Caravan doors

Submitted: Wednesday, Oct 10, 2012 at 20:05
ThreadID: 98466 Views:2851 Replies:11 FollowUps:1
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Does anyone know if it compulsory in NSW or other States for caravan doors to be hung with the hinged side towards the front of the van?
It seems common sense to do so, but is it a legal requirement?
I know that a door must be either in the back or on the near side van.
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Reply By: Member - Rosco from way back - Wednesday, Oct 10, 2012 at 20:29

Wednesday, Oct 10, 2012 at 20:29
Don't see how there can be Keith. We have a Conqueror with a door on both sides and both open towards the back. I assume they're fully kosher legal as they're road registered and insured etc + they're sold Aus wide.
AnswerID: 496408

Reply By: Skippype - Wednesday, Oct 10, 2012 at 20:48

Wednesday, Oct 10, 2012 at 20:48
Keith
Many vehicles have forward opening doors so I would think that it would be legal to have the hinge either side.
Skip
AnswerID: 496410

Reply By: Member - Old Girl - Wednesday, Oct 10, 2012 at 21:23

Wednesday, Oct 10, 2012 at 21:23
With out Googling are they imported, if so that may be why.
AnswerID: 496413

Reply By: Motherhen - Wednesday, Oct 10, 2012 at 22:35

Wednesday, Oct 10, 2012 at 22:35
I have seen both ways on Australian built caravans and have never heard of any rules about it. It makes sense that you would have less damage if the door came unlatched at highway speed if front hinged like mine is. Otherwise what could be a problem?

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AnswerID: 496421

Reply By: Member - Roger B (VIC) - Wednesday, Oct 10, 2012 at 22:45

Wednesday, Oct 10, 2012 at 22:45
We have a Coromal pop top, and the hinges are to the rear. I think all Coromals are like this. For added safety I have added a couple of catches on the front of the door frame to ensure the wind won't force the door open. Travel Safe. Cheers.

Roger B...
AnswerID: 496422

Follow Up By: Member - Niss42 - Thursday, Oct 11, 2012 at 12:15

Thursday, Oct 11, 2012 at 12:15
G'day Roger B.
Not a good idea having additional catches on the outside of a van door,maybe ok for your travelling purpose, but some "A- hole" could lock you in the van at night!!!
Just a thought.

Barry
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FollowupID: 772144

Reply By: pop2jocem - Wednesday, Oct 10, 2012 at 23:03

Wednesday, Oct 10, 2012 at 23:03
OK not stricktly what you asked Keith but what used to be called "suicide doors" as fitted to many older cars and I am pretty sure are now used as entry to the rear seats on some dual cab utes are legal AFAIK so why not on a caravan?


Pop
AnswerID: 496425

Reply By: Member - Keith Berg - Wednesday, Oct 10, 2012 at 23:05

Wednesday, Oct 10, 2012 at 23:05
Thanks for sorting this out. I do appreciate it.
AnswerID: 496426

Reply By: Gone Bush (WA) - Thursday, Oct 11, 2012 at 00:07

Thursday, Oct 11, 2012 at 00:07
Keith,

So called "Suicide Doors" are legal. I have one on my Bushtracker. I think it depends on whether you are putting the door ahead of the wheels or behind.

If you put it behind the wheels, for argument's sake, and hinge it on the left, you will be opening it and walking out of the van into the awning arm and then around the door to the social area outside. If you hinge it on the right, in this location, you will then walk out of the van straight into the social area under the awning without any impediments. Same principle, but in reverse, applies to putting a door ahead of the wheels.

Anyway, that's the logic I used when designing our van.

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AnswerID: 496428

Reply By: Member - Roger B (VIC) - Thursday, Oct 11, 2012 at 23:22

Thursday, Oct 11, 2012 at 23:22
G'day Barry. You're dead right about the catches, but I;ve only used plastic catches for that reason. One good kick on the door and they'll give, but they stop the door flying open while travelling. Travel Safe.

Cheers

Roger B.....
AnswerID: 496508

Reply By: terry j2 - Thursday, Oct 11, 2012 at 23:38

Thursday, Oct 11, 2012 at 23:38
My Jayco, and I think ,all others have hinges on right (rear )of door.
AnswerID: 496510

Reply By: ozjohn0 - Saturday, Oct 13, 2012 at 17:04

Saturday, Oct 13, 2012 at 17:04
They can legally be hinged front or rear.
The manufacturer will usually install the door to suite the layout of the van, windows, awning arm, side vents, lockers, external drop down table etc.
Ozjohn.
AnswerID: 496614

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