Bad Design on Storage Doors (Challenger 372)

[jhalbert]

I don't know if anyone else has experienced this, but on my 2006 Challenger 372F, the shocks on the storage bin doors continually pull away from the door themselves.

It looks like there is some sort of particle board used, and the weight of the doors is just too much for the shocks. Therefore, they keep pulling off (6 and counting), even though I open and close them very slowly. Once they pull out, then you are left with holes and no place to reinstall.

I was thinking about glueing a base metal plate and screwing them back in that way. Has anyone else come across this? How did you handle it?

Thanks,
Jason

[jhalbert]

I don't know if anyone else has experienced this, but on my 2006 Challenger 372F, the shocks on the storage bin doors continually pull away from the door themselves.

It looks like there is some sort of particle board used, and the weight of the doors is just too much for the shocks. Therefore, they keep pulling off (6 and counting), even though I open and close them very slowly. Once they pull out, then you are left with holes and no place to reinstall.

I was thinking about glueing a base metal plate and screwing them back in that way. Has anyone else come across this? How did you handle it?

Thanks,
Jason

[angelman]

Sounds like a great fix to me! I did the same thing on the bedroom door open position locks. I mounted a larger brass plate to the wall(4 screws instead of 2) then mounted the lock to the brass plate.

[Chandler]

Ya know, I have always looked at those coaches with the gas struts on the doors and figured I would do that to mine some day but after seeing all the problems everyone has with them...not on any particular brand...I think I'll stick with my simple latch system.

I think if it were me, I would use simple physics. Distribute the load. I would make aluminum plates, say, 2 inches by four inches and secure them to the door with 8 stainless screws. The I would mount my strut. I have my doubts that adhesive would hold..maybe Lumber Lock or something..How about adhesive AND screws? I know that there is bead board in the doors to keep them light and an inner layer and an outer layer of fiberglass....There is also an aluminum frame around the outside. Unless you're in the aluminum, there isn't much holding power for two srews.

Chandler

[jimandsandy]

I did my doors like Chandler said 2" x 4" alum. Plate then put the struct on to the plate. Did that about 4 years ago on 2 of the doors, they are still doing fine.
Jim

[jhalbert]

Thanks for the advice. I am going to try that as well. Probably adhesive AND screws.

[igor2brvn]

Two years ago, I modified the strut mounts on all basement doors. Secured 4"x4" plate used on sqare electrical boxes to the door using plastic anchors and screws. No glue used. Then attached strut bracket to plate. Works great. No more tears in the doors and the mounting is tight and strong.