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Old 07-16-2018, 02:24 PM   #1
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Now....about this 'stay put' entrance door

Our new 8529IKBS came with what the dealer called a stay put entrance door. Why am I so skeptical? Yes, it seems to work fairly well now, but after a couple years?

Any folks with more experience with these? Fixes? I've already installed a catch latch on one of the cargo doors that the factory should have included. Do I need to ad one to the entrance door as well?
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Old 07-16-2018, 03:27 PM   #2
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Don't know about the 8529IKBS but others with the friction hinge have complained about the door jam breaking after a few months.

Our 2016 8529IKBS does not have it and the door opens fully (and easily) and there is a plastic catch to hold it open.

My brother's Grand Design has the friction hinge and they don't care for it either.
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Old 07-16-2018, 03:48 PM   #3
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We have friction hinges on our TracerAir.
The screen door lower hinge snapped and both the screen door and the entrance door have to be replaced.
Up to that point, the friction hinges seemed to be a good thing.
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Old 07-17-2018, 08:13 AM   #4
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Sounds as though I have good reason to be skeptical of these doors. Question now is do I wait until something goes bad or do I attempt something proactive. Why do we need 'friction' doors anyway? Is hooking a latch (as we've done for years) so difficult?

I have no clue what makes these 'friction' doors function yet.....anyone?
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Old 07-17-2018, 11:45 AM   #5
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I was looking at new 8299 Rockwoods & new 8529 Flagstaffs with friends who are ready to buy and I sure didn't like the friction hinges.
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Old 07-17-2018, 11:51 AM   #6
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The previous iteration with the gas shock wouldn't have excited you too much either!
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Old 07-17-2018, 01:07 PM   #7
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Our KS TT that we've had for 18 months has one and we love it. Live in south Texas and has been quite windy. Stays put just as it did on the dealers lot. Great item if you want my 2 cents. Even if you don't want my 2 cents.
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Old 07-17-2018, 01:56 PM   #8
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Been doing a little digging on this subject. Appears some manufacturers have stopped putting these 'stay put' doors on their units. Just watched a video by Lippert on their 'friction hinge'. Claims to hold door in position in winds "up to 15 MPH". 15 MPH...…..really? That is a gentle breeze here in New Mexico.
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Old 07-17-2018, 03:03 PM   #9
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On units with the awning arm in the swing path of the door, the tighter door keeps a free swinger from banging on the awning arm in the slightest of breeze or when the kids go out it offers resistance.
It is mostly a pain and I see little value in it other than those low priority events mentioned above.
I'd be more pleased with a rubber or soft nylon bumper on the door to cushion any contact with the awning arm.
The Biggest this about the Friction Hinge is SALES PITCH... they all seem to really enjoy demonstrating it and really talking it up almost like they are telling me the unit now has two water heaters! Design Engineers and Sales People what can I say!
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Old 07-17-2018, 07:04 PM   #10
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We have the "stay put" door on our Sandpiper. We are currently on the OBX of NC and are having 15-25 mph wind with gusts of 40-45 mph. It DOES NOT stay put in those type of winds. It did stay put with 10-15 mph winds, but at 16 or above, it will knock you down! (Ask me how I know that!!!)
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Old 07-17-2018, 07:45 PM   #11
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Stay put door

My Columbus came with one of those "stay put doors" and since we live in Oklahoma (where the wind comes roaring up the plain) it was obvious that it wasn't gonna work. At pickup, I had the dealership install one of those typical flip lever door holders and we have been more than satisfied. I reckon if you don't enjoy the midwestern winds like we do it would probably work fine.
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Old 07-18-2018, 05:43 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bikendan View Post
We have friction hinges on our TracerAir.
The screen door lower hinge snapped and both the screen door and the entrance door have to be replaced.
Up to that point, the friction hinges seemed to be a good thing.
So, in essence, what you are saying is,..They work well..Until they Don't.
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Old 07-18-2018, 05:46 AM   #13
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We have had this door in our Vengence for two 2 and have not had any issues even in strong winds!
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Old 07-18-2018, 06:09 AM   #14
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We have the friction hinge door..........love it!!
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Old 07-18-2018, 06:27 AM   #15
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We've had one for 14 months on our Cardinal...love it and noissues whatsoever with it. And we've been in some pretty strong winds here in North Texas especially through the winter.

We are in our camper at least 8 nights each month (plus several weeks of vacation each year) and leave the door open frequently while parked at home. No problems.
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Old 07-18-2018, 10:04 AM   #16
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After spending some time on other RV forums (searching this subject) it seems to me about half the ones with these doors like them, and the other half not so much.
There apparently is no way to 'defeat' these things, other than just wear them out (which I would expect sooner rather than later). Some brands apparently include a latch with these doors.....Flagstaff did not (on mine anyway). So I intend to add a catch latch and treat it as though I have a normal but stubborn door and hope nothing stupid happens.
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Old 07-18-2018, 10:15 AM   #17
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My friction hinge has less friction. I lubed it up with silicroil spray. Works like a charm now!
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Old 07-18-2018, 10:16 AM   #18
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HATE my friction hinge door. It is a pain to open against the tension. And yes, I see my door frame flex. Lippert sells replacement hinges that are NOT friction, if you want to change them out. I'm ordering a set this week so I can replace them before our next trip.
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