Adding gas/spring struts or props to entry door

[Witch Doctor]

Originally Posted by arpipeliner

Attachment 62634

I would want Forest River to pay for the swap. It's their design flaw with a easy fix. But that is just me.

Did it to a camper at hunting camp due to the way the porch that had made.


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I agree, that would solve the problem and FR should pick the bill up.....

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by arpipeliner

Looks like if they made a door to open the other direction the issue would be solved.

True, but from a safety angle, it would be like the old "suicide" doors on cars. If it comes unlatched while towing (not likely with the handrail folded)and the wind catches it, there goes the door.

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by gljurczyk

...I would still like to know how do you keep the door open and just use the screen door with that design?

The same way my Flagstaff does, with a gas strut.

[DAISY BOYKIN]

I have two doors on a Rockwood 8285 WS with a 20' awning. I do not have gas struts but 4" door stops were installed at the factory to prevent the door from hitting the side. The stops also have rubber plugs in the end to cushion the door. There is also door hooks on both doors so they can be hooked open so fresh air with screen closed. The front awning arm is 6'-8' from the from the front door. The rear arm is after the rear door.

I have no problem with the door banging against the side of the wall.

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by DAISY BOYKIN

...I have no problem with the door banging against the side of the wall.

Just the hand rail folding into the awning arm.

[DAISY BOYKIN]

Just the hand rail folding into the awning arm.

Go back to sleep "SHORTY"!!!!! Oh, I forgot you never sleep, you just hang up side down!

[arpipeliner]

Originally Posted by OldCoot

True, but from a safety angle, it would be like the old "suicide" doors on cars. If it comes unlatched while towing (not likely with the handrail folded)and the wind catches it, there goes the door.

That's what insurance is for. Hook up and never look back OC


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[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by arpipeliner

That's what insurance is for. Hook up and never look back OC

I would imagine there is a regulation or code somewhere preventing manufacturers from reversing the doors as I've never seen an RV with the door hinged on the left.

[Witch Doctor]

Originally Posted by OldCoot

The same way my Flagstaff does, with a gas strut.

according to the pictures I do not see a gas strut? Did your Flagstaff come with your gas strut? I don't think after paying all that money he should have to add his own because of a design flaw. FR needs to take care of the problem. I think if the factory planned on it, It would show on the pictures the OP posted of the problem. That could also be a solution.

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by gljurczyk

according to the pictures I do not see a gas strut? Did your Flagstaff come with your gas strut? I don't think after paying all that money he should have to add his own because of a design flaw. FR needs to take care of the problem. I think if the factory planned on it, It would show on the pictures the OP posted of the problem. That could also be a solution.

My Flagstaff came with the strut, I just relocated it to make it open wider and still not have the door hit the awning arm. His didn't. Not a very big expense and it would be more hassle to get FR and the dealer to install than it's worth.

[mark0224]

My V lite front bedroom has a door that opens just like this, I try not to keep it open unless it is out of the wind just so doesn't slam shut. Thinking your gas strut idea might be my best choice for this door since it has broke the latch that holds the door open twice and waiting to see if it rips the metal one out of the side of the trailer.

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by mark0224

My V lite front bedroom has a door that opens just like this, I try not to keep it open unless it is out of the wind just so doesn't slam shut. Thinking your gas strut idea might be my best choice for this door since it has broke the latch that holds the door open twice and waiting to see if it rips the metal one out of the side of the trailer.

Wasn't my idea, it was factory, I just relocated the 2 anchor points so it opened wider and help close the door. Like it and it's worked flawlessly for 2 yrs now. Used 3/16" pop rivets to anchor it on the door and through the wall screws and nuts on the camper pivot anchor.

[Witch Doctor]

I guess everyone is entitled to there own opinion, everyone doesn't have your ability or tools to do such a job or want to do it. If you pay money for a unit and it has a design flaw which it has, then FR should either fix it or give him the money to have someone do it. I have never heard of any regulations on reversing the door. It can't be a DOT reg, because a lot of crew cabs Toyota comes to mind that has that on some of there truck models. My neighbor has one. Also if it was against the law they couldn't sell them for trailers. post # 20

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by gljurczyk

I guess everyone is entitled to there own opinion, everyone doesn't have your ability or tools to do such a job or want to do it. If you pay money for a unit and it has a design flaw which it has, then FR should either fix it or give him the money to have someone do it. I have never heard of any regulations on reversing the door. It can't be a DOT reg, because a lot of crew cabs Toyota comes to mind that has that on some of there truck models. My neighbor has one. Also if it was against the law they couldn't sell them for trailers. post # 20

Some folks might consider it a design flaw, others just an inconvenience. As for the door, it might not be a regulation, but common sense would prevent most from hinging a camper door on the left. The wind while traveling would be constantly working to open the door, wearing on the latch/lock and when it finally failed, the owner would immediately say it was a design flaw.

In my view, the stab legs are a design flaw as are the LR C rating tires they put on and numerous other minor little things. So, you either have to fix them yourself, hire someone to fix them or just live with them.

One thing for sure, they (manufacturers) are not going to change them over what we say or post on this forum.

[Witch Doctor]

Originally Posted by OldCoot

Some folks might consider it a design flaw, others just an inconvenience. As for the door, it might not be a regulation, but common sense would prevent most from hinging a camper door on the left. The wind while traveling would be constantly working to open the door, wearing on the latch/lock and when it finally failed, the owner would immediately say it was a design flaw.

In my view, the stab legs are a design flaw as are the LR C rating tires they put on and numerous other minor little things. So, you either have to fix them yourself, hire someone to fix them or just live with them.

One thing for sure, they (manufacturers) are not going to change them over what we say or post on this forum.

That could be the most honest statement you ever made.One thing for sure, they (manufacturers) are not going to change them over what we say or post on this forum I agree. By the way did FR ever get back to you about the spacing on the axles? That they called you on? Which you pointed out that it was wrong they way they have then installed? Haven't read any post or I have missed it. Thanks

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by gljurczyk

...That they called you on?...

No word back and really, to be perfectly honest, don't expect one.

[fordsuperdutyE350]

My V Lite Flagstaff door had a shock on it which the screws pulled through and bent the metal. How can I make that stronger, anyone have this problem?


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[Witch Doctor]

Originally Posted by fordsuperdutyE350

My V Lite Flagstaff door had a shock on it which the screws pulled through and bent the metal. How can I make that stronger, anyone have this problem?


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I know OC did something to make his stronger, been working great for him. You might PM him if doesn't see this post......

[fordsuperdutyE350]

Ok thanks


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[OldCoot]

Just moved both anchors 2-1/2" closer to the door hinge, used 3/16" pop rivets to hold the anchor on the door and thru bolted the camper anchor with #10 ss stove bolts and put an alum. backer inside the trailer. Has worked flawlessly for over 2 years.