Caravan Stable Door

fatbelly
fatbelly Forum Participant Posts: 438
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edited February 21 in Caravans #1

Looking at changing our Van later this year, but very few Vans have stable doors! Why is this do you know? We like the idea of the stable door to let fresh air in and keep our dog in. I think Baileys still have stable doors but can't think of any other manufacturers. So why don't manufacturers make Vans with stable doors?

Comments

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,134 ✭✭✭
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    edited February 21 #2

    Because they make what’s easiest and cheapest for them.

  • SteveL
    SteveL Club Member Posts: 12,299 ✭✭✭
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    edited February 21 #3

    It’s perhaps also because not enough folk want them. Both our caravans had them and I can’t remember ever separating them. From the point of view of fresh air, we would leave it open and possibly close the fly screen.

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,134 ✭✭✭
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    edited February 21 #4

    Do any motorhomes have stable doors, FB? I can’t recall seeing one 🤷🏻‍♂️

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,134 ✭✭✭
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    edited February 21 #5

    I’m rather confused, FB. You have a motorhome according to your profile. You’ve posted in the caravan section about caravan stable doors. You talk about changing your “van” so I assume you propose to change from MH to c/van. 

    My first post is still relevant and most manufacturers buy in ready made one piece doors such as Hartal. Stable doors often tend to leak in the middle after a few years as the hinges go out of adjustment. With a fly screen, the one piece door is almost as good as the two piece for ventilation needs and dog restraint.

  • Amesford
    Amesford Forum Participant Posts: 685
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    edited February 21 #6

    Our Jack Russell's don't appear to find the screen much of barrier but on the other hand and to our amazement neither does the barn door when the top half was open on our old van

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,134 ✭✭✭
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    edited February 21 #7

    It worked for mine. He saw the barrier and didn’t attempt to get through it. 🤷🏻‍♂️

  • Amesford
    Amesford Forum Participant Posts: 685
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    edited February 21 #8

     I don't think our one dog will be doing it again now he 19 years old

  • TimboC
    TimboC Club Member Posts: 422
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    edited February 21 #9

    Manufacturers will tell you that its because single doors offer better insulation, but I don't buy that. I'm sure its down to cost

    Ive always said that the lack of a stable door would be a deal breaker, but I can't tell you the last time we used ours. It doesnt help that the bin on the lower half impedes the fly screen, so that doesnt help

  • fatbelly
    fatbelly Forum Participant Posts: 438
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    edited February 23 #10

    Hi TW,

    yes, we have a MH but later this year we're changing to a Caravan.

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,134 ✭✭✭
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    edited February 23 #11

    Now it makes sense. 

    Last time I was involved with caravans, it tended to be only the lower spec vans that had stable doors. See my previous post as they have drawbacks.

  • richardandros
    richardandros Club Member Posts: 2,681 ✭✭✭
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    edited February 23 #12

    Every van I've had, has had a stable door.  Swift Pirouette in the 80's, Bailey Pageant about 20 odd years ago, Bailey Barcelona 5 years ago and now, our Knaus Starclass 695. Other than, perhaps, the Pageant, I wouldn't have regarded any of them as 'lower spec' and certainly not the current one.

    We use ours regularly - just nice to have.  Yes, we could manage without, but we like it and none of them have ever leaked.

  • eribaMotters
    eribaMotters Club Member Posts: 1,193 ✭✭✭✭
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    edited February 23 #13

    You beat me to it with Knaus. I know on the continent some of the caravan models came with the option of up to 4 different doors, including a stable door option.

    Colin

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,134 ✭✭✭
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    edited February 23 #14

    I refer you to the first few words of my second para, R&R. No way am I stating that lower spec is definitely the case.