Frozen doors?

[sgirard]

I'm in the process of trying to winterize my setup somewhat, and this morning I remembered an issue I run into every winter but haven't given much thought to, because I haven't previously used the van much during the winter.

Doors frozen shut.

Sometimes the lock mechanism itself is frozen, and I have seen some threads on using lock thaw or hand sanitizer, heating the key, etc. Tips and ticks there greatly appreciated.

But the other issue I have run into is that often I can unlock the door, but the door itself is frozen shut. At least the two front doors and the slider; I'm not sure about the rear hatch. Even if I can get one of the doors open and climb through, the slider for example just won't open until it thaws.

So I'm wondering if anyone else runs into this and has ideas for unthawing, or ideally prevent this situation in the first place - is there some kind of compound I can put on the rubber gaskets or something?

We get winter here, but it's not *that* cold. I'm not exactly sure the temps where this kicks in, maybe in the 20s. Happens consistently on the Eurovan but not on other vehicles. I'm guessing it may have to do with poor drainage off the roof and water seeping in, but I don't really know.

Thanks!
_________________
95 EVC
--------------
Previous:
64/71/72/82
--------------
Intro

[MrPulldown]

silicon spray lube on the rubber weather stripping. Dont want to force it and tear the rubber.

About to head up the ski hill with my youngest in our "lodge on wheels" in 1/2 hour.
_________________
2002 EVC

[sgirard]

Thanks! I will give that a try.

Low-tide conditions here, but it's snowing now and it looks like the next week might bring a little more.