Whopper-jawed entry door

[BobA-FRF]

I have a 2020 rPod 176 TT with original Lippert door with Friction hinges, top and bottom.

After five years of light-to-moderate use, the door is no longer hanging straight up and down. The top left edge of the door is hitting the door frame enough that, particularly on very warm days, is it becoming difficult to close without significant effort. The door-to-frame gap on the right side of the door is noticeably wider at the top than the bottom, so the door is leaning left, albeit ever so slightly.

I have experience hanging residential doors and understand how to 'fix' a door that is not hanging straight. I have no experience, however, with RV doors. There appears to be no way to adjust anything other than the strike plate. All hinges are riveted to the door frame which I assume is screwed to the aluminum frame that makes up the door opening in the side wall. How do you adjust that ?

Although it does not appear to look any different than the bottom hinge, I am considering replacing top hinge. Second option is to take a grinder to the top left door frame and gently grind away some material (I really don't want to do this). Third option is to buy a new door ($$$$$).

Any thoughts or suggestions are appreciated.

Bob in Grand Rapids, MI

 

[JimM2109S]

I recently saw a door hinge adjustment tool that is used on residential hinges to "bend" the hinge to straighten a door back into alignment. I'm sure you're aware of the device. I'm wondering if the device, or tapping the upper hinge with a hammer & block of wood, might do the trick.

Curious - was the trailer jack raised while the steps were down?

 

[Bob K4TAX]

I find we have an occasional door issue which is caused by slight twisting or bending of the frame. Get it level and without stress points and all is well.

Bob

 

[BobA-FRF]

I recently saw a door hinge adjustment tool that is used on residential hinges to "bend" the hinge to straighten a door back into alignment. I'm sure you're aware of the device. I'm wondering if the device, or tapping the upper hinge with a hammer & block of wood, might do the trick.

Curious - was the trailer jack raised while the steps were down?

Thank you Jim. Actually I was not aware of hinge adjustment tools, so I will investigate. I might be able to make one called the Knuckle Bender work if I remove the door (which is attached to the hinges via screws).

Regarding your question. The steps that came with the trailer are original and attach to the right-side frame rail (2"x 4" tubular steel); the steps are suspended when deployed and do not touch the ground. I am certain we have raised and lowered the trailer via the tongue many times over the years with the steps lowered. I'm not sure what you are getting at with your question. Thanks.

Many thanks for your reply, Bob.

 

[BobA-FRF]

I find we have an occasional door issue which is caused by slight twisting or bending of the frame. Get it level and without stress points and all is well.

Bob

Thanks Bob, point well taken.

One of the things I failed to mention is that for many model years Forest River under-engineered the floor on the r-Pod AND failed to install outriggers. The unsupported floor, which extend 6 inches beyond the frame rail, starts to sag over time. This has happened on my 2020 trailer but primarily on the other side of the trailer under the 5' slide out....which is the heaviest part of the trailer (microwave, refrigerator, sink & faucet, drain, etc.) I have installed outriggers front to back on both sides of the trailer, but it is very possible this door issue is related.

Bob in Grand Rapids, MI

 

[BobA-FRF]

One last post by the OP to close this out (in case anybody is interested........). In summary;

Because the three entry door hinges had NEVER been lubricated and worked fairly hard, the action of closing the door created enough torque on the fairly flexible hinge material to slightly bend it out of shape over many many cycles. This was visible upon very close inspection. But before I did anything rash (like replacing hinges) I decided to spray the hinges with a Teflon lubricant. Holy crap, it worked like magic. I can close the door with 1/10th the effort it took previously. So....this was a major lesson for me; keep things lubricated !!! Thanks again to everyone that contributed to this post. Bob in Grand Rapids, MI

 

[JimM2109S]

Bob, I missed the new posts alerts. I fully admit to thinking “all designs are like my camper’s design”. My comment to raising the tongue with steps deployed was based on non-suspended steps - those that make direct contact with the ground. The comment does not apply in your situation.