Alternative to Viva Door Retainer

[SandyMac]

Hi all,

I have a 2016 Majestic 135 that uses the Viva Door Retainer for the habitation door. My problem is that this either breaks, disintegrates or is just too difficult to use given how high up it is located. I'm now having to replace it once again as the wind caught the door and slammed it against the retainer causing damage. What I would ideally like to do is replace it with something along the lines of suction pads to secure the door as the screw holes are now causing concern due to lack of grip. I was initially thinking of purchasing yet another replacement and securing with Soudal Fix-all in addition to the screws but before I do, I wondered if someone could provide a good alternative.

 

[CAB96]

It does look a bit lightweight for the job.

Can you put a heavier duty alternative on? I seem to recall others using ones that you can slide a locking pin into, to prevent the wind slamming the door.

 

[SandyMac]

It does look a bit lightweight for the job.

Can you put a heavier duty alternative on? I seem to recall others using ones that you can slide a locking pin into, to prevent the wind slamming the door.

This is what I want to do but can't find a suitable alternative. I was hoping someone would be able to recommend alternatives. Hopefully someone will respond soon.

 

[Wee Bold Davy]

It's the only thing we would change on our van, so far we've been lucky and never had to replace it. We use a bit of string and tie habitation door to the passenger door. I spray it regularly with silicone and it seems to have stopped it getting brittle

 

[IRHP]

Is it near the drivers door?

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Lenny HB]

This type are used on a lot of the larger Motorhomes.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/19413111...pid=5339023013&customid=&toolid=10001&mkevt=1

 

[SandyMac]

Is it near the drivers door?



View attachment 1026691

Unfortunately the 2016 model has the door opening away from the passenger door.

 

[SandyMac]

This type are used on a lot of the larger Motorhomes.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/19413111...pid=5339023013&customid=&toolid=10001&mkevt=1

Wow, these are certainly heavy duty. Not sure I fancy screwing 4 holes for each part given the door and bodywork are thin alluminium but thanks for the suggestion. I suppose the current advantage of the Viva door catch is that it will release without hopefully too much damage if the wind gets behind the door. It's just frustrating having to again replace it and having holes that are now not the best for the screw size.

Can anyone confirm if the Soudal fix-all is good as an adhesive and how strong it is.

 

[Brains]

The solution is a long loop of paracord.
(The length is critical, hence it's tied with two adjustable loop knots)

The fact your door, very unusually, has the hinge on the rear side does not make a difference,
in the absence of a wing mirror you just need something secure to hook the loop of paracord over.
(Rear locker handle? rear bumper? Bike rack? Tow ball?)

The loop in the photo below (Hymer MLT) is 2m of 5mm paracord.
It does not matter is you end up with a 10m long loop, it will serve the same purpose.

Paracord is available in a multitude of different thicknesses and also colours.
Elasticated paracord is also available. (See at the bottom left of the photo in the door)
(We use elasticated paracord to hold items in the garage in place and also to stop the cycle cover flapping on the motorway, it also keeps our folding table together, our bin in place etc.)

I would NOT recommend using bungee cords to hold back doors.
If the wind suddenly gusts they can come loose and whiplash back.
Potential damage to anything in range including people and paintwork.
Also the hooks over time can wear down whatever they are hooked to.

 

[CeeJay13]

I bought some of these after seeing how well four of them keep our Windscreen Cover on in some horrendous winds. Removed the hooks, a double loop of Paracord around door handle and under the 'hookey bit', push the plunger until the red line disappears and providing the MH is clean and there is a little moisture under the cup, they stick like stuff to the proverbial shovel. They were cheaper than this several years ago and came from China.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[The Wino]

The solution is a long loop of paracord.
(The length is critical, hence it's tied with two adjustable loop knots)

The fact your door, very unusually, has the hinge on the rear side does not make a difference,
in the absence of a wing mirror you just need something secure to hook the loop of paracord over.
(Rear locker handle? rear bumper? Bike rack? Tow ball?)

The loop in the photo below (Hymer MLT) is 2m of 5mm paracord.
It does not matter is you end up with a 10m long loop, it will serve the same purpose.

Paracord is available in a multitude of different thicknesses and also colours.
Elasticated paracord is also available. (See at the bottom left of the photo in the door)
(We use elasticated paracord to hold items in the garage in place and also to stop the cycle cover flapping on the motorway, it also keeps our folding table together, our bin in place etc.)

I would NOT recommend using bungee cords to hold back doors.
If the wind suddenly gusts they can come loose and whiplash back.
Potential damage to anything in range including people and paintwork.
Also the hooks over time can wear down whatever they are hooked to.


View attachment 1029875

We used a modified tent guy rope slip it over a door mirror and adjust to length

 

[SandyMac]

The solution is a long loop of paracord.
(The length is critical, hence it's tied with two adjustable loop knots)

The fact your door, very unusually, has the hinge on the rear side does not make a difference,
in the absence of a wing mirror you just need something secure to hook the loop of paracord over.
(Rear locker handle? rear bumper? Bike rack? Tow ball?)

The loop in the photo below (Hymer MLT) is 2m of 5mm paracord.
It does not matter is you end up with a 10m long loop, it will serve the same purpose.

Paracord is available in a multitude of different thicknesses and also colours.
Elasticated paracord is also available. (See at the bottom left of the photo in the door)
(We use elasticated paracord to hold items in the garage in place and also to stop the cycle cover flapping on the motorway, it also keeps our folding table together, our bin in place etc.)

I would NOT recommend using bungee cords to hold back doors.
If the wind suddenly gusts they can come loose and whiplash back.
Potential damage to anything in range including people and paintwork.
Also the hooks over time can wear down whatever they are hooked to.


View attachment 1029875

Great idea. Thanks. Cheap and effective without any faffing about...

 

[SandyMac]

I bought some of these after seeing how well four of them keep our Windscreen Cover on in some horrendous winds. Removed the hooks, a double loop of Paracord around door handle and under the 'hookey bit', push the plunger until the red line disappears and providing the MH is clean and there is a little moisture under the cup, they stick like stuff to the proverbial shovel. They were cheaper than this several years ago and came from China.

Many thanks for the suggestion and it's similar to what I was thinking of. Will order and get some paracord. );