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mrrealtor · 03-23-2015, 09:54 PM

I have hit my head hard 3 time now getting into my trailer on the top of the door on the "sharp" aluminum door jam.
Is there a good solution for this other than to remember to duck?

1972 Airstream International Land Yacht Sovereign

SeeMore · 03-23-2015, 10:03 PM

On the way in or out? Inside, mine there is a foam/rubber bumper cushion which works well headed out. I would think it matches the arch on older trailers but can't vouch for it as mine is a 2003 model. Coming in is a duck for me at 6'4"

mrrealtor · 03-23-2015, 10:16 PM

I hit going in. I have seen the pads on the new campers but can't find any site that sells them. But I hit on the very top of the door frame, not the wall inside. I'm only 5'9" and just started working on the trailer and doesn't feel to well and would like to avoid. I'm going to look for some kind of weather stripping to slightly cover it to take the "edge" off.

1972 Airstream International Land Yacht Sovereign

rmkrum · 03-23-2015, 10:26 PM

If you are leaving the door open and going in and out while working on it, try a split piece of foam pipe insulation snapped over the edge.

That might help. Or a hard hat?😄

Since I'm an ex-Navy guy, the knee-knocker "hunch" going in that door is what I use...head and shoulders bent, knees lifted a bit more than usual to get clearance. I have whacked the interior pad a couple times before the "hunch" habit returned.

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SeeMore · 03-23-2015, 10:33 PM

If you are "just working on it" at your domicile then a temporary solution like a foam strip or a hard hat works great. Closing the door for travel is another issue altogether. I have achieved an instinctual duck after years of use, but maybe the padded or hard vinyl/rubber seal strips found in car door jams might be worth looking into.

TG Twinkie · 03-24-2015, 07:38 AM

Hang something flexible down from the door frame to remind you to duck. It would only hang down a couple of inches.
My thought would be a short piece of 1/2" PVC pipe hanging horizontally from a couple of short pieces of light chain. If it is temporary, no decoration is needed.
I hang bungie cords from the windows when open to keep me from banging into the sharp lock plate on the window frame.
I find I hit my head more if I wear a hat or ball cap.

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Nomad518 · 03-24-2015, 09:18 AM

If your wife is shorter than you, pull up a lawn chair outside your AS and see if you can get her to go in and out to make the repairs.

Bill M. · 03-24-2015, 10:36 AM

I wear a hat most of the time to soften the blow. Have not learned in 10 years. Also bang the overhead cabinet door handles.

thesignlady · 03-24-2015, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TG Twinkie

Hang something flexible down from the door frame to remind you to duck. It would only hang down a couple of inches.
My thought would be a short piece of 1/2" PVC pipe hanging horizontally from a couple of short pieces of light chain.

Same idea but only slightly more attractive. Hang a rubber duckie there....Get is duck...he he he .... Doh...I'm going back to work now that I've had my self entertainment for the day...

AWCHIEF · 03-24-2015, 11:31 AM

I still have the scars from knocking my noggin above the door on my Bambi II. Managed to peel some skin off just about every trip. My new Safari has larger door opening and a foam pad above the door. So far I have not hit it once.

iowaroots · 03-24-2015, 11:49 AM

First of all this must be George Bush's fault. Second, get an Airstream hard hat and keep it polished. Or, you will eventually learn the " duck your head" routine in time. Have you been tall very long?

All in fun......keep your humor it will help the healing process and put the stairway in the stored position and that will help. ��

Buzzr · 03-24-2015, 11:51 AM

I have hit my head on the Zip-Dee awning arm more times than I care to admit. I now put a flourescent micro fiber towel on the arm and it helps. Not directly relevant to your problem, but a strip of bright tape might help.

oldiesel · 03-24-2015, 05:23 PM

Split pool noodles work great for that sort of thing.I put them on awning bars and the edge of the front window when its open and they come in bright colors and are cheap!

cwf · 03-24-2015, 05:52 PM

And.... it ..... is.... aluminum!!!

Gearheart · 03-24-2015, 06:11 PM

Lean forward going in so that your head is already inside before taking that last step up. On the way out get your head out first and then step down. Make it a 2 stage process and you'll be safe.

chaseav · 03-24-2015, 07:24 PM

Hit mine the other day for the first time ever. Did it HARD though. Knocked me on my butt. No problem remembering how far to duck since. I probably clear it by two feet now.

mrrealtor · 03-24-2015, 10:34 PM

Yea, I'm learning the hard way and I hung a piece of foam to remind myself. So far so good. I guess it's the pain of having the silver beauty.

I'm glad I'm not the only clumsy one that has enjoyed this issue

1972 Airstream International Land Yacht Sovereign

SuzyHomemakr · 03-25-2015, 05:37 AM

I was banging my head on the doorframe as I headed out, especially if I was carrying something. My solution was to leave the step halfway folded up. "Knowing" that I have to look where I'm stepping seems to work better than "knowing" that there is a low doorway. I'm all for anything to keep my head from bleeding!

Gsmblue · 03-25-2015, 07:39 AM

Sounds like an opportunity for a "duck or grouse" sign!

NavyCorpsman · 03-25-2015, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmkrum

Since I'm an ex-Navy guy, the knee-knocker "hunch" going in that door is what I use...head and shoulders bent, knees lifted a bit more than usual to get clearance. I have whacked the interior pad a couple times before the "hunch" habit returned.

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Painful memories of a slow learning curve, I must have sewn up 50 men over the years for that reason. I have used a plastic duck decoy over the door in places where you risk a near concussion... It begs the question, "What is the duck for?" OHHHHH I get it..... It really "quacks" them up....

Clayton