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Old 09-04-2022, 05:21 AM   #1
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Trouble closing door

I have a 2019 Aerolite Fifth Wheel that has been parked in one spot for about a year and a half. Over that time the door has slowly gotten harder and harder to close until today I had to take the strike plate off to get it closed and the lock still won't fully lock. There is a small gap with visible light on the bottom, hinge side of the door, so things are definitely not squared up. This rig came with an autoleveler, so today, I tried lowering it until it was resting on just the wheels to see if that helped. It didn't. The I let it auto level, and still nothing improved.
Any tips?
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Old 09-04-2022, 10:31 PM   #2
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So after further inspection it appears the bottom friction hinge has cracked in two places and needs replacement. Also seems this is a common failure point. I will report back after installing the replacement.
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Old 09-05-2022, 02:10 PM   #3
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Send a pic of your issue for the benefit of others here.

Thanks and thanks for the update.
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Old 09-12-2022, 02:09 PM   #4
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Good to know, thanks.
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Old 09-17-2022, 02:03 AM   #5
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After further further looking, the hinge wasn't actually cracked. It's just designed with spaces that kind of look like cracks in the dark with a flashlight. So I did not replace it. Not really sure how I would have done it with all the rivets anyways. So, door is still not closing right. Seems likely the frame is possibly torqued due to the lot I'm parked on and there's really nothing I can do about that. I may try some more adjusting of the levelers, or perhaps a 2x4 and a hammer and beating on the door as a last resort.
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Old 09-17-2022, 05:39 PM   #6
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Originally Posted by JReck View Post
After further further looking, the hinge wasn't actually cracked. It's just designed with spaces that kind of look like cracks in the dark with a flashlight. So I did not replace it. Not really sure how I would have done it with all the rivets anyways. So, door is still not closing right. Seems likely the frame is possibly torqued due to the lot I'm parked on and there's really nothing I can do about that. I may try some more adjusting of the levelers, or perhaps a 2x4 and a hammer and beating on the door as a last resort.
Not sure I would go that last route. Suspect that the rv is off kilter so much that it’s sprung a bit. Try leveling it up a bit then check it again.
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Old 09-18-2022, 11:22 AM   #7
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Doug Holser

I had the same problem on a Kodiak door hinge. Door became harder to close every season. My solution was simple. After applying WD-40 to the hinges and working it in. it now closes very easily and still retained the friction to hold it open.
Hope this helps.
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Old 09-18-2022, 06:51 PM   #8
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If it were me I would check to see if the tires and/or the stabilizer jacks hadn't sunk into the ground some causing the door frame to warp. Just a guess.
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Old 09-26-2022, 04:04 AM   #9
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Originally Posted by sdh305@gmail.com View Post
I had the same problem on a Kodiak door hinge. Door became harder to close every season. My solution was simple. After applying WD-40 to the hinges and working it in. it now closes very easily and still retained the friction to hold it open.
Hope this helps.
WD-40 is usually the answer, but in this case the door is physically hitting the door frame which is causing the difficulty. Can't lube that away.

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Not sure I would go that last route. Suspect that the rv is off kilter so much that it’s sprung a bit. Try leveling it up a bit then check it again.
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Originally Posted by aguablanco View Post
If it were me I would check to see if the tires and/or the stabilizer jacks hadn't sunk into the ground some causing the door frame to warp. Just a guess.
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Like I said, it has the 4 point Ground Control autoleveler. I've taken it completely off the stands and let it rest on just the wheels for a full 24 hours. Then let it re-level itself. Nothing helped. So yes, I'm guessing it got torqued somehow, short of making it un-level I'm not sure how to correct it. I'd even be okay with making it a little off level but I don't know which way to go. I guess I could have a second person come mess with the controls while I watch the door and see what happens.
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Old 10-24-2022, 03:08 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sdh305@gmail.com View Post
I had the same problem on a Kodiak door hinge. Door became harder to close every season. My solution was simple. After applying WD-40 to the hinges and working it in. it now closes very easily and still retained the friction to hold it open.
Hope this helps.
I return with my head hung low in shame. I'm almost too embarrassed to admit it, but you were absolutely right. I lubed the hinges and suddenly it closes correctly. In fact it closes so nicely I have to be careful not to slam it. I don't really understand WHY that worked, but the hinge is a mysterious and powerful object, far too complex for a mortal like myself. I'm sorry I didn't listen to you sooner.
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