Swift Door Mechanism

[Banus]

Prior to any tow I always lock the van door with the key which obviously lifts the door handle on the inside and engages the two shoot bolts. However, whenever I stop for a break I check the van door and always find it unlocked. Whats going on?
It appears that the up and down 'jiggling' movement of the van during the journey slowly lowers the handle into its level / unlocked position. I'm convinced this is the cause of the handle lowering into its open position as the handle requires very little downwards pressure to unlock it and a speed hump or two would do the job. Has anyone else noticed this and if so did you find a fix?

 

[Mr Plodd]

I think your theory is about right, but I wouldn't bother myself too much, no-one is going to get into your caravan whilst it's being towed.

 

[JRT]

Interesting issue, we have the same mechanism but not experienced this.

I suppose it doesn't matter as long as you remember to check it is still locked if you stop and leave the caravan unattended.

I suppose locking is an extra safeguard against the door opening whilst underway but this would be a rare event, (though no doubt it has happened to someone).

 

[Deleted member 23278]

Not had this problem although, it's a strange mechanism compared with the one on our previous Coachman. I found I had to learn 'closed and locked' on the Swift versus 'latched and locked-ish'.

 

[Banus]

I think your theory is about right, but I wouldn't bother myself too much, no-one is going to get into your caravan whilst it's being towed.

More concerned about the door flying open when being towed.

 

[GaryB]

We've had 7 Swift's with the same mechanism and never experienced this so it could well be a worn/faulty mechanism. Like you, I like the idea of the lock giving extra protection while towing so maybe a replacement would solve it? Probably won't be cheap though, nothing caravan-specific ever is!

 

[Banus]

Quick update on my door issue which may assist others.
I popped off the centre plastic cover to find 3 self tapping X headed screws that should hold the locking mechanism in place. One was half way out and the other 2 were very loose. After tightening all 3 the mechanism / handle has a lot more tension so won’t self open / unlock on future journeys. Time will tell.

 

[Hutch]

Banus, thank you for the update with the result, it is always nice to hear what the fix to the problem was. Again thank you.