Entry Door Expansion

[Bubba34B]

We have a 2023 Transcend Xplor 261 BH. When the entry door is exposed to sunlight for an hour or more the door expands to the point where it can become extremely difficult to open. Requiring me to grab the bottom of the door and my wife to work the latch to open. We had the door replaced within the warranty period as it was out of "square", but the new door which is square is also too difficult to open. Being conscious of this issue we try to minimize exposure to the sun, but when on the road that is not always possible.

Anyone experiencing the same issue and possible solutions?

 

[Riverbug]

Have not had that specific issue, but certainly have had to adjust the door latches/catches and/or camber over the years. Are you able to identify specifically where it is hanging up? If it around the frame, you'll likely see wear marks in the paint. If it is the latch mechanism you should be able to close it slowly and look at where it is making contact. Once you can identify where it is hanging up you can start addressing a remedy.

 

[Bubba34B]

The door is square. The entire door expands when heated by the sun and when that happens the strike plate on the door overlaps the strike plate on the door frame by about 1/8". We are unable to screw the door frame strike plate further in.

My opinion is that the framing of walls was off by a slight amount on our unit.

 

[huntr70]

The door is square. The entire door expands when heated by the sun and when that happens the strike plate on the door overlaps the strike plate on the door frame by about 1/8". We are unable to screw the door frame strike plate further in.

My opinion is that the framing of walls was off by a slight amount on our unit.

Most of the "stick and tin" units do that because of the aluminum siding. The black doors just expand the issue.

The new mostly glass doors do not expand as much.

 

[Riverbug]

The door is square. The entire door expands when heated by the sun and when that happens the strike plate on the door overlaps the strike plate on the door frame by about 1/8". We are unable to screw the door frame strike plate further in.

My opinion is that the framing of walls was off by a slight amount on our unit.

If you remove the strike plate is it okay then when it expands? Wondering if you can look at a hardware store to find a thinner version, or fabricate something of your own?

 

[Chaps2018]

We have a fiberglass door (2018 not GD) and have the same issue. Only when it is in the direct Texas Sun. It binds although, still able to open with one person. Once the sun goes away so does the binding.

 

[el Rojo]

The trailer frame may also be tweaked, meaning not perfectly level. I had this on a Lance cabover. All I had to do was raise a leg and then put it back down "gently" and the problem went away.

 

[Blkcattle]

I've got a 2024 251BH and noticed the prior owners repair ticket for this same issue. The frame was scratched up and repainted. It looks like the dealer beat the door back into shape from what I can read. This was in October and I'm the new 2nd owner so don't have personal experience with it yet. I do know that the screen door latch does not fully reach that catch if you only wanted to latch that door. Otherwise you have to keep them both closed with the glass door. Not real happy to read this is seemingly a common issue when hot.

 

[TR-USA]

We have a 2023 Transcend Xplor 261 BH. When the entry door is exposed to sunlight for an hour or more the door expands to the point where it can become extremely difficult to open. Requiring me to grab the bottom of the door and my wife to work the latch to open. We had the door replaced within the warranty period as it was out of "square", but the new door which is square is also too difficult to open. Being conscious of this issue we try to minimize exposure to the sun, but when on the road that is not always possible.

Anyone experiencing the same issue and possible solutions?

Same sticking door problem on my 231 RK. Adjusting the screen door latches so that they pulled apart easier solved my problem.