Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

Any suggestions for the best type of door holder-opener for a teardrop cabin door? I want to be able to secure it open as flat open as possible, and as unobtrusive/attractive when not in use/door closed.

I've done both a sewn up nylon webbing thing with some loops at each end, and on the last trailer, I used some model A door stop straps as a restraint. The big key is to make sure you don't leave a window open, if it's a crank out, so that someone doesn't jam it into the side of the trailer and leave a divot. If I'm in a situation where there are going to be "tours", I will maybe leave a window open on 1 side for ventilation but lock the door with a key so no one can open that door. I don't use a fixed latch system when it's open though. I just didn't want the door hook and latch attached to the exterior.

People are going to be enthused with the idea of a tear and might not have the forethought to think ahead about what to open and how far....a lot like a vintage car. Just my experience and opinion. doug

doug hodder wrote:I've done both a sewn up nylon webbing thing with some loops at each end, and on the last trailer, I used some model A door stop straps as a restraint.

Jeep straps might be easier to find ;-)

If you want to hold the door open at 180 degrees, you might like to look into placing some neodymium magnets under the door and trailer skin. These are strong little buggers that should do the trick and be totally invisisible, though you will probably want some rubber bumpers as well. Just make sure they don't repell each other when installing.

how about some embedded magnets?
Lou

nevadatear wrote:Any suggestions for the best type of door holder-opener for a teardrop cabin door? I want to be able to secure it open as flat open as possible, and as unobtrusive/attractive when not in use/door closed.

This one is low profile and works well.


http://www.rvadenver.com/latches_and_fasteners.htm

Very low cost as well .

Seems like there might be a lot of hardware that would work. I’d stroll through Home Depot/Lowes, a marine supply store, and an RV supply store (or catalogs) – there is bound to be something interesting in one of those. If you can buy it, it’s generally cheaper than making it (if you count your time for much).

Seems that either magnets or a velcro connection would work well

Randy,

You could go real simple. I build a topper for a F150 over 20 years ago. Used a regular lock set with a round knob. Had a simple 1/8" nylon rope loop that slipped around the handle to hold the door open.

Wolfgang

I saw magnetic door stops used on a Camp Inn clone someone on the forum built. I have used them on 2 teardrops and will use them on my current build. Under normal conditions they work great but a great gust of wind may release the magnetic hold. I like the look and they don't wear out like the RV rubber socket and metal pin type I've used before. They are reasonably priced and come in different finishes. Danny

Magnetic Door Stops