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Rex_Roamer's avatar
Rex_Roamer
Explorer
May 29, 2013

Way to make side doors fully open?

I have found you all to be so helpful and knowledgeable that I figured I'd throw out another question.

I'm wondering if it is recommended/acceptable to remove the van door stays (or re-configure them in a way to make them easily removable) so that the side doors open completely when parked at the campground.

I know that the downside is they must be bungied or otherwise secured so the wind doesn't slam them around.

The upside is that I can then put my magnetically fastened "screen door" in the opening and allow more breeze in the van.

Any thoughts are appreciated.
  • My 2003 PW Excel Dodge has pins that can be removed to allow full opening of the side double doors.
  • My 97 dodge has pins that can be removed to allowcfull opening . Same on rear.
  • I'm sorry - no, it's not a pre-manufactured Class B, it's a 1998 Dodge Ram conversion van that we are currently converting to a full-on camper van.

    There are the two primary hinges on each side door (of course) and in between there is a "stay hinge" that prevents the doors from slamming all the way open in high winds, uneven parking spots, etc.

    It's not a big deal, but it would be nice to have the doors open completely. I have already fabricated vinyl "sleeves" that protect the interior of the doors from rain, birds, etc.

    Regarding the magnetic screen, drsolo, I bought it many moons ago from J.C. Whitney. But, I've actually made others for my driver/passenger windows. They are quite easy to fabricate - just buy fiberglass-type home window screening (not the old metal mesh type - it's not flexible enough and won't go through sewing machine), and sew hemmed/folded trim around the edges. Just insert the magnets as you go and stitch them in place where you need them.
  • I wonder if this is referring to the Roadtrek SS Agile, as its sliding door doesn't open all the way. I could be absolutely off base though.
  • Where did you get the magnetically fastened "screen door"?
  • The slider or the smaller door that opens?

    The door that opens has a mechanism that you push pull or whatever depending on what model you have that releases it so it opens 'all' the way.

    The slider SHOULD have a locking mechanism on it so when you open it, it locks so it won't slide back. This lock often gets sloppy over time where it will slide back at you, but a good firm push will engage the lock.
  • Maybe you need to qualify your comments to the B you are talking about. If you have the right kind of B it is not an issue.