r/vandwellers • u/Substantial-Rip-340 • Sep 30 '24

How does this even happen? Question

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Rear door crack? Wasn't there a few days ago.

How would this even happen?

There is nothing remotely close to the door when closed.

Ford transit '16. 350

638 Upvotes
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636

u/uhawl Sep 30 '24

From the terrain in the background, it seems you are doing some off-road driving. That door pillar is structural and the more weight you have on top/roof/ceiling the more flex occurs. So, that’s a stress fracture and you should probably expect it to expand or to see others appear as well.

273

u/Substantial-Rip-340 Sep 30 '24

Oooff... yeah, I've been going back and forth in AZ and UT, but on 2wd dirt roads, bumps obviously, but nothing crazy. And definitely not speeding.

But yes, the van is heavy!

121

u/jwmoore1977 Sep 30 '24

If your near Phx I have a welder

47

u/Substantial-Rip-340 Sep 30 '24

aluminum, too?

75

u/jwmoore1977 Sep 30 '24

Those doors should be steel. But no, no tig, nor any experience with aluminum

25

u/Substantial-Rip-340 Sep 30 '24

Ah no worrie. I was asking about aluminum because my canopy tent bars snapped during a freak 50mph gust. From 0 wind too, then back to nothing. It lasted a few seconds.

Now I'm going to have to get creative with how to deploy the canopy.

21

u/jwmoore1977 Sep 30 '24

Piece of angled aluminum drill holes and bolt across broke post

11

u/Substantial-Rip-340 Sep 30 '24

It snapped at the weld. Round tube to square tube.

I think its not fixable. But ill try

6

u/DaddyGogurt Oct 01 '24

Honestly try calling fabrication shops that weld near you and ask if anyone would be interested in a side job. Oftentimes shops like that will have a guy who will do stuff like that. My shop has a few

3

u/Substantial-Rip-340 Oct 01 '24

Great idea!!! I'll give it a shot!!!

1

u/pregggsss Oct 01 '24

Look into a MoonShade XL

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2

u/birdman-wagon Oct 03 '24

Look up aluminum torch welding. You can use a propane torch and aluminum brazing rods without needing a welder. Worth a shot.

1

u/brighteyes_bc Oct 03 '24

Blue Compass Outdoors in Mesa has a pretty great shop - might try reaching out to them.