Swift Challenger 530 Central Cupboard Problem

[James3]

The central cupboard, opposite the fire has a slide out rack which keeps forcing its way open when travelling. This has resulted in the actual door being forced off. My dealer very quickly fixed the door, however the rack even when lightly loaded still manages to force the door open. The door catch has been adjusted to prevent this but still it is forced open. Has anyone else had this problem and are there any suggestions for a fix. It almost looks as if some kind of retaining catch is need on the slide out rack.

Maybe Swift have an answer

 

[Oldsalt49]

Hi James S,

I have exactly the same van as you. I have not experienced the problem you have, but I wonder, could you fit a small catch that would prevent the rack shifting? I would have a look in a DIY store to find a solution, probably cost a few pence. Thinking about it our rack is quite stiff to move, so maybe you could see if some tape or similar would add a bit of resistance. It is a trivial to haul the caravan to the dealer for, considering the cost of fuel.

 

[SwiftGroup_374327846]

James,

Were not aware of this problem but we will look into this and get back to you, could you email me you chassis number so we can check the drawings revision for your build.

Thanks

Andy

asapcey@swiftleisure.co.uk

 

[James_374408700]

James S.

Yes I have the Conqueror 530 and the slideout rack has taken the door off twice now, this in the process has taken off the Truma badge from the fire. It ripped out the bottom hinge and I decided the only course of action was to araldite the hinge plate back in position as replacing the side of the cabinet appeared a no-no.

I have since added a turn catch to retain the rack whilst travelling. The door has come off again this time leaving the plates on the side panel.

I have packed the retaining catch plate down to increase the amount the catch has in contact with it but last time out the door still came undone.

I believe the housing distorts as the van flexes which allows the door to pop open. The door swings to and fro and loosens the hinge plates allowing the door to come adrift.

I am currently working on using a 6" screw to hold the bl***y thing shut.

So the simple answer is YES there is a problem!

Jim Mockridge

 

[cava55]

James S.

Yes I have the Conqueror 530 and the slideout rack has taken the door off twice now, this in the process has taken off the Truma badge from the fire. It ripped out the bottom hinge and I decided the only course of action was to araldite the hinge plate back in position as replacing the side of the cabinet appeared a no-no.

I have since added a turn catch to retain the rack whilst travelling. The door has come off again this time leaving the plates on the side panel.

I have packed the retaining catch plate down to increase the amount the catch has in contact with it but last time out the door still came undone.

I believe the housing distorts as the van flexes which allows the door to pop open. The door swings to and fro and loosens the hinge plates allowing the door to come adrift.

I am currently working on using a 6" screw to hold the bl***y thing shut.

So the simple answer is YES there is a problem!

Jim Mockridge

Have had same problem with a sterling, i have ajusted the door so that the catch is close to the top of the retaining plate. The door came open again, so have replaced the hinges with some stronger ones as the ones fitted to to be a bit flimsy when weight is in the racks. Guess what all is well now, have tins and all sorts in the racks now.

 

[James3]

James S.

Yes I have the Conqueror 530 and the slideout rack has taken the door off twice now, this in the process has taken off the Truma badge from the fire. It ripped out the bottom hinge and I decided the only course of action was to araldite the hinge plate back in position as replacing the side of the cabinet appeared a no-no.

I have since added a turn catch to retain the rack whilst travelling. The door has come off again this time leaving the plates on the side panel.

I have packed the retaining catch plate down to increase the amount the catch has in contact with it but last time out the door still came undone.

I believe the housing distorts as the van flexes which allows the door to pop open. The door swings to and fro and loosens the hinge plates allowing the door to come adrift.

I am currently working on using a 6" screw to hold the bl***y thing shut.

So the simple answer is YES there is a problem!

Jim Mockridge

My dealer, Highbridge Caravans sent their mobile repair man to where I keep the van and made a very good repair. He drilled out the old screw holes in the side panel very carefully so as not to break through the panel. He then screwed in some plastic inserts which were also fixed in with super glue. He then was able to srew the hinges back in place with screws which really held well in the plastic inserts. This part of the problems was well fixed, however it is the sliding unit which still puts pressure on this door which is causing problems. David has indicated he has no problems but the slide out unit is much stiffer on his 530 hence no problems.

I'm about to email Andy from Swift to hopefully sort it out.

 

[James3]

Following Andy's email I was contacted the next day by a Swift Engineer who said that as my caravan was at my dealers, Highbridge Caravans, in Somerset, for its annual service,, they would contact Highbridge direct and arrange a fix. Picked up the van today a simple very neat clip was installed which can be turned to lock the slide out basket when travelling. Yes I could have fixed something like this myself but it was great to get it sorted without any fuss and at no cost. Very well done to Swift and Highbridge, excellent service.

 

[lee2]

We have a Sterling Elite Emerald and have this problem. The garage have replaced the hinge and we now travel with very little in the rack. I also try to put something on the floor in front of the door to prevent it opening.

 

[trucker]

James S mine in Highbridge at the mo for its first service, pick it up tomarow. I too am very pleased with them. Their after sales service is seconed to none

Kevin

 

[James_374408700]

Andy at Swift,

Several people have said there is a problem with the slide out rack. Can I take it a modification will be seen on new vans in the future?

I too have personally fitted a turnbuckle catch which works well in retaining the slide out rack but the door stills comes undone. It appears to pop off the retaining bracket as the van flexes. I am still working on this aspect of the overhall problem.

Jim

 

[James_374408700]

Andy at Swift,

Several people have said there is a problem with the slide out rack. Can I take it a modification will be seen on new vans in the future?

I too have personally fitted a turnbuckle catch which works well in retaining the slide out rack but the door stills comes undone. It appears to pop off the retaining bracket as the van flexes. I am still working on this aspect of the overhall problem.

Jim

 

[James_374408700]

Andy at Swift,

Several people have said there is a problem with the slide out rack. Can I take it a modification will be seen on new vans in the future?

I too have personally fitted a turnbuckle catch which works well in retaining the slide out rack but the door stills comes undone. It appears to pop off the retaining bracket as the van flexes. I am still working on this aspect of the overhall problem.

Jim

Oops....... too much to drink last night me thinks!