a better door hold-back device?

[rexlion]

To hold the trailer door open, my trailer came with one of the plastic knobs that sort of snaps into a groove. It doesn't hold the door securely in a strong, swirling wind. The wind would push hard enough on the door to make the ball go backward in the groove, past the narrow spot, and pop out. I am tired of having it slam shut (or hit me) when I least expect it.

I've had experience with the metal t-shaped hold backs, and they can detach in a strong wind as well. So I don't want one of those.

Can anyone suggest a more secure hold-back device that won't let loose in high wind, yet is easy to engage/disengage with one hand?

[toedtoes]

Mount it so the prong swings up and down. When you open the door, the prong will slide in at the top and down into the "narrow area". It will be much sturdier that way.

I use a long bungee and strap it to my wheel well - it's the closest place that I can hook onto.

[rexlion]

I think my door situation is a little unusual. First, it's a normal "person size" rv door but it's on the rear of the trailer (I have a molded fiberglass body made by Li'l Snoozy, however mine is empty so I can haul cargo). Second, I use this trailer for work, making daily deliveries, so I don't have a choice not to use it when it's very windy. Third, due to the door's location a swirling wind can either push or pull the door, and sometimes it alternates pushing and pulling that door within as little as 5 seconds.

My current hold-back is like the #44855 on the page referenced by rockhillmanor. I'm fed up with it. I can imitate the wind by doing the pushing and pulling, and very easily duplicate the knob coming out of the slot. It is mounted so the prong swings sideways. If the slot piece is mounted with the opening to the driver's side, a push on the latched door will pop the knob out of the slot. So I reversed the slotted piece 180 degrees; now a pull on the door (wind pushing the door from the other side) pops the knob out. I have tried to envision how this might be remedied by mounting the pieces in the vertical position, but I can't picture how it would help... I will have to experiment a bit and see.

The page rockhillmanor posted does have a large variety. I have, in the past, had trailers with the plunger hold-back like the #46826, and with the metal T like the #46918, and I have had both of them also unlatch in strong winds. The plunger type was especially susceptible. The metal T wasn't too bad, but occasionally it would let loose, too.

The unit referenced by Chris Bryant might be very secure, but I think I've read that it takes two hands to latch and unlatch it. I need one hand just to hold the doggone door when it's blowing hard, and that only leaves me with one free hand (I'm not a mutant, lol). But I will have to see if I can look at one of these in person.

The bungee idea would be great for me, if I have something to tie it to. Closest thing is the bumper. Hmmm, food for thought.

Some of these Oklahoma wind gusts can run 45-50 mph. Pretty bad to work in, but work's got to be done. Thanks to all who've commented.

[rockhillmanor]

Plethora of options! :B

http://www.rvadenver.com/latches_and_fasteners.htm

AND interestingly a real good link for ALL types of latches, cabinets, drawers etc.

[4x4van]

rexlion wrote:
The wind would push hard enough on the door to make the ball go backward in the groove, past the narrow spot, and pop out.

Sounds like your hold-back is installed incorrectly. It should be installed so that the arm swings up/down, not side/side. If installed correctly, the arm must be lifted up in order to go past the narrow spot and pop out. I have the same type (although the metal version), and it is impossible for the wind to unlatch it.

[RoyB]

My RV trailer door uses something like this to keep the opened door held in place.

Never really noticed any problems using this method...



Roy Ken

[DiploStrat]

I use one of these. Simple and no moving parts or loose ends.



Here is one from Lowes.

[Tiger4x4RV]

I use a long loop of nylon cord/string. Loop it around the cab door handle, then over the latch or handle of the open coach door.

[Dutch_12078]

Chris Bryant wrote:
I really like the aluminum positive catch style like this one

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usually used on horse trailers and commercial rigs.
Positive latch, easy to unlatch, and will not break.

That's a good strong hold back, and Eastern Marine has them for $5.99. Someone else may have them cheaper, but I didn't find them in a quick price check...

[Chris_Bryant]

I really like the aluminum positive catch style like this one

-

usually used on horse trailers and commercial rigs.
Positive latch, easy to unlatch, and will not break.

[Anmacc2]

rockhillmanor wrote:
I switched mine out to a ball and snap holder. Never came open again even in high winds. AND bonus was it was much easier to latch and unlatch and close and plastic so it didn't scratch the RV. Camping stores carry it.

X2

[rockhillmanor]

I switched mine out to a ball and snap holder. Never came open again even in high winds. AND bonus was it was much easier to latch and unlatch and close and plastic so it didn't scratch the RV. Camping stores carry it.

[toedtoes]

I have the C clip style. First, I got the metal female end (instead of the plastic). They work MUCH better. If for some reason the clip won't hold, I use a bungee cord. Don't usually try to keep the door open in high winds - just open and close as needed.

[Mandalay_Parr]

My friend tied down his t-latch with a bungee.