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Old 05-16-2010, 06:28 PM   #1
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2008 16' International CCD
kamloops , british columbia
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Red face Door alignment help needed

Hello Everyone,
I'm not new but can't figure out how to start a thread. None the less the issue has been chatted about on several occasions.
Here is my question/story.
We have the 2008 16ft International. We have never been happy with the door, even after we mentioned it 1) when we picked it up (they banged on it with a hammer) and 2) one year later when it still wasn't closing easily (I don't think they did a thing)
Visually you can see a larger gap on the upper inside, and the upper outside lip sits higher.

So while inside pulling the door closed, the handle set broke apart! Temporarily locking us inside...
Yes we wiggled and jiggled and freed ourselves but...

We didn't close the door for the rest of the weekend, and are really unhappy with the door. Oh and the service for which we have to drive 14 hours to get too!

At home fix recommendations? DH says it looks like we have to start from the inside and take out the screws and trim to then access the parts that hold the door in place and allign the set up?

Jackie
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Old 05-16-2010, 07:53 PM   #2
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hi jackie

it might be better if a mod moved YOUR post/question to a thread of it's own...

something like DOOR ALIGNMENT/FITTING 101 or "my door fits like old socks" or some such thing.
_________

pulling the door OFF at the hinges is not a simple task OR 1 that should be attempted without prior knowledge...

and it will require cutting HOLES on the inner skin, or pulling rivets and LIFTING SKIN.

and none of that is likely to solve the issue anyway.
_________

the doors and FRAME are built as ONE UNIT in a jig.

imo there are far too many doors with CRAPPY fit and the odd gaps you've noticed.

but typically the only adjustments are done at the latch and lock and POST...

except for adding shims (which many think is a bad idea) there isn't much that can be done at the hinge...

except to screw it up...

and most dealers have not clue 1 about real door adjustment issues beyond lubing the striker and lock bits.

often the GAPS are made better or worse with the stabilizer jacks or tire blocks when parking.
_________

try searching HERE using the term "d.o.o.r." in the TITLE field only (omit the DOTS)

100s of threads will pop up but many of them are exactly on point and will help.

quickly scanning the titles one will see several that are exactly on topic.

cheers
2air'
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Old 05-17-2010, 02:44 PM   #3
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Hi Jackie - sorry to hear of your trouble - hopefully it's not raining You might try calling some Airstream service departments and ask if they have had experience with this issue before venturing out again.
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Old 05-17-2010, 03:33 PM   #4
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There is virtually no adjustment ability built into an Airstream door short of bending the door. Sounds like a major mistake at the factory.

If a Dealer is not handy, and personnel I would not trust one with that type of work, I would look for a good auto body man and seek their advice.

My first guess to pull the top in would be to remove material from the face, as it mates with the trailer, of the top hinge.

You can get to the hinge bolts by cutting access on the inside. Make sure your holes are small enough to be cover by a 2x4 white blank electrical cover when done. The 2 small holes are the cover screws that hold the plate when installed.

Oh yes. Tie a string on the socket when in the wall so you don't drop one inside the wall like I did.
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Old 05-20-2010, 09:33 AM   #5
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2008 16' International CCD
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Update, while just looking around on the net. I googled "airstream custom screen doors". One of the articles was from airstream (official) dated June 2009, "screen and front door alignment" step by step 4 pages with pictures. We don't have time to really start this before we take off on holidays, but we are looking into dropping it off at the dealership and asking them to follow the procedures as outlined.

Our maintenence/repairs experience at this dealership is 50/50 we will see how this goes.

Oh if someone knows how to add the link, it might be helpful for someone else.
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Old 05-20-2010, 09:48 AM   #6
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GOOD FIND 'bc!

here's the link...

http://service.airstream.com/files/l...673fe84e36.pdf

cheers
2air'
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Old 05-20-2010, 10:25 AM   #7
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something like DOOR ALIGNMENT/FITTING 101 or "my door fits like old socks" or some such thing.

The one my boss used to use "Fits like socks on a rooster.", seems to apply to many Airstream (non)fits.
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Old 07-09-2010, 10:43 PM   #8
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Update, the dealership had the trailer for 2 days. The door is somewhat better, and the screen somewhat worse. They followed the outlined recommendations and we can close it with less force. It isn't perfect but we are pleased. No charge for the work done to the door.
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