Hole in Entry Door

Question

We have one of those hard plastic door bumpers that attach to the camper side that also has a T latch that attaches to the camper door. Last year, the DW went into the camper for a minute and didn't latch the door and a gust of wind swung the door open hard enough that it put a hole in the door. I repaired it by putting bondo on it, sanding it down, priming the area and repainting the whole door. Well, she did it again! Because of the weather being so cold here in the Northeast, I will have to wait until Spring to do the repair so in the meantime, I have a piece of Duck Tape over the hole to prevent water from getting inside the door. Now I'm concerned that if it has happened twice, it's likely to happen again at some point so I'm trying to figure out how to repair the door so when it does happen, I don't get another hole. Anyone have any thoughts on what do to? I thought about buying a piece of thin white plexiglass and screwing it onto the door but that would probably crack if it hit hard enough on the bumper. Why on earth do they put those hard plastic bumpers on in the first place. Wouldn't something with a rubber end piece or something that compresses be a better option? Maybe they make something and I've never seen it?

the_bear_ii · Answer

I would use some 3M double sided tape like used to secure trim pieces on cars and put a piece of diamond plate steel or aluminum over the hole or screw it in place.  Make the piece larger than the hole and it will absorb the hit

scottg · Answer

Rather than the plexiglass, maybe you could use a piece of aluminum or where the hole in the door is, use a door protector like this: Bumper

drewe · Answer

Possibly you can rig up a chain and spring shock absorber arrangement like is used for screen doors on a house.

On my door, the socket for the T-bar hold open thingy is exactly opposite the T-bar holder on the RV wall and that, rather than the door skin, is what bumps. If that's true for you, reinforcing the door in back of that may well be a reasonable improvement. If the T-bar socket is elsewhere, maybe even a large felt bumper pad (such as is used on chair legs or cabinet doors) would provide sufficient cushioning to prevent damage. It probably wouldn't weather very well, though.

dick_b · Answer

You can buy guards at Ace or home stores that protect walls against door knob damage. They usually glue on with double stick tape or can be screwed on. Maybe some sealant around the top and sides will keep water out of the existing hole in the door.

joe417 · Answer

If you don't use the suggestions made previously, you might move the latch and bumper onto an area of the door that has framing behind it. You would still need to patch the existing hole and previous mounting holes.

Our bumper is about 3 inches long and touches the door at a location that has framing behind it. It has blown out of my hand a time or two with no issues. Once in a New Mexico March wind if you know how bad they can be.

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Hole in Entry Door

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