Forum Discussion

tkhollywood's avatar
tkhollywood
Explorer
Jun 30, 2014

sticky entry door

Well on our first trip with our new TT and for some reason the door sticks when you go to open it. After you get it open it will open and close fine. Then let it sit closed for a wile and it sticks again like it is hung up on something. Already have a new outdoor kitchen door on order for a warped door so should I have them replace the entry door as well. Also have to have one of the crank out windows replace for a bent framework the crank out is popped the guides right out of the frame and the only way to get them back in is to drill out the rivets and reattach the guides then re rivet.
So should I finish out the season then bring in for repairs or get them done asap. I am a little worried about t b E window not sealing proper and water getting in or blowing the window off the trailer while in tow.
  • opnspaces's avatar
    opnspaces
    Navigator II
    Jul 01, 2014
    I was thinking stabilizers also. Make sure you don't over tighten them, they are for stabilizing, not lifting and leveling the trailer. If you need to lift or level you do that with boards or such under the tires first to level side to side, and then the tongue jack to level front to back.

    After it's level crank down the stabilizers and give them about 1/2 turn after they contact the ground. See if that helps the door.
  • JJBIRISH's avatar
    JJBIRISH
    Explorer
    Jul 01, 2014
    I agree with over use of the stabilizers for leveling as the most likely culprit…

    but with as many problems as you seem to have if its not caused by lifting the trailer too much with the stabilizers I would worry about having chassis damage of some sort like maybe loss of frame rail camber, that can be a Mfg. defect or caused by several things like overloading or sever uneven loading (rear, front, or one side)…
  • Boband4's avatar
    Boband4
    Explorer
    Jul 01, 2014
    I had door stick 2 weeeks ago. It was in direct sunlight. As soon as I put the awning out and the door was shaded it stopped sticking.
  • Huntindog's avatar
    Huntindog
    Explorer
    Jul 01, 2014
    tkhollywood wrote:
    Well on our first trip with our new TT and for some reason the door sticks when you go to open it. After you get it open it will open and close fine. Then let it sit closed for a wile and it sticks again like it is hung up on something. Already have a new outdoor kitchen door on order for a warped door so should I have them replace the entry door as well. Also have to have one of the crank out windows replace for a bent framework the crank out is popped the guides right out of the frame and the only way to get them back in is to drill out the rivets and reattach the guides then re rivet.
    So should I finish out the season then bring in for repairs or get them done asap. I am a little worried about t b E window not sealing proper and water getting in or blowing the window off the trailer while in tow.
    All of these issues can be caused by the stabilizers being tightened unevenly, causing the frame to twist. Usually undoing them will fix it, but sometimes the damage is permanent.
  • fallsrider's avatar
    fallsrider
    Explorer
    Jul 01, 2014
    Mine was sticking a little...but was more noticeable when closing it. Turns out the rubber weatherstripping stuck out a little too far. Trimmed it, problem solved.
  • beemerphile1's avatar
    beemerphile1
    Explorer
    Jun 30, 2014
    I would guess the most common reason for an entry door sticking is the stabilizers are too tight. I don't know if this is your case because I don't know if you are setup in camp with stab jacks down or not.
  • F1bNorm's avatar
    F1bNorm
    Explorer
    Jun 30, 2014
    I think most RV doors have aluminum hinges that are easily bent out of shape. For the same reason they are also easy to bend back in alignment.Figure out which way it has to go and give it a firm push.

    Because the screen door has the widest hinge (to clear the regular door), it's usually the screen door that's out of alignment.

    Norm's 2 cents
  • tkhollywood's avatar
    tkhollywood
    Explorer
    Jun 30, 2014
    Trailer is almost dead on or as close as could be. Look for rubbing indications on paint and nothing. Thought it was an a linemen problem.
  • BTPO1's avatar
    BTPO1
    Explorer
    Jun 30, 2014
    Is it possible that the trailer is not sitting level and the frame is tweaked a little? I know that if my MH is not close to being level the door sticks until I reposition it. JMO
  • Artum_Snowbird's avatar
    Artum_Snowbird
    Explorer
    Jun 30, 2014
    I know it's new and all that, but it is really worth it to look carefully at your door and find where it is sticking, and why. Sometimes it's just the seals need to be adjusted, or it might just take a whack with a board against the door or frame. Other times just rub some candle wax on both sides of where it is sticking and that will free it up.

    RV ownership is about fixing the small stuff yourself, or at least giving it a good try.

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