Forum Discussion

mchero's avatar
mchero
Explorer
Nov 19, 2013

Fleetwood Entry Door Hinges

I'm having issues with the entry door on my 93 Fleetwood. The screen latch never has been properly adjusted. The other day I was looking at the three entry door hinges very cloesly. I noticed that the door lifts about 1/8th of an inch when closed. I'n not even going to think about adjusting the screen door latch untill I correct the hinge issue.

I was thinking about getting some E-clips and inserting them under the small washers that the three door hinges hinge on. I just need to get the proper size e-clips.

I ran across this site;
http://www.fleetwoodrvhinges.com/

and almost fell over when I added three hinges to my cart, $438.00!!
Just for yuks I added a roll of weather stripping, $75.00 for just the weather stripping!!!

Must be making a TON of money if people are really ordering these hinges! Did this website pop-up after Phillip's, the original manufacturer of these hinges closed down?

I would love to replace all three hinges BUT I'm not going to drop $438.00 PLUS on three hinges thank you.

I think I'll stick with the E-Clip idea.

Ideas, suggestions?
  • j-d's avatar
    j-d
    Explorer II
    Nov 22, 2013
    I've done what Gjac did. Wish I'd had stainless washers, used ordinary steel, but the fix in fact DID work. Did it on our old 1984 Class C and a friend's BigFoot Truck Camper. I think that if you do the right split in the washers, maybe spread them a little beyond that, then pinch shut once in place, you'll get a longer-lasting fit than C-Clips would afford. I'd just think C-Clips would be quicker to come un-clipped.
  • Gjac's avatar
    Gjac
    Explorer III
    Nov 22, 2013
    I did two things on my door that helped. I first lifted one corner and that stopped the scrapping. I then cut SS washers into a C and slid it between the hinge points then squeezed the C with a vise grip around the piano hinge wire. So far it is still holding after several years. If I was more ambitious or when the C clips fall out I would try enblethen's method. My doors are 16 years old.
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Nov 20, 2013
    The clips did not work for me. They popped out when they hung up on the hinge.
    That is why I drove pins out and used flat washers. The flate washer outside diamter is about the same size as the hinge rolled areas.
  • mchero's avatar
    mchero
    Explorer
    Nov 20, 2013
    Yes I did see the post from my Camarillo friend! Surprised the E-clips did not work for you. I'll try BOTH e-clip & split washer fix.

    Thanks for the reply








    96Bounder30E wrote:
    Robert,


    Did you ever see the thread I posted about these hinges?........

    Hinge replacement


    Yes, you are right.........they are expensive.......but, they are the only source that I could find and they are VERY NICELY made.......I am 100% happy.......I have not looked back on my decision......


    I started with the C-clip route as well......that was a very temporary solution for me.......the C-clips kept rotating off of the hinge pin and would fall out......after repeatedly fussing with them over several months I resigned myself to the fact that replacement hinges were the only way to go.......


    I ordered a box of 100 C-clips........If I can find them......I would be happy to send them to you.......
  • mchero's avatar
    mchero
    Explorer
    Nov 20, 2013
    I believe I need the Eclips! I can see a worn out section on the door sill were the door snubber is wearing.
  • sum1's avatar
    sum1
    Explorer
    Nov 20, 2013
    This may seem crude, but sometimes the doors get racked from gravity and just need to be carefully unracked by firmly lifting the latch edge while it's open a few inches. Try to see where the contact is made that causes it to lift when first closed to determine whether to unrack or add E-clips
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Nov 19, 2013
    Mchero:
    Your hinges are probably like mine. Long about a foot piano type hinges.
    I drove the pins out. Got it out about an inch or two with drift. Then grabbed hold of pin with vise grips and drop almost out.
    I purchased a bunch of stainless steel flat washers. Used small jack to lift door up, Inserted enough between each hinge point to keep door up.
    I had to change the screen door latch out completely. Old one was a pain! Used one from JR products model 10765(?)
  • 96Bounder30E's avatar
    96Bounder30E
    Explorer II
    Nov 19, 2013
    Robert,


    Did you ever see the thread I posted about these hinges?........

    Hinge replacement


    Yes, you are right.........they are expensive.......but, they are the only source that I could find and they are VERY NICELY made.......I am 100% happy.......I have not looked back on my decision......


    I started with the C-clip route as well......that was a very temporary solution for me.......the C-clips kept rotating off of the hinge pin and would fall out......after repeatedly fussing with them over several months I resigned myself to the fact that replacement hinges were the only way to go.......


    I ordered a box of 100 C-clips........If I can find them......I would be happy to send them to you.......

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