, affordable upgrade for any RV owner struggling with swinging cabinet doors. While not perfect, its self-closing mechanism, ease of installation, and attractive antique finish make it a worthwhile investment.

The price is certainly justified. For just $5.99, you get a functional and aesthetically pleasing product that can significantly improve the comfort and convenience of RV travel.

I would definitely recommend the RV Designer H233 Self Closing Hinge Antique to anyone looking for a simple, effective solution to prevent swinging cabinet doors in their RV. So, ditch those annoying bungee cords and upgrade to these self-closing hinges. Your sanity (and your cabinet contents) will thank you!