Community Forums

mtofell · 09-10-2017, 09:34 PM

It seems all the older coaches I see have a door for the driver and pretty much none of the newer ones do. The only thing I can think of is the newer ones have auto-leveling so the driver doesn't have the constant in/out when setting up but I'm just guessing. Is there a reason the newer coaches only have one door?

Mr_D · 09-10-2017, 09:41 PM

Cheaper to produce.
Better layout of the control panel to the left of the driver
Most people didn't find them very useful.

**NLOVNIT** · 09-10-2017, 09:46 PM

In addition to the above, wind noise was a problem.

Lori-

Buck Wheat · 09-10-2017, 09:51 PM

On most MHs the driver's door is an option. From experience, I can tell you that depending on your age, a drivers door is a good way to take a fall, and depending on your agility, if you are not a monkey, they are not particularly easy to use. The upside is that in a accident or fire they are a means of escape. My motor home does not have a driver's door, but it does have an emergency exit on the drivers side located in the windows behind the couch. it is a less expensive option for manufacturers to provide an emergency exit via a window than it is to provide a driver's door. Regards, Buck Wheat

vsheetz · 09-10-2017, 10:00 PM

Had a driver door on previous coach. If not time I ever used it was to access the fuse panel under the dash. Stand outside, open the door, easy direct view and access to all under the dash.

Forkyfork · 09-10-2017, 10:03 PM

We use ours. Not usually to get in and out. The Winnebagos have decent foot holds but darn right about age...and weight. Gotta have enough strength to haul your fat backside up the first step. Lol

I like knowing that there is a way out aside from the door near the fridge. Sure windows work but that fat backside again makes that a challenge.

We use ours for deploying the slide in a tight spot. Birds eye view.

Skip426 · 09-10-2017, 10:07 PM

Got one, only use it ; open after walking around from the main door ; to access the leveler panel that's floor mounted .
Tried to get out the door to fuel up ONCE .

NC25T · 09-10-2017, 10:29 PM

- cheaper to make without the door
- less than go wrong, water leaks, wind noise etc
- I would bet most do not use that door on a regular basis unless accessing fuses or jack control panel which is moved elsewhere when there isn't a door there

corjaguar · 09-11-2017, 05:14 AM

I had a 2010 adventurer with the drivers door....loved the door, especially when refueling....hop in hop out. The big problem is the way the door is constructed, when the designed the door, it had a trim piece that wraps around the whole door. The morning dew and rain water would always collect around the bottom of the door....over time the door starts to blister. had it repaired a couple times professionally, and the corrosion would come back within a year. Tried to seal it further up the door, but that doesn't work cause the water/moisture gets behind the sealant and still collects at the bottom of the door. The only solution was if the door was a one piece molded door w/out the trim.

The other problem was the access window on the door is much smaller.....so when you had to open the window (to pay a toll, or to drop your checkout tag at the drop box), you had to make sure you were lined up or you would have to open the door.
I solved the problem....traded the 2010 in for a 2017 w/out the door, I kinda miss the door BUT....at my age climbing in and out was getting tougher....you don't want to miss the pocket step getting out.

jrclark · 09-11-2017, 05:33 AM

Do buses have a drivers door?

Forkyfork · 09-11-2017, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrclark

Do buses have a drivers door?

No but the front exit isn't over the dog house, on the other side of a slide wall past the couch, tv and dinette and right next to the fridge. All while traversing the crap that has flown out of the cabinets or off the walls.

The thing I don't understand is the number of people driving around with unsecured living room furniture behind them. I can only imagine how dangerous that is, might keep you from getting out if it doesn't crush you first.

Although most of the rollover stories I read they kick out the windshield. My '77 Oddsey had a roof exit. Not sure why that isn't a thing anymore.

THenman · 09-11-2017, 10:56 PM

Do not forget distance to ground. In our DP there are 3 steps down inside the coach then 2 outside. Would make a possible small landing if steps like that both sides. Plus then would have a sliding cover under the pedals and steering wheel.

Charlie 5320 · 09-12-2017, 05:25 AM

On my 4th A, only had one with a DD. Wouldn't want another one with. Useless to me, I sure can't use it, and just another place to rattle.

f18sailor · 09-12-2017, 06:44 AM

Last one did not have a door, this one does. I don't use it for 3 reasons:

1. Main door is right behind the passenger seat, so easy to get to.
2. I take my shoes off when I enter the coach so they are by the main entry door.
3. It takes some contorting to get out the driver side door (and I'm quite fit).

Wind noise is no different than with my old coach and having a "normal" power window is nice vs. slider.

I do have an issue with the power mirror wiring being damaged probably due to the routing from the door to the coach. The previous owner must have used the door more often.