Help modifying Bifold / regular door combo for bath

[MN_Ben]

Hey all,
My wife and I do not like the bifold bathroom door on our Lance 981 TC. The bifold feature is a must for getting into the bathroom when the slideout is in, but normal use of the door when the slideout is extended is kind of a pain in the neck.

I would like to modify the door to swing open like a regular door when needed, and be a bifold door when needed.

Here is a VIDEO LINK explaining more. Maybe you can give me some ideas, or better yet, pictures and instructions!

Ben

[trailgranny50]

Had a random thought. When we modified a horse trailer to have the weekender package in former track area and first stall shower door was an issue. We bought a roll up door and frame, came as a unit in different sizes. It wasn't wood, wasn't a fashion statement either but did the job fine. No see thru so privacy when conducting bathroom business and kept shower water in the bath area. Simple frame installment. Probably not what you're after but like I said, random thought maybe someone else could benefit from as well.

[MN_Ben]

Wow, I knew I could get some good ideas from those that like to help! Thank you!!

[jimh406]

I looked at your video. It helped explain the issue. I'd look for better hardware for the bifold door and leave it alone or replace with a regular door. The transition from bifold to regular door sounds like a problem. Unless you put the latch on the outside of the door, I'm not sure how you release it unless you are inside.

If you really want to make the change, I'd try taking the track off the bifold door to see if the hinges still work. I'm not sure they would support the weight.

One other idea is to add a sliding door. I can't say we love ours, but it does work. Look at 2:00 on the video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChvVrKIn3KI

[AnEv942]

You unknowingly described our door to a tee.
Works pretty much as you outlined. Hinged on wall the 2 halves are held together with simple hasp, me I call them window sash hasps,

Recently replaced ours.


Locked it acts as single door, unlatched it is bifold.


Latch is all but identical to what is on our screen doors at home.


Inside simple handle to pull closed when unlatched, acting as bifold, slide hasp to retain. Door will stay closed without using the slide hasp but can easily be opened from outside, or if you bump with elbow. I assume height was to keep small child from being traumatized but the loud yelling from outside as door hinges removed...
I would think mid placed latch of some sort if door used as bifold often, ours swings toward camper exterior door so not an issue when stopped on the road for a few

[Kayteg1]

I am remodeling contractor and can testify that bi-fold door and pocket doors are pain on the butt all the time.
Your idea about locking the halves while camping with slide out sound good but I don't see how you can convert the door without some screws moving and bolting the brackets.
Sometimes top rolls are spring-loaded so easy to disconnect, but if yours is fixed, that would take few minutes each time.
The bar connecting both halves would have to be on living side, so not very cosmetic.

[Dick_B]

Seems to me that anyone who can make a video all by themselves and link it to this Forum can modify a door!
One way is to undo the top roller (opposite the hinged side) and connect the two halves from the inside and put a magnet latch on the edge that swings out with a handle.
My real preference would be to leave it as is but my wife is happy with our own door arrangement.

[Bumpyroad]

what exactly is the pain in the neck? is it that last little pull while shutting it to get it to lock shut? should be lots of ways to address that issue.
my closets in my S&B have bifold doors, my last motorhome had one on the bed room. I changed the solid door to a bifold on the door to my basement. what is the issue?
bumpy

[Victory402]

Would you consider an accordion style door?

[MN_Ben]

nycsteve wrote:
I would just leave the original design. Whatever you do wont look as finished as the factory version.

This sounds like a challenge!!

nycsteve wrote:
I would just leave the original design. I have te same TC , a 2008 and have no issues with the door.

Maybe I should just take it apart and shave one edge to make it close a little better. And oil the hinge. Maybe put a different handle on it. You know what they say.... If mama ain't happy.....

[MN_Ben]

zcookiemonstar wrote:
I can't give you detailed instructions but you could make a door in a door. Just make a swing door and install your bifold door tracks and all inside of it.

That is a good idea!

[Bumpyroad]

nycsteve wrote:
I would just leave the original design. Whatever you do wont look as finished as the factory version. I have te same TC , a 2008 and have no issues with the door.

much ado over nothing, IMHO. still don't understand the issue. would make more sense if it came with a solid door and you couldn't use the john without the slide being out but vice versa??????
In a TC might not be an issue but in a Class A/C might be a rattling mess when traveling.
are the original hinges strong enough to support solid door since now the roller takes some of the weight?
bumpy

[nycsteve]

I would just leave the original design. Whatever you do wont look as finished as the factory version. I have te same TC , a 2008 and have no issues with the door.

[zcookiemonstar]

I can't give you detailed instructions but you could make a door in a door. Just make a swing door and install your bifold door tracks and all inside of it.