sll
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Post by sll on Jul 16, 2014 8:50:42 GMT -8
Months ago, I installed the door in our Airflyte and noticed there was a gap at the top between the exterior of the door and the skin (you can see the gap if you are standing at the rear of the trailer and looking forward). Thus, even when the door is latched, there is not a tight seal around the door. However, I am not really sure what to do about this. Where the latch is at, the door is firmly against the frame, but at the top there is a gap. I dont know if the door is twisted, if I made the frame wrong, etc. But it does have me concerned. Has anyone had this problem before? Any solutions?
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John Palmer
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Hi, From a vintage trailer guy located in Santa Ana, CA. It's good to see lots of activity here.
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Post by John Palmer on Jul 16, 2014 9:30:35 GMT -8
Without a photo and some measurement it's hard to say.
I use a eight foot long piece of extruded aluminum angle as a straight edge. Make sure to door is actually straight from top to bottom. If you hold the bottom edge of the door, is it "still ridgid" at the top. Many (maybe most?) trailer doors are broken in the middle and are very flexible at the door handle. The next thing to check is the wall and door jamb. Are they square to the door and are they still ridged, can you physically move them?
Basically you need to determine if the problem is caused by a misalignment (easy to fix), or a major structural problem likely due to rot.
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Post by Ross on Jul 18, 2014 3:36:12 GMT -8
Check for a hole in the bottom of the door, opposite of the hinge. If so, there is a threaded rod that runs to the top frame of the door. Provided it is not completely rusted, you can tighten the nut and it will cause the the top of the door to seat better to the door frame. Basically, it causes the door stile (lock side)to bend.
My 1970 Starflyte had one, but I replaced it, due to it being fully rusted. This was a great feature added by many camper manufacturers.
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SusieQ
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'62 Shasta Compact
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Post by SusieQ on Jul 18, 2014 4:11:18 GMT -8
Check for a hole in the bottom of the door, opposite of the hinge. If so, there is a threaded rod that runs to the top frame of the door. Provided it is not completely rusted, you can tighten the nut and it will cause the the top of the door to seat better to the door frame. Basically, it causes the door stile (lock side)to bend. My 1970 Starflyte had one, but I replaced it, due to it being fully rusted. This was a great feature added by many camper manufacturers. Ross, that is a really great piece of info. Thanks for sharing. |
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