Published
August 29, 2025
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Long-Lasting, Hassle-Free Next Generation Steel Body Door Retainers Have Arrived
Knapheide is rolling out newly designed double-spring door retainers for all steel bodies in the near future. These stop doors from swinging on their own and will replace the current style used on vertical compartments and rear doors (when applicable). You can check out the difference between the old and new design in the nearby image using the before-and-after slider.
The new design was put through 40,000 test cycles during research and development and has a few upgrades worth pointing out:
- They stay squeak-free for the entire life of the body
- No maintenance or lubrication is needed
- A clean, all-black finish that matches the door latches
- Easy to remove and replace if ever damaged
The Steel PGTE Gooseneck Truck Body was the first to get this feature, and it will gradually be added across other product families. This article will be updated as it becomes available on more Knapheide models. The new retainers were first shown earlier this year at the 2025 NTEA Work Truck Show on both that PGTE model and a Steel KUV Utility Van.
One important thing to note is that you should never paint or lubricate these retainers for them to last and perform as designed. For now, Knapheide aluminum bodies will continue using nitrogen-based strut door retainers.
