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Old 02-09-2013, 03:31 PM   #1
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Door Won't Open

Hi, newbie from NJ where we just had a snow event. I tried to open the door of my 2006 19" CCD but altough the latch opened, the door seem to be stuck shut. Since I had just broke the screen latch off my funfinder (for sale at moment) I decided to ask here before I broke two doors in a matter of minutes.

Ideas why it won't open, there is no snow around it, infact I was going in to make sure none of the very fine snow had somehow blown it. We did not get above freezing today and it will be low of 7 tonight. I think maybe some snow blew in around door and froze?
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Old 02-09-2013, 03:51 PM   #2
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I'd say it's probably frozen shut. Wait for it to thaw before you go too nuts on it. Mine always froze shut when I was living in it one winter.
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Old 02-09-2013, 03:55 PM   #3
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Even on an overcast day, a vehicle parked outside may be a few degrees warmer than the ambient air temperature. As you suspect it is possible for snow to have blown into the edges and froze the door shut on you. The proof will be to wait until it warms up a bit and see if you can rule that out before looking for a prybar. The obvious question is are you sure both locks are unlocked? If it does turn out to be blowing snow infiltration, I would inspect the rubber gasket and be sure the door is sealing all the way around when closed. This sort of problem could lead to unnoticed rain leaks that end up getting the floor under the linoleum wet and you don't want that.
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Old 02-09-2013, 04:19 PM   #4
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Might want to check the deadbolt to. Is it completely disengaged?
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Old 02-09-2013, 04:26 PM   #5
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Doesn't metal expand when temperature drops?
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Old 02-09-2013, 04:42 PM   #6
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I have no idea if metal expands, I had been in there the day before. I put the power cord in there since it was too stiff to roll up. I will wait to get temp up, then try and check locks. Glad I am not camping right now, I would be in trouble, I am not good at climbing in windows. Thank you. Sbb
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Old 02-09-2013, 05:38 PM   #7
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As I recall from science classes many many moons ago metals expand when heated and shrink when cooled. In fact the only compound I can recall that swells as it solidifies is good old water, hence your frozen shut door.
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Old 02-09-2013, 05:55 PM   #8
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I remember by picturing phone and power lines. In the Winter they sag way down...(expand.) Summer...they are taught...(contract.)
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Old 02-09-2013, 06:21 PM   #9
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Any reason not to try a hair dryer to warm the lock area up a bit? (Besides being so cold you don't want to be out in the cold?)
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Old 02-09-2013, 06:40 PM   #10
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The door is frozen shut. A hair dryer or hot water should get it unstuck.

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Old 02-10-2013, 07:17 AM   #11
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I checked: aluminum does contract with cold, so that's not why the door stuck. It may have been wet around the edges which jammed it.

Another thing that could have added to the door sticking could be something about the way the trailer is sitting.

If the adjustable supports under the trailer were set tight, the ground may have moved with all the temperature changes and shifted the frame enough to tighten the door.

I would try Perry's idea with the hair dryer, and if that doesn't do it, just wait till spring.
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Old 02-10-2013, 08:59 AM   #12
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I think you had filled up with too much antifreeze when looking at those power lines.

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Quote:
Originally Posted by Melody Ranch View Post
I remember by picturing phone and power lines. In the Winter they sag way down...(expand.) Summer...they are taught...(contract.)
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Old 02-10-2013, 09:39 AM   #13
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Originally Posted by perryg114 View Post
The door is frozen shut. A hair dryer or hot water should get it unstuck.

Perry
If a hair dryer or heat gun is used, "CAUTION" must be exercised.

You will also heat up the door gasket, which if done excessively, will ruin it.

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Old 02-10-2013, 10:45 AM   #14
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You can get some of that heat in a can for defrosting car windshields. I live in the south and several times my car doors have gotten frozen shut. The hot water usually does the trick. You will need to get everything dry after soaking with water or the same thing will happen. The Heat stuff might leave enough behind to keep the door seal from freezing to the door frame. Some silicone spray on the gasket might help prevent it from sticking as bad.


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Old 05-10-2014, 04:29 PM   #15
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It all worked out OK

The new owner was briefed on the H-20 lock and shown peculiarities.
When he got it home he apparently forgot to instruct the Wife on certain things. Slam the door ....locked out and all the windows secured too.
I gave him some telephone hints and he was able to get his wife in thru the rear compartment and "thru" the bed so she could open up from the inside.
I love the photo....now a family conversation piece.
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