Is there a way to stop the door from swinging into an open window?

[Bradknapp]

Newbie here. I've got a 2008 28' International and my one gripe/fear is that the window over the dinette closest to the door is not very functional.

If I open the window I'm afraid that the door will swing into the open glass and break it.

This seems like a strangely large oversight from a company that seems to consider every detail.

Is there a way to stop the door from swinging 180º when the window is open? Am I missing something?

Here's a pic of my rig to illustrate.

[moosetags]

I don't think that you are missing anything. If that window closest to the rear hinged door were in any of the open positions, and the door were to get caught by the wind when opened, it would have a good chance of breaking the window.

If I had a model configured that way, I don't think that I would ever open that window as a strong wind catching the door is a very common occurrence.

Brian

[dkottum]

Your 28 puts a lot of features in a mid-size Airstream, they give you the option of using this particular window for ventilation rather they making it fixed. The door also blocks the window view when opened. There are other models with similar design issues, our open door blocks the kitchen window.

I look at it as the most possible features in a trailer this size, would rather have the window than a blank wall. You could possibly fabricate some kind of door strut to to put in place when you want the window open, I would just leave that window closed and avoid the risk.

[rmkrum]

Our 23' international has the same arrangement. The door would easily take out the forward dinette window. We just never open it. Simpler. I figure it's for enjoying the view...


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[AWCHIEF]

Airstream was smart about that on my 2006 23 Safari. The galley window does not open. There are times that it would be nice if it did.

[AWCHIEF]

Would something similar to this help?

http://www.vintagetrailersupply.com/...-p/vts-300.htm

[franklyfrank]

Originally Posted by Bradknapp

Newbie here. I've got a 2008 28' International and my one gripe/fear is that the window over the dinette closest to the door is not very functional.

If I open the window I'm afraid that the door will swing into the open glass and break it.

This seems like a strangely large oversight from a company that seems to consider every detail.

Is there a way to stop the door from swinging 180º when the window is open? Am I missing something?

Here's a pic of my rig to illustrate.

In 2012 we decided to get an Airstream. It was our first venture into camping trailers. We settled on a 2012 International Signature 28'. It had the same configuration as yours. Within less than a year we traded for a 30' International for the same reason. Not only can't open the window while you sitting at the dinette which is most of the time, you can't prop the door open and deploy the awning at the same time.

[WHERRWE]

I solved the problem by removing the opening/retaining arms, reversing them right to left - left to right and re-installing them so they hang between the screen and the window pane without obstructing anything. Now the window cannot be mistakenly opened by anyone.

[Amsterdamer]

On the Safari 30BH that I owned previously I had the same door/window setup. I would open the window a couple of inches, then place a swim noodle (cut slit to center of noodle long way) over the bottom of the glass and then lower the glass until it rested on the body, inside the noodle. This allowed me to safely open the door, resting it on the noodle when the windows was slightly open.

[xrvr]

Originally Posted by franklyfrank

In 2012 we decided to get an Airstream. It was our first venture into camping trailers. We settled on a 2012 International Signature 28'. It had the same configuration as yours. Within less than a year we traded for a 30' International for the same reason. Not only can't open the window while you sitting at the dinette which is most of the time, you can't prop the door open and deploy the awning at the same time.

If you can't open the door with the awning out then you probably don't have the awning extended fully.

[BAB]

I had a 2012 28' Intl CCD with the same window configuration. Before I left the dealer with it, I had a strong recommendation to NEVER open that window. I never did. There may well be a work around that would limit the door opening so it wouldn't smash the window, but I don't know if I would have trusted it.

[gecko]

Originally Posted by Bradknapp

Newbie here. I've got a 2008 28' International and my one gripe/fear is that the window over the dinette closest to the door is not very functional.

If I open the window I'm afraid that the door will swing into the open glass and break it.

This seems like a strangely large oversight from a company that seems to consider every detail.

Is there a way to stop the door from swinging 180º when the window is open? Am I missing something?

Here's a pic of my rig to illustrate.

We have a 2009 28' International Ocean Breeze and our friends have a 2008 28' International CCD and we all decided just to treat that window as fixed. We don't even think about it anymore. And it's very nice to have the view lost by an open door restored by that "fixed" window when the door is closed.

By the way, no trouble operating the outer or screen doors with main awning deployed if it is raised properly on the door side (front side on our 28's.) and many have advised here having one side raised higher than the other in the rain, for example--we like this configuration to help deal with light winds, too.

Have fun!

[switz]

One can add the ZipDee provided wheel for the door that is in every awning kit that Airstream never installs for their customers. The kit comes complete with screws. Probably take five minutes or less to install.........

Cut those cost numbers

We retrofitted the door awning wheel on the 23D and will also add one to the 31' Classic. Just in case. At least the awning won't get cut by the door edge.

We always put the awning out three clicks by the door and two clicks at the other end for drainage.

[Makaira]

We have a 28 and have solved with the problem with a little do-it-yourself fix. We also explored putting a brace that would hold the open door in a fixed position, but have not gotten around to hiring someone to do that. In the meantime, here is what we do. We put our 5 ladder (which is just lower than the window) next to the trailer. Open the foor onto the paint platform of the ladder (which is plastic and we put a towel on it). Then we bungee the door to the ladder and put something heavy on the paint platform to make it firmer. It has worked great.

[Thomas31]

Brad,
I don't have the pictures anymore, but there was a similar thread back in June 2016 on "limiting front door swing" that I posted to, #7. If this would help your situation, search old threads.
Thomas