18' Series Door Blown Off

[Seanm5253]

Hi Everyone
250 Km into our trip home yesterday with 350 Km still to go we were stopped by a car in front that had over taken us to tell us that our caravan entrance door blew off 20 km back down the road!
We always double check all doors and vents when hitching up and I know the door was definitely locked
so mystified to the reason this could happen???

 

[Crusty181]

Hi Everyone
250 Km into our trip home yesterday with 350 Km still to go we were stopped by a car in front that had over taken us to tell us that our caravan entrance door blew off 20 km back down the road!
We always double check all doors and vents when hitching up and I know the door was definitely locked
so mystified to the reason this could happen???

Wow @Seanm5253, that's horrible and something Im constantly worried about. Seems my fears werent misplaced.

I cannot understand why any caravan manufacturer would install a door that opens with the wind ...

Is the damage limited the door, or has it caused other damage.

 

[Seanm5253]

Wow @Seanm5253, that's horrible and something Im constantly worried about. Seems my fears werent misplaced.

I cannot understand why any caravan manufacturer would install a door that opens with the wind ...

Is the damage limited the door, or has it caused other damage.

Hi Crusty
Not a mark on the van and luckily no one hit behind us

 

[dagree]

Now that is an unfortunate incident but fortunate that no injuries, or other damage, occurred.
Will be interested to hear what the cause was!

Where were you heading?

 

[Seanm5253]

Now that is an unfortunate incident but fortunate that no injuries, or other damage, occurred.
Will be interested to hear what the cause was!

Where were you heading?

Spent Easter in Dongara then last week in Kalbarri
Happened on the way home luckily so didn't ruin our holiday

 

[mfexpanda]

Wow @Seanm5253, that's horrible and something Im constantly worried about. Seems my fears werent misplaced.

I cannot understand why any caravan manufacturer would install a door that opens with the wind ...

Is the damage limited the door, or has it caused other damage.

I've been thinking about getting something like this

 

[Seanm5253]

Interesting that they make such a thing, maybe it happens often?
Do you know who sells them?

 

[BigSkiddy]

Judging by your avatar, I gather your were towing with your Jeep. Not surprising you blew the door off your van. You've got to be a bit easier on the acceleration. Those older Expandas are only used to being towed with Prado's.

In all seriousness glad no other damage was done. Was looking at my door the other day and thinking it's only a matter of time before those plastic hinges get brittle and break.

 

[Seanm5253]

Judging by your avatar, I gather your were towing with your Jeep. Not surprising you blew the door off your van. You've got to be a bit easier on the acceleration. Those older Expandas are only used to being towed with Prado's.

In all seriousness glad no other damage was done. Was looking at my door the other day and thinking it's only a matter of time before those plastic hinges get brittle and break.

That explains it, at least I know the cause now
might look at trading in for a Toyota

 

[Rockape]

Wow, how does a locked door fall off? I'm glad no one was injured. I wonder if this happens often.
Cheers
Nick

 

[achjimmy]

I've been thinking about getting something like thisView attachment 40364

That's a great idea mate. Also helps the elderly into the van !

 

[BigSkiddy]

I've been thinking about getting something like thisView attachment 40364

Isn't that an "I'm to old or drunk to get into my van using the standard grab handle" handle.

You could put one of these on. Paint it white to make it pretty.

 

[Crusty181]

Spent Easter in Dongara then last week in Kalbarri
Happened on the way home luckily so didn't ruin our holiday

Jesus ... we went from Geraldton heading north after Easter. Bloody door could have hit me

 

[Seanm5253]

Pick it up for me on your way back

 

[Crusty181]

.... its already on eBay

 

[Dobbie]

I've been thinking about getting something like thisView attachment 40364

It's a Fiamma. Saw one on a brand new Complete Campsite Exodus I admired last week.

It extends out and bends over for travelling.

 

[Smirke]

I'm glad there wasn't more damage and no one was hurt.
This was the argument I used with jayco back when our van was being built (think I actually mentioned it in one of my posts) as I wanted the door reversed and they said no. (I also mentioned bad publicity and media which may have helped my cause).
I got my reversed door, but never would have thought it would actually happen.

 

[bigcol]

was the hinges the fault?????????

 

[achjimmy]

Did it latch properly or was it always a tad loose? I've mentioned the gap in ours and adjusted it myself to Jayco never thought the wind could get behind it though?

 

[Wanda]

Wow, bet you weren't expecting that I've always been a bit paranoid about the door, mainly security as our van is kept at the front of our home, so we had a Fiamma door lock/handle (the longer one) fitted onto our van a couple of years ago now. Would not be without it. Adds great security when locked over and when folded out it's a great handle to hang onto when climbing up and down into the van.