Suicide doors

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by islandtrader

Yes to above and a little reminder for me.

Attachment 390405

I love those 'reminders'...👍

Bob
🇺🇸

[Mollysdad]

Originally Posted by s1000pre

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!

Mine opens the same direction, but I don't have a window there. (shower)

[skyguyscott]

I remain hopeful that AS will someday eliminate the insane suicide door. Just last year, they finally got around to a permanent fix for the equally insane plywood floors and are now building all airstream trailers with a one piece composite floor. The plywood floor was an even bigger problem than the suicide door, but now that that’s fixed, they can turn their attention to the door. Indeed, about half of the models already have a sensible forward-opening door already.

My dream door for the trailer would be a design hinged much like most automobiles, with a strong concealed hinge that allows the door to easily close flush, latch securely, with the same safety catch that prevents the door from flying open even if left ajar or unlatched at speed. Why not?

Then again, it did take airstream 85 years to finally fix the plywood flooring issue.

[John & Roberta]

We wondered this, too. We’re told not to worry about door flying open on highway, with 2nd lock (the bolt) part of the design.

From the designer’s perspective, as to the door’s location, it’s most likely determined by the floor plan. As to the hinge side, it’s probably an issue of the impracticality of holding the door open on very little shell remaining, going forward, and very little awning cover (as well, complications with awning support).

[SnowWanderer]

Originally Posted by Steamy1

The Fiamma swing lock is the best solution I have found. Secure and does not look like an afterthought, IMO.

What prevents someone from flipping it closed and locking you in the trailer?

[SnowWanderer]

Does anyone have a basic pattern or approximate dimensions for the Wally Wedge? I suspect it will have to be tweaked to fit, but a good starting dimension would be helpful instead of 'reinventing the wheel' so to speak!

[skyguyscott]

Here you go, right on this site, under Airstream Articles.

http://www.airstreamcentral.com/arti...tch/Page1.html

And a humorous recounting from the "Gospel of St. Wally" here:

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

[Steamy1]

Originally Posted by SnowWanderer

What prevents someone from flipping it closed and locking you in the trailer?

It locks in both directions. So when you do not need it, turn it 180 degrees and use the round key, push the lock in and it locks in that position. Cannot be turned unless you unlock it.

The other nice feature is that you can open the main door, have the screen door closed, turn the lock, which would prevent the screen door from opening as a deterrent.

Which is handy, as an example, you want to walk around the campground leaving just the screen door closed. Turning the lock to the closed position would prevent the door from being opened easily.

I liked the lock so much that I installed it on our 23FB, which has a right hand hinge. I just like the extra security in locking the main door.

Also comes in grey and black.

[SnowWanderer]

Originally Posted by skyguyscott

Here you go, right on this site, under Airstream Articles.

http://www.airstreamcentral.com/arti...tch/Page1.html

And a humorous recounting from the "Gospel of St. Wally" here:

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

Thanks!

[kposey]

We had our suicide door pop open while driving from potholes in the road and a big dip in the entranceway to the campground. Smashed our kitchen window and warped the door. Yes, we had the door locked and deadbolted! Because it is a Squaresteam, we have been unable to find a replacement door. So, we bungee cord the door closed, especially at the bottom where it is warped.

[MonacoJay]

Wife rides inside the trailer holding the door shut
Never had a problem with the door
(wife complains her arm gets tired)