Entry Door hitting window on 23 FB?

[pcskier]

I noticed in looking at photos that the entry door on a 23 FB opens over the rear dinette window. So, how many can report smashed windows from opening the door while the window is open? Seems that for all intents and purposes, that window should never be opened to be safe?

[Jeffndaile]

My wife and I have had some pretty interesting discussions about this very thing lately and we've come to some interesting conclusions. One thing that airstream is famous for these days is the sheer number of windows and how large they are. In order to not have this little problem, airstream would have to either delete that window or make the window fixed which changes the look of the window from the outside. I was grateful that the previous owner took the time to tell us about that little potential hazard before we took possession of ours. It is amazing how many models over the last 10 years or so and the current offerings that still have that problem.

[rmkrum]

We just simply never open the window...

[Jeffndaile]

Originally Posted by rmkrum

We just simply never open the window...

Yup, that's what we do.

[overlander63]

The 23FB and the 28 both have this issue. I advise everybody in my classes to pretend those windows do not open, ever.
The second issue is the placement of the furnace in some models. If you open the main door to load or unload the trailer, for example, and the furnace is running, it can seriously damage the outer skin of the door.

[J-K Georgia]

Definitely a personal choice. We use it as a window, not as a ventilation source. No problem. Very glad that window is there, it adds just that much more light in.

I guess Airstream could have made it a window, that cannot be opened, then this discussion would not occur. But I guess they gave us this chance to use it anyway we wanted.

John

[snow]

Is there a reason Airstream can't make door swing away from the window?

[Adventure.AS]

Originally Posted by snow

Is there a reason Airstream can't make door swing away from the window?

The door wouldn't open all of the way if the awning were open as it would hit the rafter arm.

[AWCHIEF]

Back to the original question of actual damage to the window. I can not recall anyone reporting damage. Can anyone?

[Wayne&Sam]

Mine shares the furnace behind the open door. It's never been a problem, just something to be aware of- like NEVER leaving your key in the door when you open it.

[GettinAway]

We use the window as ventilation, but not very often. We haven't had an issue with it. I always thought the bigger problem would be blocking the view of the person in that side of the dinette. That hasn't been a problem either. We don't have the door open that often. If it's nice, we are outside..

[dkottum]

I think it's just a matter of learning the limitations of your equipment. Our windows are fine (as long as you don't walk into them when open), the furnace vent is behind the open door. In 1400 nights camping with this Airstream I don't remember ever needing the wide door open while running the furnace.

[PKI]

Seems like an engineering fail to not include a physical constraint on the door. Same with dropping the dual direction switch on the fans, specifying 14in tires on the 23, and not including the cost of a multistage power controller, but those may have been marketing decisions. This type of issue is what you must deal with to enjoy the pleasure of AS ownership. It builds character.

Oh, they did go to 15in tires on the 23. So, maybe the rest will get corrected too, someday.

Airstream needs more engineers, more empowered employees, and a real effective competitor. Pat

[HeadWest]

With our 28', the door will hit the one window over the dinette if it is open. Our dealer warned us about this prior to ordering as a limitation with the 28 and also at our delivery walk through. He said that if you do have it open in one of the upper positions and forget, there is a good chance it will take out both the dinette window and the window in the door.

For the first couple of years we did not open that window. However, more recently I have been opening it sometimes when we have great weather and want the unobstructed views.

When I do open it, it is when we are both in the trailer and I lock the door along with putting some tape or something on the handle so I don't forget to close the window before going outside.

[Jeffndaile]

Originally Posted by PKI

Airstream needs more engineers, more empowered employees, and a real effective competitor. Pat

I believe with the strong competitor, the rest will follow? Take some of that market share away, maybe we'll see something ...

[LiLNomad]

Im sure I read here in another post that there is a bracket or something you can purchase (I think they said from CanAM Airstream) that will hold the door at a 90 degree angle so it doesnt hit the window.
LilNomad