Keep door open with PahaQue awnings and visors

Tabaz
Tabaz Member Posts: 2,420
in Modifications & Upgrades

I got tired of the top of my door rubbing against the fabric of my PahaQue visor and awning.  The tent peg idea allowed too much flex in the door (i.e. rubbing).  This is just a prototype.  Bought an extra door latch from Elsie ($1.78) and two clevis pins for $1.00 each.  Ignore the holes closest to the T@B body and door (they were for another idea that did not work out).  This keeps the door open without any shifting and is very easy to attach and remove.  A thick piece of metal in place of the wood should also work.

2016 Outback 320
2024 Ford F150 Supercrew short bed.
«1

Comments

  • Nomad
    Nomad Member Posts: 7,209
    Cool. Nice solution.
    I just use a couple of shaved down tent stakes that hang on the hinges. No drilling or mods involved.
  • cbarnhill
    cbarnhill Member Posts: 330
    I tried the tent stakes. It doesn't work for me.  It might be user error.
    Cindy with my 2015 MaxS (Puppy) and my 2015 Subaru Outback (Boo)
  • Nomad
    Nomad Member Posts: 7,209
    Hmmmm - Wonder why - works great for me.
  • Mr_Mrs_Gnome
    Mr_Mrs_Gnome Member Posts: 241
    edited May 2023
    Here's a link to @PXLated's stakes: https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/1069/awning-trailer-tent-or-visor/p1

    '17 Outback S - TV 2016 Chevy Colorado in "Colorful Colorado"
  • Cyclonic
    Cyclonic Member Posts: 1,232
    Great solution.

    States the T@Bpole has camped, so far ;)
    Nathan & Becky... 2013 Ford F150 FX4 TAB HLR... 2012 LG T@B T@Bpole.
    Sterling, VA
  • Verna
    Verna Member Posts: 6,876
    Walmart has two or three sizes of yellow stakes. You need the largest, not just the longest yellow stakes. 
    Verna, Columbus, IN
    2021 T@B 320S  Boondock “The T@B”
    Towed by a white 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 Supercab, 3.5L V6 Ecoboost “The Truck”
  • Ratkity
    Ratkity Member Posts: 3,770
    edited April 2016
    I'm not sure if it's just the design of the T@Bitha, but I can set up my awning so the door doesn't rub inside it. The awning is just slid all the way to the tail end of the camper within the keder rail. If it hits it at all, it's a light brush and the acorns the squirrels throw at my trailer and awning hit it harder ;) .

