Mods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks: 178 Door is hard to open

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178 Door is hard to open

Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: Non-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Mods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
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URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9668
Printed Date: 03 May 2025 at 2:26am
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Topic: 178 Door is hard to open

Posted By: Irish Tom
Subject: 178 Door is hard to open
Date Posted: 10 Apr 2017 at 12:54pm

My 2015 178 Pod door has always been really tight and does not open freely.

You can see the hinges flex when opening or closing the door.

I have tried to lubricate the hinges but it did not help.

Any thoughts.

Thanks,

Irish Tom

2015 178

2014 Ford Explorer

Happy Wife

Replies:

Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 10 Apr 2017 at 1:14pm

I had to hit mine up with Teflon lubricant spray a couple of times after this winter's trip. I think the salt from the roads got in there easier than the lubricant did. After spraying, take a rag and rub it in. That seemed to help when I did it.

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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

Posted By: Bugout
Date Posted: 10 Apr 2017 at 1:20pm

The door hinge is is made that way so it won't blow in the wind

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Jk Aiken South Carolina 2016 178 Toyota Tundra 2017 4.6

Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 10 Apr 2017 at 3:17pm

I know that it is made that way. However, after last winter's travel, it was even worse than normal and creaking badly. The lubrication helped, and it still holds when it is open.

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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 10 Apr 2017 at 5:08pm

I was having a similar issue this weekend. I found that the screws on one of the hinges on the screen door were loose. Once I tightened them, the doors closed much more easily.

Also, I found that direct sunlight on the door will make it expand, which makes it hard to close. By evening, it was opening and closing much more easily.

Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 10 Apr 2017 at 5:20pm

Stephen,

How does one know if they have friction hinges? My door swings like a skirt at a square dance, and I have to use a T latch to keep it open, even in the slightest breeze. BTW- I have used Teflon spray to free hinges up a bit. In a pinch I use garage door lubricant.

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Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."

Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 10 Apr 2017 at 6:08pm

Originally posted by mcarter

Stephen,

How does one know if they have friction hinges? My door swings like a skirt at a square dance, and I have to use a T latch to keep it open, even in the slightest breeze. BTW- I have used Teflon spray to free hinges up a bit. In a pinch I use garage door lubricant.

There should be a sticker either on the door or in the immediate vicinity indicating that it has friction hinges.

Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 10 Apr 2017 at 6:32pm

NADA, my friend. I was under impression 179s had friction hinges.

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Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."

Posted By: Irish Tom
Date Posted: 11 Apr 2017 at 10:16am

Mike:

We both have 2015 178's

You door swings like a skirt in the breeze.

My door is stiffer than a cob.

My screen door swings freely.

I wonder which door condition is correct?

Irish Tom

Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 11 Apr 2017 at 2:33pm

Irish Tom,

I have no idea, I will say I have no friction hinges, do you have a decal that says you do?

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Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."