Too short to close basement doors, looking for solutions.

[Justrun1977]

We just upgraded our travel trailer to a 2022 278BH. I'm 5'1" and am having trouble closing the back basement door, and the outdoor kitchen door. The magnets are strong, and even trying from the side of the door is difficult.

Does anyone have a solution they have used for this besides step stools? I'm wondering if a handle or perhaps strap would give the best pull against the magnets. If you could share pictures or placement that you have found works long term, I would greatly appreciate it.

[Second Chance]

I would think a web strap on the inside of the door with Velcro to hold the loose end when closing would work. Those doors are foam core, so there's not much to screw into, though.

Rob

[jkwilson]

Maybe some kind of L shaped tool with a thin end that would slip behind the top of the door where you could put one hand on the door to catch it and pull with the tool in the other.

Think something like a miniature garden hoe with padding to keep from marring the door. It doesn’t take a lot of force when pulling from the top of the door compared to pulling from further down.

[FT4NOW]

What about some type of mechanical grab tool?

[traveldawg]

I would think a web strap on the inside of the door with Velcro to hold the loose end when closing would work. Those doors are foam core, so there's not much to screw into, though.

Rob

I kind of like the idea of a strap. You could but on a metal plate of about 3" x 3" and use some strong self adhesive tape (maybe this) and also a few screws and then secure the strap to the plate (maybe use an eye hook screwed into the plate and door.

I've done the plate "thing" on other foam filled doors and it works ok as long as you don't go hanging on things hard.

Whatever you do, don't let that door hit you on the head on the way down. It hurts.

[Tckhan]

Is going to struts an option? This pic is just an example.

[docque]

Just get old like me and you have a cane. Use it to grab everything.

[Butcher]

If the doors are gas struts, a strap would work. If they are magnetic, you certainly could get hit in the head. Maybe a hanging stick for the magnet type.

At least you don't hit your head on the shower door bar.