Bathroom door out of plumb

[myredracer]

The bathroom door in our TT is out of plumb top to bottom by about 1/2". The door keeps swinging open unless we close it all the way and it's starting to get annoying. I don't think I have ever hear about this happening to anyone.

We will get this to the dealer to look at, but I am wondering what they would actually have to do to fix it? Would they have to peel off the entire wall on one side to get access to the bottom or upper plate of the stud wall (wood on interior walls) to move it over? That would not be easy since the vanity is attached to the wall on one side.

This is going to be the only significant warranty issue that we've had.

[myredracer]

RJsfishin wrote:
I'd bet 1/2" is an exaggeration. But even so, if not a cosmedic problem, it ain't broke. Acually, I level my rig to the swing of the bathroom door.
But if you do take it to a dealer, good luck.

Well, according to my 4' level it's out about 1/2" and I know it's accurate. I could use a plumb bob or my laser level to find out exactly, but regardless, it is waaay too far off to leave it or to try and tweek it. Now that I know it's there, when you stand back and look at it, it's really noticeable.

Dick_B wrote:
When does the door swing open? under way?
One trick, if the door has hinges, is to take out one or more hinge pins and whack it with a hammer in the middle to slightly bend it. Put it back in and see if that's any better.
We also keep our doors closed underway.

It opens when set up at home (perfectly level carport surface) and when levelled at a CG. Unless we push it closed to latch, it swings open right away. Unless we make a conscious effort to fully close the door, it swings open immediately and is constantly in the way. At first I thought I just hadn't leveled the TT well enough.

I thought about doing something with the hinges as you suggest but if the wall is out 1/2" (appr.) I can't see how that would work, but excellent idea.

If this wasn't such major surgery, I would just do it myself.

Call a plumber?? Haha. :B I do think that calling the dealer to let them know would be a good idea and see what they say. We have a 2 year warranty so we're not worried about running out of time, just want to stop running into the door.... Our dealer is pretty good to work with.

[Canadian_Rainbi]

Dusty R wrote:
I'd take it in now and find how long it will take them to fix it. If too long for now, then tell them that you will bring it back latter to be fixed.

Dusty

X2 If it is a warranty issue I would get it fixed on their dime. Manufacturers have to be held responsible for careless or shoddy workmanship. besides the PITA factor, it could put a strain on latches and hinges and could also make it harder to sell later.

And being my Father's Son, I can' resist a good (bad) pun; If it's out of plumb, call a Plumber. :B (I'm surprised that this wasn't the first suggestion!)

[larry_barnhart]

I would guess the bathroom door does not have the hinge with the pin as a house would have. Maybe the door is warped and easy to see if you hold the door and sight it with your eye. this will show a warped door but I didn't mean you hold the door because you will need to stand back to eyeball it.

chevman

[RJsfishin]

I'd bet 1/2" is an exaggeration. But even so, if not a cosmedic problem, it ain't broke. Acually, I level my rig to the swing of the bathroom door.
But if you do take it to a dealer, good luck.

[Tvov]

1/2" out of plumb for a door is a heck of a lot. You've checked everything around it (wall, floor, etc) to see that everything else is correct? I'm surprised that the door will close at all that much out of plumb. Do you know any carpenters that could take a look at it?

Do you know if your dealer is good at doing repairs like that? Because, if you are having no other issues with the camper, maybe you don't want them working on the door (and maybe causing more problems). Does your warranty last into next season? Maybe wait a bit to see if anything comes up the dealer may have to fix.

We always travel with the bathroom door closed. Usually always have it open when camping (unless someone is using it!), to allow for venting when we use the fan in the bathroom skylight.

[Dick_B]

When does the door swing open? under way?
One trick, if the door has hinges, is to take out one or more hinge pins and whack it with a hammer in the middle to slightly bend it. Put it back in and see if that's any better.
We also keep our doors closed underway.

[Dusty_R]

I'd take it in now and find how long it will take them to fix it. If too long for now, then tell them that you will bring it back latter to be fixed.

Dusty

[myredracer]

Yep, it's very level. I checked it with the 4' carpenter's level I've been using to level the TT. Don't like the thought of the of them having to dismantle the wall and it would have to be time consuming so we're thinking of taking it at the end of the season for this. The door frame is one-piece plastic with integral stop so they can't re-position the hinges and re-align the stop.

[Alfred622]

We normally keep ours closed or open - not swinging free. But our floor plan is likely different than yours!

Are you sure your trailer is level (sorry for asking, but it is the first thing I thought about). That is, have you taken a carpenter level and checked? I assume so and that your door still swings due to poor installation and not due to being level.

A simpler option might be to put a door closing spring hinge on - it will tend to keep the door shut.

I'd imagine the dealer/factory won't be happy to rebuild a wall - I'm thinking that would be a huge amount of work....but maybe others on the forum that know much more about trailers than do I will have a better informed opinion!

Good luck!