Community Forums

fkloster · 02-07-2011, 11:14 AM

one example...: 2007 London Aire Branson Show Coach One Owner FL - eBay (item 230582147095 end time Feb-25-11 17:00:00 PST)

...has anyone else noticed that many of the newer custom coaches have the optional central entry door instead? so funny because that was the way it was up till the early 90's in most coaches. Ideas?

Mike Canter · 02-07-2011, 12:30 PM

My previous MH was a mid-body door and my new MH is a front door. I did find that the mid-door limited some of the interior design because it was right there in the middle of thinks. The front door also seems to be a better seal because the front cap in more reinforced on my MH so it does not twist around so much and leak air. One problem with the front door is the passenger seat is further back from the dash so you can get by it. Given that I have had both recently I think I prefer the front door version.

stuhly · 02-07-2011, 12:44 PM

We have had both front and mid. We prefer front. Gives you more living area.

Gary RVRoamer · 02-07-2011, 03:26 PM

The mid entry door came back into popularity with the new front kitchen floor plans. A mid door makes a lot of sense in that style of layout. Not so much in floor plans where the galley or a sofa is smack in the middle of the side.

powerboatr · 02-07-2011, 03:31 PM

a few cgs we have been in a mid door would have been the cats meow.
the site had our front end pretty high up to get level and the middle of the coach door would have made this climb easier on old legs

and the main awing would cover it if it rained...i have a nice awning over the door...but you have to go out to open it, sort of kills the staying dry scenario.

**NLOVNIT** · 02-07-2011, 03:57 PM

I prefer the mid-entry door despite the break up of living space. I just don't like having to traipse through the cockpit every time I go in/out like you do in a front-entry door. Also, I agree w/powerboatr on the awning coverage. There's plenty of awning over & on both sides of the mid-entry to stay dry & it's easy to leave the main door open with just the screen door shut, even during a rainstorm. I just don't see it being the same with that little piece that's over a front-entry.

Lori-

cherokeejim · 02-07-2011, 05:35 PM

We have a 32 ft CC Intrigue. We prefer the front entry over our old PA Vision central door, but still have a wind leak (noise) to solve. we're open for ideas on who, what solutions a available. thanks in advance for any thoughts and suggestions.

bbeane · 02-07-2011, 06:22 PM

The best mid entry I have ever seen was on the older Safari coaches, in the hall right at the rear of the kitchen.

Dirtbuster · 02-07-2011, 06:33 PM

Who cares about the door! That's one nice coach!

I could get use to it!

B Bob · 02-07-2011, 07:49 PM

Pros and Cons to both. We had a GMC with mid entry and that layout worked really well. Now we have front door with a great floor plan. It is a toss up to me.

offthewall · 02-07-2011, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fkloster

one example...: 2007 London Aire Branson Show Coach One Owner FL - eBay (item 230582147095 end time Feb-25-11 17:00:00 PST)

...has anyone else noticed that many of the newer custom coaches have the optional central entry door instead? so funny because that was the way it was up till the early 90's in most coaches. Ideas?

That's the first late model DP I've seen with a mid door.

My observations have shown front engine Gasser A's to have a mid door and DP's to have a front door. I think it has more to do with chassis rather than interior design. The engine and suspension would be in the way of a front door on a front engine A. Putting the door in the middle wastes garage storage.

frankdamp · 02-07-2011, 08:18 PM

Having been a transit driver, I can see advantages to a front door, but the J. Michael Mouse systems they have for rolling a panel across the steps once you're inside look really tacky. Add the fact that the front passenger is aft of the driver by a foot or more doesn't enamour me of the layout. Of course, not being able to afford one influences the opinion!

Cherylv · 02-07-2011, 09:28 PM

I Love co-piloting with my feet up on the passenger dash so the front entry does not appeal to me...not that I'll have to make that type of decision anytime in the near future since the newer DPs/rigs are a little out of my $$$ range

I guess if a new DP with a front entry showed up on my door step, I'd somehow manage to make do though

frederick w · 02-07-2011, 11:19 PM

If I had the money, I would buy a diesel (rear engine, front
door), so my wife and I wouldn't have to be a contortionist
just to get by the dog house.

Fred from Pasco, Wa.