Door opening while in transit

[heloman52]

Hello, we just purchased a 2024 bambi in tampa, took a couple trips in/around florida before heading to our home in colorado. After locking the door, ensuring both locks were secured, we departed.

180 miles later, we were alerted by a passer by that our door had opened. We stopped immediately and noted the top and bottom corners of the door were folded back, in addition to side panel and window damage. Perhaps wind got under the door and created additional stress on the lock, causing it to fail? The door still locked and we used gorilla duct tape to continue our journey.

We contacted as and gave our report to the warranty folks. The trailer has to be estimated/checked by the facility who will complete repairs, which will be in tampa.

Has this happened to anyone? Thanks....!

[Steamy1]

The latch is obviously not catching sufficiently to fully secure the door. I don't have much to offer regarding door and/or latch adjustment, but the "suicide" doors on the Bambi are at risk for opening while in transit.

I installed the Fiamma Safe Door Frame lock on our 19' Bambi as a fail-safe way to secure the door. I liked it so much I also put one on our 23FB, even though it does not have the "suicide" door. I like the extra level of security while traveling.

I would suggest this for anyone with the "suicide" door.

[heloman52]

Thank you, Steamy. Fortunately we are fully insured should AS deny the warranty claim. Hard lesson learned, and we appreciate your quick response.

[Bill M.]

Not sure what locking system a new trailer has. On our old Airstreams we installed dead bolt locks with a long throw and lock it when traveling. Before that we used the at that time Airstream recommended wooden "door wedge" through the handle slot.

[Miri]

Originally Posted by Steamy1

The latch is obviously not catching sufficiently to fully secure the door. I don't have much to offer regarding door and/or latch adjustment, but the "suicide" doors on the Bambi are at risk for opening while in transit.

I installed the Fiamma Safe Door Frame lock on our 19' Bambi as a fail-safe way to secure the door. I liked it so much I also put one on our 23FB, even though it does not have the "suicide" door. I like the extra level of security while traveling.

I would suggest this for anyone with the "suicide" door.

Where did you purchase yours if you don’t mind telling? Amazon? Delivery is insane.

[Steamy1]

I have ordered off Amazon and EBAY, depending on pricing and shipping. Sometimes Amazon includes free international shipping. I have also ordered from Fiamma USA directly.

I think the last time I ordered the lock was about $65.00 including shipping.

I did have to shave about 3/8" from the mounting plate to fit the door jamb on both Airstreams.

[Mollysdad]

Speaking of open doors, a month ago I saw a car hauler loaded with new cars (Jeeps). Some cars faced the rear on the car hauler, and one nice Cherokee was going down I-75 with the door wide open. Since it overhung the side of the trailer, I'd guess he didn't get too far before the door got ripped off.

[Bearstream01]

Hi heloman
Oh yes, I have heard of this. I keep saying I am going to make this wedge... http://www.airstreamcentral.com/art...tch/Page1.html

But in my search tonight, I found this...
https://silvermoose.me/products/mooselocks

Hope this helps.

[waninae39]

on newer AS's there are two locks, use both

[heloman52]

Originally Posted by waninae39

on newer AS's there are two locks, use both

Waninea39, thank you for your recommendation. Both locks were engaged on our door when this happened. When we stopped and looked at the door, the top and bottom, forward corners of the door were pulled away from the door frame, obviously created by airflow. This didn't happen after the door hit the side of the trailer when it opened.

[waninae39]

IMHO, take it to AS HQ , or a very reputable dealer and get them to investigate the issue ASAp under warrantee

there may be a factory build issue or some other flaw as this is iot very common

as well , be sure that you slam the door, it should back a thunk sound.
if not closed properly, the latch can be turned , but on the outside of the frame

[nuttinbutxs]

Originally Posted by Bearstream01

Hi heloman
Oh yes, I have heard of this. I keep saying I am going to make this wedge... http://www.airstreamcentral.com/art...tch/Page1.html

But in my search tonight, I found this...
https://silvermoose.me/products/mooselocks

Hope this helps.

I love this idea but will the wind dislodge it while going down the road? Is it just friction holding it there?

[CBWELL]

I had the door open on our 34 ft when turning a corner with a slope on it. Both the deadbolt and door lock were locked. Only minor damage to the door and easily straightened. When I got home I found the homemade door blocker information on this site and built one. It works great!! Now I build them in my shop, paint them blue so they are easy to see in your mirror, and hand them out at rallies or whenever I see an Airstream. Most people take one and thank me. At one rally a member of our unit came and asked for another one as he had given his to another Airstreamer. Easy to make yourself if at all handy with wood.

[H.P. Inxs]

Although our trailer is much older, I was shocked at how little the lock connected with the frame. With a test with clay my fears were confirmed.
I created a billet aluminum catch to eliminate this problem.