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Old 10-18-2018, 07:17 AM   #1
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1989 34.5' Airstream 345
Charlotte , North Carolina
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Door won't open without yanking

Couldn't get the door to open. When this occurred the initial time, I thought the key wasn't unlocking the door. After climbing thru the driver window, I discovered there was no issue with the key & locking mechanism. In order to open, it requires jerking on the handle. What is causing this & is it fixable?

I have a 79 Revcon (the MH built by Byam's stepson, John Hall) & it has a nice Kwikset residence door type keyed deadbolt lock. Anyone done an installation of 1 of these on their Airstream?
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Old 10-18-2018, 11:58 AM   #2
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Sometimes if I'm parked unlevel the body twist will make it difficult to open/close the door, this is compounded if there is dirt on the bottom of the doorjam where the door rubs

Just a thought
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Old 10-18-2018, 04:30 PM   #3
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1991 25' Airstream 250
Oxford , Oxfordshire
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Is the flyscreen door slightly off, it can buckle and create issues opening the main door
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Old 10-18-2018, 11:13 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Magnet18 View Post
Sometimes if I'm parked unlevel the body twist will make it difficult to open/close the door, this is compounded if there is dirt on the bottom of the doorjam where the door rubs
We are parked in a level lot & have no issues with dirt in the door channel.

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Originally Posted by Boom Sounds View Post
Is the flyscreen door slightly off, it can buckle and create issues opening the main door
The door has no binding or contact issues.

I think the problem is in the lock mechanism, but not sure what the correction might be.
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Old 10-19-2018, 03:47 AM   #5
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1984 27' Airstream 270
Scotia , New York
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Check to be sure the lock mechanism screws have not backed out. It does not take much to get the door to jam. Mine are always loosing up.
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Old 10-19-2018, 07:00 AM   #6
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Check there are no screw heads sticking up in the door frame threshold.
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Old 10-19-2018, 09:45 PM   #7
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1991 25' Excella
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I suspect that the hinges are sagging. Perhaps they have come loose or they are worn. My bet would be loose hinges. I just repaired mine on my 91 Excella.
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Old 10-20-2018, 09:26 AM   #8
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2016 25' International
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Make sure your stabilizers aren't down too tight... that can twist the trailer and make the door bind.
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Old 10-20-2018, 05:41 PM   #9
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Cool

Quote:
Originally Posted by wimpy View Post
Couldn't get the door to open. When this occurred the initial time, I thought the key wasn't unlocking the door. After climbing thru the driver window, I discovered there was no issue with the key & locking mechanism. In order to open, it requires jerking on the handle. What is causing this & is it fixable?

I have a 79 Revcon (the MH built by Byam's stepson, John Hall) & it has a nice Kwikset residence door type keyed deadbolt lock. Anyone done an installation of 1 of these on their Airstream?
it is usually the strike of the door that causes this it can be realigned but care must be taken the strike has two rivets these must be drilled out and carefully loosen the strike post do not remove or the back channel will fall down and the whole door must be removed. Check this by carefully looking at the door as it closes is it in the center or hitting high or low
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Old 10-22-2018, 02:47 AM   #10
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1989 34.5' Airstream 345
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thiel View Post
Make sure your stabilizers aren't down too tight... that can twist the trailer and make the door bind.
Motor Home, not trailer...sitting on level ground.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Aznomad450 View Post
I suspect that the hinges are sagging. Perhaps they have come loose or they are worn. My bet would be loose hinges. I just repaired mine on my 91 Excella.
How would I check the hinges to determine wear? Since the door is evenly spaced around the frame, would this rule out hinges as an issue?
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Old 10-22-2018, 03:29 AM   #11
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You can tighten the hinge bolts. I think are on the other side of the inner skin so messy job. I wouldn’t get into that until you are certain of the cause
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Old 10-22-2018, 11:21 AM   #12
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1982 31' Airstream 310
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Weird place to post these photos but here ya go Wimpy.
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I still don't know how to post pics in a PM. The dpdt camera toggle switch is the black one next to the gear shift. With the rubber cover on the switch I don't even have to look down to use the switch, I can feel it. It was a safety thing to me, instead of reaching up to the monitor every time I want to switch between cameras. That usually happens in heavy traffic when I want to look at the lane to my right.
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Old 10-22-2018, 11:32 AM   #13
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1982 31' Airstream 310
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The best way I know how to test your hinges is to open the door half way, lift up on the bottom outer edge and feel for any play or movement. Have someone else lift on it while you look at the hinges. You should be able to see if the hinge bolts are loose or if the pin is worn. You need to look at where the hinge attaches both to the door and to the body. If the bolts are loose then you have to access them from the inside, under the interior skin. It's no fun.
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