I need HELP!!!: Door Won't Open After Transit

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Door Won't Open After Transit

Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: I need HELP!!!
Forum Discription: Perplexed/need help with a problem - ask here
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16121
Printed Date: 20 May 2026 at 8:22pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Door Won't Open After Transit

Posted By: LuckyLindy
Subject: Door Won't Open After Transit
Date Posted: 01 Feb 2025 at 10:45pm

Picked up a well-maintained 2019 Model 191 today, my first. Got a solid briefing from the RV specialist at a car dealership. (Unit was a trade in for sale of a van). Hitched up and drove home on good roads. Arrived, unhitched including sway bars. Leveled the unit and went to unlock door only to find it binding. Could not open more than six inches. Screen door seemed free. Nothing lodged in between. Tried several different levels hoping it would "unbind." No luck. First recommendation, hitch up again and drive it locally, see if that frees up the bind. Any other suggestions welcome and thank you.

Replies:

Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 01 Feb 2025 at 11:09pm

Did you level with the stabilizers or with leveling blocks? If you used the stabilizers to level it, then lower it back down. Then level it side-to-side with leveling blocks/ramps, etc. Then only put enough tension on the stabilizers to stabilize it (lower to the ground, then a turn or two after it gets tight). If you leveled with the jacks, then it flexed the frame and could be the cause of the door binding. You could try the door with the stabilizers off the ground. That would help confirm whether there had been too much pressure on the stabilizers or not.

Other than that, welcome and congratulations on your "new to you" RPod. I hope you have many fun adventures and make many great memories in your travels with 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: JR
Date Posted: 02 Feb 2025 at 8:51am

I have a 2019 179 and +to what SH suggested it is spot on. Another thing that you could look at is that my 179 has a "friction" door hinge on that outside door. That becomes a little stiff to move, the intent of that hinge is not to allow the door to flop in the breezes when set up in the campground. Your trailer may have a door hinge that has not been lubricated over time and may have gotten too stiff which has caused what you are experiencing now. I have had to over time lubricated my door hinge so that is operatable. I have used WD-40 on the hinge which seems to have helped over time. Hope this helps you.

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Jay

179/2019

Posted By: LuckyLindy
Date Posted: 02 Feb 2025 at 6:28pm

Thank you!

I did try all these options w/ limited success. The door is still binding pretty tight.

Headed to an RV service center this week. Will post!

Posted By: LuckyLindy
Date Posted: 02 Feb 2025 at 6:31pm

Thank you!

This makes sense (the friction hinge) for wind control. What concerns me is the door operated smoothly at the lot where I purchased it. Only after a 25 mile trip did it bind up. I hesitated to lubricate the hinges until the service department looks at the problem. Will post!

Posted By: LuckyLindy
Date Posted: 06 Feb 2025 at 7:36am

Used lightweight "lock and hinge" spray lube and have main door working perfectly. Screen door as well. Leveling helped. Many thanks to all!

Posted By: gpokluda
Date Posted: 08 Feb 2025 at 8:40pm

Friction hinges need to be lubed more than regular hinges in my experience. If you let them get too stiff and you open and close the door, you could twist the light metal frame and then you have a bigger problem

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Gpokluda
2017 Rpod 179(sold 2023)
2022 Escape 5.0TA
2022 Ford F150 4X4 3.5EB
Honda SCL500

Posted By: LuckyLindy
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2025 at 7:13pm

Got it! I used lock and hinge spray in all 3, still stiff enough to avoid wind damage but all the sound has disappeared. Thank you!

Posted By: LuckyLindy
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2025 at 7:20pm

Just to say thanks to all of you who shared experience w/o making me feel like a total rookie. I'm sure to maintain my "newbie" status for some time, but the day will come (hopefully sooner than later) when I can "pass it forward." Happy Trails, or as we say in the aviation world, "Blue Skies and Tailwinds."

Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2025 at 9:23pm

I have had tremendous success using a penetrant for issues such as you raised. Schaeffer's 'Penetrol 90' is excellent (we have used it at the golf courses for years) for rusted bolts/nuts or metal that is bound together. You think WD 40 is good, you'll never use that again after using this product.

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God's pod
'11 model 177
'17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost
Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake
"...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."

Posted By: LuckyLindy
Date Posted: 10 Feb 2025 at 11:17am

I've added to my shopping list! Thanks jato.