Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Pocket door stuck (Read 672 times) previous topic - next topic

Pocket door stuck

The pocket door between the kitchen and bath is stuck mostly open. Just the handle is showing, and it won't budge either way. We've taken out all of the stuff in the washer/dryer closet and got all the screws out. The cedar panel can move slightly, but that's all. It looks like if I could get the trim on the inside of the door off the panel will come out. It also looks like the door trim is either all one piece of wood or it is very well glued. I'm betting on the latter, but that still doesn't make removing it any easier. Any ideas? Yes, I've taken the door off.

Re: Pocket door stuck

Reply #1 –
David,
  We had the same problem in our 300. I happened to be at Foretravel and asked them to fix it as I couldn't figure out how to do it myself. They told me this was a common problem and they could charge me $500 or so to get the door out and repair the issue but urged me to buy a 50 cent yardstick instead. Turns out there is some of that hard blue insulation back there that leans into the pocket area and traps the door. Sliding a yardstick back there releases the door. I opted for the yardstick. Had to free the door from time to time.
jor
93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320

Re: Pocket door stuck

Reply #2 –
Thanks, jor. I just tried that, and no luck. I finally decided that if that cedar panel was in two pieces it would be easier to remove, so I got out my level, pencil, and Dremel. Found out I need a new cutting blade, but I think that will work.

Re: Pocket door stuck

Reply #3 –
Another guy on here has a u300 that had the same problem with the insulation falling and trapping the door. I'd suggest you look again....there really is no other reason for the door to get stuck.
1998 U270 34'

Re: Pocket door stuck

Reply #4 –
I found the piece of blue foam insulation. I can push it to the side with the yardstick, but the door still doesn't move. The foam is actually sliding between the hidden side of the door and the outside of the coach, so it isn't impeding the door at all. I suspect that there is a screw from the track that has worked itself far enough down to catch the hidden roller.

Once I have access back there I'll see what I can do about that piece of blue foam insulation.

Re: Pocket door stuck

Reply #5 –
Have you tried lifting it up from the bottom of the door itself? I had one that would not open
and someone told me to try this, and it worked. It was dragging on the bottom.

Carter
Nac-

Re: Pocket door stuck

Reply #6 –
Well, after trying all the suggestions here, plus a few not mentioned, I went to Lowe's (dangerous place) and came back with the proper tool (and only that) to make a cut in the cedar panel. Got the two pieces of panel out, vacuumed up the 23 years of dirt in there, and tried moving the door. Nothing. After much head scratching and a good dinner, I tried again. I lifted up on the front of the door and pushed it out. It moved just like it should. I poked around at the track, looking for a screw or something that was out of place. Eventually I found that the set screw on the stop block in the track had loosened and letting the block move around some. I tightened the set screw and all seems to be back to normal. Tomorrow or Monday I'll see if I can find something to cover the cut.

There are two vertical 1x4 boards that just happened to be behind where I was cutting, so I had something to screw the cut edges to. That wasn't planned. If someone has to do the same surgery, make the vertical cut 7" from the back (outside) wall of the closet.

Thanks for all the advice. It seems that no matter what the problem is, someone has already experienced it, figured out how to solve it, and is willing to share their experience with those of us who are just learning.

Re: Pocket door stuck

Reply #7 –
Quote from: kb0zke –

Thanks for all the advice. It seems that no matter what the problem is, someone has already experienced it, figured out how to solve it, and is willing to share their experience with those of us who are just learning.

Isn't that just the truth!  We are so lucky to have this resource.
Carol & Jeff Savournin
Usta have a '93 U225 36', Usta have a '95 U320 40', Usta have a '02 U320 40'
Usta have a 2006 Born Free, Usta have a 2011 Phoenix Cruiser
Usta have a 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4dr
"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life."  Steve Jobs

Re: Pocket door stuck

Reply #8 –
Do you have pictures?
1998 U270 34'
 

Re: Pocket door stuck

Reply #9 –
Guys,

Please, let's keep the topic on track.

Thanks.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020