Dear Dave,
The coach entry door is VERY noisy while driving. Can I insulate/soundproof it? —Nancy, 2026 Winnebago View 24R
Dear Nancy,
Your 2026 Winnebago View already has an insulated door.
Sidewall construction of Winnebago View
The sidewall is assembled on the panel lamination line starting with a one-piece fiberglass outer skin, Azdel backing material, aluminum framework, block foam insulation, and interior paneling with wall covering. The foam is approximately 35 mm thick made of expanded polystyrene that acts as sound and temperature insulation.
The door is cut out of the sidewall which is called a “slug” using a CNC router. A perimeter aluminum frame is attached, as well as the window and door handle. So, I doubt that the door is actually the issue with the noise you are experiencing.
Since it is a 2026, it should still be in warranty and I would suggest taking it to a servicing dealer to have it inspected. Issues could be the window is not “set” properly and getting wind leaks, or the door is not sitting flush with the rubber gasket.
There should be a perimeter gasket on the door jamb or framework that is on the sidewall side of the cutout. This typically is a bulb seal-type gasket and helps seal the door inside the jamb.
It could also be the lock assembly and jamb bolt need adjustment as they are not latching tight enough. Typically, if this was loose, the noise would be a chattering or banging-type issue.
Try to identify the noise and location
The first thing I would do is to try and identify what “noise” you are experiencing and a possible location. Tape some thick plastic sheeting over the window and if that reduces the noise, the window needs to be addressed.
You can also take wide painters tape and run it along the door-to-jamb joint inside, covering the gap, which will isolate the door-to-jamb area.
It could also be the window just to the back side of the door that is making the noise. Or it could be a leak in the transition from the cab to the sidewall called the “wing wall”.
By isolating a specific area, of course, it will make it easier to identify and fix.
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Dave Solberg is a leading expert in the RV industry and the author of the “RV Handbook.”
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The cure may be as simple as slamming the door shut when you close. Works on our 2017 Navion.
My wife tried slamming the door to seal from inside and it completely cracked the inner plastic molding near both upper and lower latches plus the plastic stuck out enough to hang up on the door jam trapping us inside. It took some work with butter knives and two people to get out without spinning the cab seats around to climb out the passenger door.
wish I could share the photos
We have a 2019 Navion and as much as we liked the door design it has always been a problem. While traveling we heard wind because the door didn’t fit flush around the entire weather seal. Dealer said that it is normal, I tried to adjust the door hinges to realign but couldn’t get a complete seal. Attempted adjusting the lower latch where the majority of sunlight was visible when shut but it still wouldn’t seal. Ended up purchasing additional window seal from a to seal the gaps. The door handle latch broke twice on trips, window fell off on the highway, 1st trip out the wind ripped the top plastic off with the shock absorber attached. They reattached the mount to the door.
Suggestion that MAY work. I know other View owners have solved the problem of house doors that rattle and we have used this method for about 3 years (2015 View). For us, the problem is the tightness, or lack thereof, for the connection with the two parts of the door latch when the latch is closed. Wrap the bar with plain pipe tape, or tape for propane fittings if you don’t mind yellow, and put on a number of wraps. Unfortunately this is very thin, easily torn tape, but each “fix” usually lasts us for most or all of a trip. The worse the roads, the shorter the fix.
Thank you for the trouble-shooting advice, Dave! It seems these actions can be applied to any noisy door to try to identify the precise culprit. Have a great day and safe travels!