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Topic: Door latch (Read 644 times) previous topic - next topic

Door latch

The door latch is getting hard to open. From the outside, the handle opens normally, but requires a fair bit of effort to get it to release. Inside, the story is similar, except that I can usually just bump the door a bit. Is there a way to lubricate this critter while in place, or do I need to disassemble the whole thing?

Re: Door latch

Reply #1 –
I'm having the same problem.

best, paul
1999 U320 40' 1200 watts on roof. 12cf AC/DC Cold plate fridge/freezer. VMS 240 CL Honda Element

Re: Door latch

Reply #2 –
Quote from: kb0zke –
The door latch is getting hard to open. From the outside, the handle opens normally, but requires a fair bit of effort to get it to release. Inside, the story is similar, except that I can usually just bump the door a bit. Is there a way to lubricate this critter while in place, or do I need to disassemble the whole thing?

A philips screwdriver is all you need to R&R as I remember. Dead bolt also. Ours was the same. I also had an interference problem where the latch goes in on the body side as the door rubbed when I closed/opened it. Fix only takes a few minutes. Consider a little blue loctite on the threads as they work loose.

Before I fixed it, I got trapped inside and had to go out through the window. Same happened on our old SOB with the exact same lock/latch. Had the inside stuffed with mattresses, furniture for my daughter's first year of college and had to go out a small sliding window on the drivers side. Head first!

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Door latch

Reply #3 –
Quote
had to go out a small sliding window on the drivers side. Head first!

Did you land on your head? That could explain a few things... :)

see ya
ken
The selected media item is not currently available.ken & dori hathaway & Big Agnes
🍺1992 U300 GrandVilla WTBI #4150 FOT FBP 2011
✨6V-92TA DDEC Parlor Coach 350HP Series 92
🏁2011 Nissan XTerra Pro-4X

Re: Door latch

Reply #4 –
I have already replaced the single screw on the inside of the lock. I got one a little bit longer than what was there, and it seems to be holding better. I think that is because there are more threads engaged. We're working on a general shopping trip so I've put spray graphite on the shopping list. With a little bit of cooperation from the weather I should have this minor problem fixed shortly.

Re: Door latch

Reply #6 –
Quote
But then, you're in Colorado now aren't you? :))

Pierce

But I don't inhale!

see ya
ken
The selected media item is not currently available.ken & dori hathaway & Big Agnes
🍺1992 U300 GrandVilla WTBI #4150 FOT FBP 2011
✨6V-92TA DDEC Parlor Coach 350HP Series 92
🏁2011 Nissan XTerra Pro-4X

Re: Door latch

Reply #7 –
David,
Is the door rubbing anywhere on the frame?
John Fitzgerald
1991 U300 (SAI) Side Aisle Island Bed 40'
Detroit 6V92 with Allison Retarder
Meridian (Boise), Idaho

Re: Door latch

Reply #8 –
John, I can't see any sign of any rubbing. I'm thinking that the latch mechanism may need some lubrication.

Re: Door latch

Reply #9 –
Aside from lubrication, you might want to check to see that the bolt engages in the center of the latch and doesn't try to lift or pull down the door.  I've noticed as the hinges wear the door will drop a little and the latch has to lift it up when closing.  This can make it feel like there's extra friction when it closes.
John Fitzgerald
1991 U300 (SAI) Side Aisle Island Bed 40'
Detroit 6V92 with Allison Retarder
Meridian (Boise), Idaho

Re: Door latch

Reply #10 –
Well, I removed the two screws holding the part with the black slide lock/unlock on it on the inside of the entry door.

The part would not come off. Â It might just be stuck there because of long term adhesion but I am reluctant to try to force it off.

Any suggestions?

best, paul
1999 U320 40' 1200 watts on roof. 12cf AC/DC Cold plate fridge/freezer. VMS 240 CL Honda Element

Re: Door latch

Reply #11 –
I just talked to Billie Jack about another matter, and he mentioned that both the door manufacturer and window manufacturer for my coach are out of business and he has no parts for the door other than the latch mechanism. I didn't order one, but now I'm almost wishing that I had for the day when mine dies.

Re: Door latch

Reply #12 –
Think every SOB in the world has the exact same door latch. My old '78 did. Both have given little problems (like getting locked in).

PIerce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Door latch

Reply #13 –
The white shims (one each near the top and bottom of the hinge) control the position of the door in the hinge. Door should ride on them, not that soft hinge.
Make new ones out of Pex water pipe. Hold the door up and cut the new ones long, file down until you can just fit them in.
They last a few years then do it again.
When the latch is properly aligned you won't have to slam the door to close it.
John Duld
1995 U320C SE 40'
 

Re: Door latch

Reply #14 –
I had the same problem. I had to pull real hard to get both the outside and inside handles to unlatch the door. I removed the upholstered panel on the inside of the door and cleaned and lubed all the mechanisms and it works like new. Mark
Mark Freeman 1995 grand villa, Brimson Mn
8.3 Cummins  G95 4709 40 WTBS U280 WE21