    PS This is for the XLVisor
    PPS I still like Outback's solution, but I have the T-connector type door catch. I could replace it totally with the friction one and make his solution, though! (where's my silly "to-do" list? ok.... now where's my phone?)
    2017 820R Retro Toy Hauler from 2015 Tabitha T@B from 2009 Reverse LG Teardrop (but a T@Bluver at heart)
  • Tabaz
    Tabaz Member Posts: 2,420
    Maybe its just my imagination, but the tent pegs on top of the hinges seemed to put a great deal of stress on the hinges when the door was moved by wind or me bumping into it.  With pegs in place, I could feel the door frame flex when I moved the door from the latch area.  With this method, there is no door movement at all, and hopefully less stress on the hinges and door frame.  Hey, just my 2 cents, I'm no engineer.
    2016 Outback 320
    2024 Ford F150 Supercrew short bed.
  • Mr_Mrs_Gnome
    Mr_Mrs_Gnome Member Posts: 241
    If it were me, @OutbackAZ, I'd have to connect the pins by a string or wire to the board so I didn't lose them when I stowed them for travel. I think I caught what @Ratkity has!
    '17 Outback S - TV 2016 Chevy Colorado in "Colorful Colorado"
  • Nomad
    Nomad Member Posts: 7,209
    Outback - If there's enough wind to put too much stress, it's usually too windy to have the Visor up in my experience. Doesn't put any on the opening side as the visor stops it. Only strees is if it's trying to blow it closed.
  • Tabaz
    Tabaz Member Posts: 2,420
    Pxl - that's my point. I don't want the visor stopping it. I don't want the door touching the visor at all. This little mod works great for me. Just put it out there for others. I'm done.
    2016 Outback 320
    2024 Ford F150 Supercrew short bed.
  • Nomad
    Nomad Member Posts: 7,209
    If my door is straight out open, it will touch the Visor. Has to be slightly closed to not touch it at all and then I might just as well close it :-)
  • Tabaz
    Tabaz Member Posts: 2,420
    PXLated - agreed, the door has to be slightly "in" to avoid the fabric. I'm still playing with the wood sizing to get the exact spacing. Will probably wind up using a piece of flat metal instead of wood in the final version.
    2016 Outback 320
    2024 Ford F150 Supercrew short bed.
  • R&DAndrews
    R&DAndrews Member Posts: 116
    T@Bnero said:
    Here is my orange noodle solution to prop door conundrum 
    Love this, it's very easy light and inexpensive.  Great idea
  • Tabaz
    Tabaz Member Posts: 2,420
    T@berno - first of all it reminds me of a tostada and makes me hungry. Putting that aside, how does this keep the door from moving inward?
    2016 Outback 320
    2024 Ford F150 Supercrew short bed.
  • Dalehelman
    Dalehelman Member Posts: 2,414
    Another similar solution to the same problem.
    1. Hash  T@B Fun
  • Nomad
    Nomad Member Posts: 7,209
    Dalehelman - You have a different door thingy than on mine.
  • Ratkity
    Ratkity Member Posts: 3,770
    Dalehelman, you have the rod stored somewhere other than behind the door. Is it to the left of the door with another side-clip thingie?
    2017 820R Retro Toy Hauler from 2015 Tabitha T@B from 2009 Reverse LG Teardrop (but a T@Bluver at heart)
  • Dalehelman
    Dalehelman Member Posts: 2,414
    Its stored on the door side with a small command hook to secure it.
    1. Hash  T@B Fun
  • Tabaz
    Tabaz Member Posts: 2,420
    That looks like a winner Dale! Thanks for the metal rod idea. I was going to try a piece of 
    flat metal, but this looks way better.
    2016 Outback 320
    2024 Ford F150 Supercrew short bed.
  • John_and_Kris
    John_and_Kris Member Posts: 302
    Dale: How long is the rod? Do you have the XL Visor if so does your rod length keep it off or just touching the Visor? Many Thanks John
    John - Kris & our Golden "Blossom"
    South Carolina
    Live simply,Love generously,Care deeply,Speak Kindly,Leave the rest to God
  • Dalehelman
    Dalehelman Member Posts: 2,414
    The rod is 10" we have the standard visor not the XL
    1. Hash  T@B Fun
  • Verna
    Verna Member Posts: 6,876
    Dalehelman, did you buy the rod with the ends bent? Or did you have to bend them yourself? If you bent it, how? I do not have access to any welding equipment, but I can use a hammer on an anvil. Obviously, I like your idea!
    Verna, Columbus, IN
    2021 T@B 320S  Boondock “The T@B”
    Towed by a white 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 Supercab, 3.5L V6 Ecoboost “The Truck”
  • Dalehelman
    Dalehelman Member Posts: 2,414
     If you have access to a vice that's easiest way and a hammer or you can just use a para pliers and just bend it by hand it's not real heavy steel 
    1. Hash  T@B Fun
  • Verna
    Verna Member Posts: 6,876
    What size of rod is it, please?  I know Lowe's has some, but I've never shopped for a rod like this. 
    Verna, Columbus, IN
    2021 T@B 320S  Boondock “The T@B”
    Towed by a white 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 Supercab, 3.5L V6 Ecoboost “The Truck”
  • cbarnhill
    cbarnhill Member Posts: 330
    Ditto to all of Vernas questions. I want this, too. 
    Cindy with my 2015 MaxS (Puppy) and my 2015 Subaru Outback (Boo)
  • Dalehelman
    Dalehelman Member Posts: 2,414
    My rod was1/8" square but 1/8" round will work also. I used what I had on hand.
    Drill your holes the same size for a nice tight fit.
    1. Hash  T@B Fun
  • Verna
    Verna Member Posts: 6,876
    Thanks, Dalehelman!
    Verna, Columbus, IN
    2021 T@B 320S  Boondock “The T@B”
    Towed by a white 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 Supercab, 3.5L V6 Ecoboost “The Truck”
  • Tonydjd
    Tonydjd Member Posts: 111
    edited April 2016
    My set up very similar Dalehelman exception my door clip is horizontal  and is higher on door so that I can force it into to the clip easier. I've learned from experience with this clip.. my rod is 3/16 Steel I used torch to heat and make bends. It slides into clip slide on door side made small s bend. getting older don't like to bend over as much this much easier for wife and I
    Tony D
    Central,Fl
    2015 T@B Max-S


  • Ratkity
    Ratkity Member Posts: 3,770
    Awesome idea, Dalehelman!
    2017 820R Retro Toy Hauler from 2015 Tabitha T@B from 2009 Reverse LG Teardrop (but a T@Bluver at heart)

Categories