Scamp door seal / closure issue

[UtahPete]

I have a 2003 Scamp and it has had door seal and closure issues since I bought it used 6 years ago. I've tried different 'D' seals and ribbed seals and finally decided to try the new stuff from Scamp.

I put the seal all the way around the door, including the threshold. Then, I installed a door bottom slider from Scamp (mine didn't have one). All was well except I had a devil of a time getting the door to close properly, which I attribute to a difference in thickness of the seal.

I've read most of the threads on the issue here and on other forums and so I'm aware this is a problem a lot of people have with their Scamps (either too loose and not staying closed or too tight and takes a lot of oomph to close the door).

What I finally ended up doing was the following;
a. Put some 1/8" aluminum shims on the hinges (body outside)
b. Put a 1/8" aluminum shim behind the door latch (on the inside)
c. Put some small washers between the latch and shim at the edge, to change the angle of attack of the latch bolt itself

This worked out really well. The door takes a little pushing (outside) or pulling (inside) to shut and latch, but now the bolt extends further into the striker plate and feels really solid.

[Eddie Longest]

Pete
I had looked at two trailers with the new seals. I came to the same conlusion as you, a shim was needed behind the hinge. I think with the thickness of the new seal It needed a shim of about 1/4" thick. Let me know how yours works out in the long run. Also the body side of the door hinge is a source for leaks. The back of the hinge is curved more than the body and water leaks into the trailer behind the rat fur. The hinges really need to have butyl tape applied between the hinge and shell if you remove them. I had not thought about shimming the latch but that helps square up the forces on the seal. Good work.
Eddie

[UtahPete]

Originally Posted by Eddie Longest

Pete
Also the body side of the door hinge is a source for leaks. The back of the hinge is curved more than the body and water leaks into the trailer behind the rat fur. The hinges really need to have butyl tape applied between the hinge and shell if you remove them.Eddie

Thanks Eddie. I'm sure you're right about the door hinge needing some kind of gasket (or butyl tape) behind it but living in the desert I haven't really noticed much of a water problem in the Scamp (except when my plumbing leaks or a water container spills during transit!).