Reverse the opening of Class A entry door

[foopy1]

Is it possible to change an entry door from opening out to the left so it opens to the right. Thanks

[4x4van]

Check online for European RV parts...they are reversed floorplans, and would likely have the door you're looking for (although shipping might be prohibitive). But as others have already clarified, it's not a good idea. A failed latch, or a grandkid, or a forgotten door check could result in a dangerous and damaging rapid door opening at highway speeds. Better to move or modify the awning. Or make a door latch that holds the door against the awning arm.

[Chainwright]

foopy1 wrote:
How could anyone infer from my question that I wanted to open the door while traveling?.....bumpy. Guess I won't ask anymore questions.

Hey, don't give up so easily. Not everyone here is grumpy like Bumpy.
You have to understand his sense of humor. Some of us are more laid back. You must not forget that a lot of us are Retired. So when we answer a question, many of us don't give straight rapid answers. We sit there and go through yrs of experience in our heads. Then we start to speculate. Then ask ourselves questions. AND THEN we answer the questions. If you really wanna have fun wait til you read questions about Elon Musk's new Electric trucks and vehicles being converted or introduced to the RV world. Or Alternative fuel platforms being introduced to the MH world. LOL. See the disbelief when you enlighten about EV's that go from 0-60 in 1.6 sec's or 1.9 or even 2.9 for that matter. LOL. You gotta take things with a grain of salt here.

[discovery4us]

Looked at one many years ago that the owner had a second window cut into the bottom of the door that matched the top window of the door. Not sure how it affected the strength of the door but it certainly opened up the view.

[foopy1]

Thanks for that info Doug.

[dougrainer]

They do not make such a door. Now, if you remove the existing awning and make it a manual awning with pull out arms, you can then open the door 180 degrees. Until they came out with electric awnings, this was never a problem. Depending on the model and brand awning you have, you may be able to remove the motor from the tube and install regular torsion springs and a manual arm kit to get the result you want. Look at Fig 8 and 9 of this link. Doug

http://www.primetimerv.com/download/ComponentManuals/Awning-Manual-A%26EDometic-UserGuide.pdf

[Bumpyroad]

foopy1 wrote:
How could anyone infer from my question that I wanted to open the door while traveling?.....bumpy. Guess I won't ask anymore questions.

hey, I wasn't the first one to mention that.
bumpy

[foopy1]

Thanks everyone. My Class C had an entry door that you could latch open (180 degrees). My Class A only opens up 90 degrees and blocks my view when I am inside looking out while PARKED. I am just trying to figure out how to get a get a more open view out my door.

[Mr_Mark1]

Foopy, I just realized what you mean about 'laying flat against my rig'.... I think for the safety of the door while traveling, it wouldn't be a good idea. Even if no one opens it while traveling, an accident might cause it to pop open reducing protection if the door wasn't designed as the way it is now.

A mid door model might be what you would want as the door might lay flat against the side of the coach when opened.

Safe travels,
MM.

[TNGW1500SE]

maddog348 wrote:
TNGW1500SE
Are you talking about the direction of 'swing' the door travels OR the direction the opening faces. Terminology seems a bit sticky.

A door that opens "towards the front", has its door handle on the "trunk side" of the door. Most cars (but not all) are designed that way. If the door comes open at speed, going forward, the wind blows it shut. The Deloreans were different and opened up, but that dude had a cocaine problem. I think they did they so you could blow the powder out of the vehicle if a cop was pulling you over.

[maddog348]

TNGW1500SE
Are you talking about the direction of 'swing' the door travels OR the direction the opening faces. Terminology seems a bit sticky.


THANKS ALL ~~ Mudd in brain box now all settled. Remind myself of an old dog I had as a kid ~~ when doorbell rang / or he wanted out always headed for the hinges.

TakeCare ~ TravelSafe ~ HaveFun ~~K~~

[TNGW1500SE]

maddog348 wrote:
".....A door opening to the rear of the vehicle is dangerous.....!!! WHAT am I missing. My doors open toward the rear ??? So do the ones on my car.

I think you misunderstood the term "toward the rear" or if not, you should trade that car.

[TNGW1500SE]

Bumpyroad wrote:
anybody who opens their Class A door while going down the road, deserves to be swept out. I would think that you would have to make the new door bigger to get rid of old jamb etc. stuff.
bumpy

The word "anyone" seems improper. There's a few people I'd throw out (if it was legal) but what about children or Grandma? I'd use the words "select few".

[TNGW1500SE]

foopy1 wrote:
How could anyone infer from my question that I wanted to open the door while traveling?.....bumpy. Guess I won't ask anymore questions.

Hey ,,, it's the internet,,, you get all kinds! The good news is you can block the people you don't want to hear from. I think I have 4.

I don't know what you exact problem is but another option might be to shorten the door. A sharp saw blade can "fix" a lot of problems 🙂

Might check with someplace that does handicapped vans.

[maddog348]

".....A door opening to the rear of the vehicle is dangerous.....!!! WHAT am I missing. My doors open toward the rear ??? So do the ones on my car.