Forum Discussion

Explorer

Jun 13, 2013

Takena 1865 design flaw?

I bought a Takena 1865-EX trailer... the idea of a small trailer with a very large slide appeals to me....I also thought that the idea of having the door at the rear as well as the bathroom was great if you wanted to pull over while driving and have access to the bathroom without having to pull the slide out....well, the bathroom door can't open unless the slide is out!... Upon looking at this, though, I'd say if the door was reversed....hinges on the right instead of on the left as they are, one could open the door at least far enough to get in and out of the bathroom without moving the slide... Surely the Chalet engineers could spot this simple flaw?....maybe the side the hinges on is more ridged since it's closer to the closets?...but you'd think you could sturdy-up the side of the door jam on the inside to accommodate the hinges without too much extra trouble?...I was wondering if one could take the door off and hang it the other way?...I know that there are other manufacturers that have a similar floor plan and was wondering if they too have this problem?

14 Replies

wrenchbender
Explorer
Jun 13, 2013
If redoing the lav door is the only change you make consider yourself fortunate.
goducks10
Explorer
Jun 13, 2013
I would try reversing it. Cheaper than buying something else. I'm thinking you would have to reverse the door knob so the striker will work. Also the hinges will be outside instead of inside. Minor changes IMO.
arizal
Explorer
Jun 13, 2013
The easiest way to solve your problem would be to install an accordion door to replace the solid one. http://www.accordion-doors.com/
This way you can slide it out of the way when the slide is retracted.
Happy Camping.
ArizAl
Habemus_Quattro
Explorer
Jun 13, 2013
RVs are designed by people that have never used an RV before. I'm convinced of that.

Sadly I find that a lot of the large slides do hinder access to parts of the trailer while the slide is in. In your case, it doesn't seem like it would be a lot of effort to take the door down and inspect what is supporting the hinges on the wall. You might be able to flip it around. I would give it a try.