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Topic: Entry Door Mechanism Problem (Read 697 times) previous topic - next topic

Entry Door Mechanism Problem

The last couple of weeks, I've noticed our entry door to the coach getting more cranky (well, I am too, but that's a different thread over a beer). 

In the beginning, it just seemed more difficult to pull the exterior handle to open the coach door.  "Weather?" I thought.  More recently, however, it has become difficult to pull the black interior handle, to unlatch the door.  Eventually, in every case, we've been able to get in or out of the coach.  But I worry about the day coming when we can't?

Any lubrication points or any ideas about what's up here?  With thanks!


The selected media item is not currently available.Richard & Susan Peck
____________________
1999 40' U320 "Bob Patrick"
(2000 4010 U320 WTFE Floor Plan, Single Slide)
Build #5567  |  MC #17522

Re: Entry Door Mechanism Problem

Reply #1 –
I'm not sure of the type of handle you have, but both our Airstream & this coach have had problems if the angle of the coach is racked. Have you moved the coach and had the same problem?
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Entry Door Mechanism Problem

Reply #2 –
It takes a little while (20 min) but is not hard to depanel the door and take a look.  I would think it just needs some lube but a look-see will help figure out the problem.  I did a post awhile back with pictures of the door mechanism.  My hold-open latch was not working.  The hardest part for me was putting the deadbolt back in.  It took a little wiggling and patience to get the parts all lined up. 

Rich
Rich and Peggy Bowman
2002 U270 3610 WTFS, build #5939--"Freedom"
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4xe
SMI AirForceOne brake system
PakCanoe 15

Re: Entry Door Mechanism Problem

Reply #3 –
Had the same problem, thought lubrication would fix it. I got locked out. Not so easy to get back in.
Remove the inside door panel.  Down below the latch mechanism,  I found a bent part that let the
Outer door handle get out of line. I bent the part back into place and no more problem and door
Unlatches much easier. Hope this helps

Dennis
Dennis & Martha Harrell
2000 Foretravel U320
2014 GMC 4X4 Sierra Crew Cab Pickup

Re: Entry Door Mechanism Problem

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Rich Bowman –
It takes a little while (20 min) but is not hard to depanel the door and take a look.  I would think it just needs some lube but a look-see will help figure out the problem.  I did a post awhile back with pictures of the door mechanism.  My hold-open latch was not working.  The hardest part for me was putting the deadbolt back in.  It took a little wiggling and patience to get the parts all lined up. 

Rich

Same here, deadbolt was hardest part, of repair.
Dennis & Martha Harrell
2000 Foretravel U320
2014 GMC 4X4 Sierra Crew Cab Pickup

Re: Entry Door Mechanism Problem

Reply #5 –
Richard.. Not sure if your entry door hinge system is the same as ours, but it maybe that the door has sagged enough the impinge  the door latch. Many posts on curing this issue, Barry has info on the "cure".

Let me know if you need help.

Hans

Hans & Marjet
1995 U300 "Ben" (#4719)
3176B Cat,4060HD,Jake
SKP#139131
Motorcade#17579
2006 Honda Element (towed)

Re: Entry Door Mechanism Problem

Reply #6 –
Be sure to get it right.  Had to use a jack to pry open the latch under the bed and crawl in via the engine bay on the last coach.  Might leave a window unlocked just in case.

Re: Entry Door Mechanism Problem

Reply #7 –
Exactly why I never lock the drivers side window, you never know WHEN !, have a ladder handy.

Re: Entry Door Mechanism Problem

Reply #8 –
Sometimes the Posi-Lock adjustment can interfere with the latch mechanism. The Posi-Lock is the latch that holds the door open. It is operated by a cable from the handle mechanism. The cable can be adjusted with removing the door panel. You can remove the black plastic recess around the handle to get to the Posi-Lock adjustment. That adjustment is done by loosening two large screws and adjusting the cable housing. You may want to check that adjustment. If the cable is too, loose the door will lock in the open position. If the cable is too tight, it won't allow the handle to operate the door latch.

We had problems with the Posi-Lock cable freezing up when external temperatures are below 10F. We were locked inside twice, and I was locked outside once. D'oh! Fortunately, Marilyn was inside and was able to use the screwdriver  to allow me and the dog back into the coach. We have decided to avoid traveling in temperatures below about 20F.
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX

Re: Entry Door Mechanism Problem

Reply #9 –
Contact:  Our Products | PTL Engineering

I believe that they have produced the doors and mechanisms for our coaches.  I had to replace a Posi-lock system on our door a couple of years ago.  After I installed it it still didn't work right so I called them and they told me what to do to fix it.  Explain your problem and see what they say.    ;D 
Scott & Carol Seibert
2001 42' double slide U320 - Sold
Previous - 2002 36' U320

Re: Entry Door Mechanism Problem

Reply #10 –
Very helpful replies, everyone — big thanks!  Sounds like I'd better leave a window open for a while, just in case.  Also, based on the various descriptions of the problem, my guess is that it's the Posi-Lock latch.  But I'll update everyone if I find anything interesting, something beyond what has been posted to the Forum in this thread.

Looking forward to seeing (and thanking) all who will be at GrandVention.  This Forum, which means all of you, is hugely valuable!
The selected media item is not currently available.Richard & Susan Peck
____________________
1999 40' U320 "Bob Patrick"
(2000 4010 U320 WTFE Floor Plan, Single Slide)
Build #5567  |  MC #17522

Re: Entry Door Mechanism Problem

Reply #11 –
Probably not the Posi-lock lock/latch itself.  Probably the cable assy. that goes from the Posi-Lock on top of the door to the black plastic door lever on the inside of the door.  Hopefully you will not need to remove the entire door panel.  If you remove the lag bolt on top of the door frame which anchors the Posi-Lock lever to the top of the door frame, and the 4 screws on top of the door that the locking lever is attached to you can wiggle the Posi-Lock assy. out of the door.  A little bit of Corrosion X sprayed into the end of the cable might provide lubricity.  Same on the other side of the cable by the black handle.  Not hard but just a little time consuming.  Careful of misadjusting the cable hold down attached to the door by the black handle - too tight - it doesn't work, too loose - it doesn't work. The angle of the dangle and all.  Good luck.  :D
Scott & Carol Seibert
2001 42' double slide U320 - Sold
Previous - 2002 36' U320

Re: Entry Door Mechanism Problem

Reply #12 –
Thanks, Carol & Scott!  I need the kind of step-by-step instruction you provided, so I'm grateful.  Many thanks!
The selected media item is not currently available.Richard & Susan Peck
____________________
1999 40' U320 "Bob Patrick"
(2000 4010 U320 WTFE Floor Plan, Single Slide)
Build #5567  |  MC #17522

Re: Entry Door Mechanism Problem

Reply #13 –
While we are talking about entry doors, are our entry doors adjustable upwards with out R & R all of the hinge attachment screws?
 
I am adding stair treads which are 3/8" thick. That is too high to clear the bottom of the door on the bottom step.
 
Thanks,
 
Trent

Trent and Jean Eyler
2000  U295  4003  WTFE  ISC  350
Build#5603 MC#17385

Re: Entry Door Mechanism Problem

Reply #14 –
Glad the tips worked.    ;D

Don't know anything about door height adjustment.
Scott & Carol Seibert
2001 42' double slide U320 - Sold
Previous - 2002 36' U320