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Old 03-07-2021, 08:59 AM   #1
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Suicide doors

Curious...why do some models have suicide doors(left hinge)?
Is there a reason the doors open toward the ends of the trailer?
Structurally, I can’t see a difference.
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Old 03-07-2021, 09:02 AM   #2
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Interference with windows and awning arms.
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Old 03-07-2021, 11:59 AM   #3
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Further details based on search parameters "suicide doors site:airforums.com" --

https://www.google.com/search?q=suic...=airforums.com

https://www.airforums.com/forums/f16...ng-207941.html
https://www.airforums.com/forums/f45...ms-180465.html
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Old 03-07-2021, 07:16 PM   #4
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I’ll do everything to avoid the door flying open while traveling down the interstate. Anyone out there come up with a solution to eliminate the chance of the door opening and smashing the window if it’s open? I.e.: Cable to limit door travel, locking the window with something other than the standard latches.
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Old 03-07-2021, 08:35 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by s1000pre View Post
I’ll do everything to avoid the door flying open while traveling down the interstate. Anyone out there come up with a solution to eliminate the chance of the door opening and smashing the window if it’s open? I.e.: Cable to limit door travel, locking the window with something other than the standard latches.
I’m by no means familiar with newer Airstreams. But, a lot of vintage Airstream owners use a wooden “thingy”. It is a shaped wooden piece that is notched for the grab handle and sits in the handle and overlaps the door. Virtually impossible to fly open. Again, not familiar with newer models or where the exterior handle is located. Good luck
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Old 03-07-2021, 10:19 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by s1000pre;
I’ll do everything to avoid the door flying open while traveling down the interstate. Anyone out there come up with a solution to eliminate the chance of the door opening and smashing the window if it’s open? I.e.: Cable to limit door travel, locking the window with something other than the standard latches.


Use the deadbolt.
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Old 03-08-2021, 01:23 AM   #7
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Originally Posted by s1000pre View Post
I’ll do everything to avoid the door flying open while traveling down the interstate. Anyone out there come up with a solution to eliminate the chance of the door opening and smashing the window if it’s open? I.e.: Cable to limit door travel, locking the window with something other than the standard latches.


See the search results in the previous post for various DIY preventers/wedges etc..

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Quote:
Originally Posted by wulfraat View Post
Use the deadbolt
Bingo!

KISS

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Old 03-08-2021, 05:01 AM   #8
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Deadbolt of course.


Also, as a reminder I stuff a rubber doorstop under the grab handle.
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Old 03-08-2021, 06:18 AM   #9
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Dead bolt lock works for me. I fixed the door lock so it can not lock and use the added deadbolt lock exclusively. With 1" of deadbolt the door is not coming open.
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Old 03-08-2021, 06:25 AM   #10
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I “deadbolt” and “lock” the door when towing or leaving the AS etc. I’m concerned about someone opening the door, a gust of wind while opening...anything, ...and smashing the window if it were open.
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Old 03-08-2021, 06:29 AM   #11
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s1000pre
I don't have a dead bolt on my 99 Safari, it blew open on me and caused the door to loose its curve. Was not able to fix. Got a door from a wrecked Safari. To keep it from happening again I drilled 2 - 1/4" holes in bottom edge of rain diverter over door, I put a bungee cord across door when traveling. Simple, inexpensive and effective. Be safe in your travels.
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Old 03-08-2021, 06:34 AM   #12
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Wedge it!

Here are a couple of threads on the subject:

https://www.airforums.com/forums/f48...ge-200171.html

https://www.airforums.com/forums/f45...ml#post2094093

The "Wally Wedge" works for us when we are traveling. I made one from some scrap Redwood and a bootlace tether. KISS.

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Old 03-08-2021, 06:54 AM   #13
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If they had hinged the right side of the door, it would have barely obstructed the window in the bedroom. The door blocks out most of the window in the main cabin...silly!
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Old 03-08-2021, 06:58 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wulfraat View Post
Use the deadbolt.
^
Yep...pretty simple, keep it lubricated, and don't travel without it engaged.

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Old 03-10-2021, 08:17 AM   #15
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Quote:
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^
Yep...pretty simple, keep it lubricated, and don't travel without it engaged.

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Yes to above and a little reminder for me.

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Old 03-10-2021, 08:44 AM   #16
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The Fiamma swing lock is the best solution I have found. Secure and does not look like an afterthought, IMO.
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Old 03-10-2021, 08:58 AM   #17
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The Fiamma swing lock is the best solution I have found. Secure and does not look like an afterthought, IMO.
Edit: its called the Safe Door. I purchased the first one from the Fiamma distributor in Florida, then the next two from ebay from an RV dealer in the UK.
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Old 03-10-2021, 09:47 AM   #18
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https://www.amazon.com/Fiamma-FRA214...5394773&sr=8-3
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Old 03-10-2021, 10:07 AM   #19
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Actually, the correct model that works for our Airstream door frames is the Fiamma Safe Door Frame unit, though the plate does require trimming off about 1/2 inch.

Peter: as usual, thank you for your help in filling in the blanks!
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Old 03-10-2021, 04:09 PM   #20
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And thanks for the correction!

Echoing earlier posts . . . that a properly maintained and lubricated dead bolt is the KISS way to go here IMO.

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