dave coe Posted May 9, 2020 Share Posted May 9, 2020 Hoping someone can help. The entrance door to my van an Avondale Harrier, is I have been told crocodiling . Basically the stable door splits at about 90*. s that there is a gap of about 3" at the outer edge and non at hinge, almost as if the wall of the van is bowed outwards but know idea how to adjust as hinges fixed to frame with no adjustment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wildwood Posted May 10, 2020 Share Posted May 10, 2020 I take it that as the door opens the top separates from the bottom at about half way open. Does it start to close the gap again as you go further, as that would suggest you are correct as to the cause. If that is the case and the door closes correctly I cannot see any simple answer, but hopefully you can live with it, as it should not affect security and still be airtight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted May 10, 2020 Share Posted May 10, 2020 If the side wall has warped out at waste level, then the two parts of a stable door will part at he outer edge when the door is held at 90 deg to the caravan body. The gap between the two door halves will close again when the door is shut, and also if pinned fully open against the exterior of the caravan. A 3" gap sounds severe enough to allow the lower door section to pass below the upper section when half open, preventing the door from closing , or fully opening. The door itself is not at fault but repair to the side wall is the solution. Unfortunately this will require complete removal of the door and surrounding aluminium frame, followed by replacement of the upright timber within the wall structure on the hinge side of the door. This fault will almost certainly have been caused by water ingress to the wall structure so it is likely that the door hinge mounting is not the only part of the wall affected. Take a close look inside the caravan where the furniture fits against the hinge side of the door, and I'll wager that the strengthening rib (a piece of wall board at right angles to the main wall) does not run the full length between the roof locker and the floor mounted cabinet, consequently there may be a small gap between the rear of the fridge enclosure and the side wall. If there is no gap then the wall may have become delaminated allowing the outer skin of the wall to bulge out, while leaving the inner decorative surface in place. Before doing anything, take time to carry out a thorough damp survey as this could indicate that a major repair is required which may not be financially viable. The information below will act as a guide to what the damp readings mean:- 0-15% - Normal. 15-20% - Note the readings and re-check at next service. 20-24% - Possible early signs of ingress, look for evidence and re-check. 25%-30% - Moisture present and remedial work required. Over 30% - Timber damage is occurring, and structural integrity compromised. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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