Door latch problems

[IBcarguy]

The door latch on my new 5th wheel is very hard to close, especially after setting up and leveling in a camp spot. When I get it home or to my dealer, it seems to close much easier. My dealer says it's fine and no repair is needed. I guess things get tweaked a little when not in a completely level spot. Looking at it, there isn't much adjustment in the striker, it's all the way out already.
Question is, does anyone know of a replacement latch that offers more adjustment or easier operation? Has anyone ever adapted a regular house door latch with a knob? I gotta do something...DW is getting PO'd every time she slams it and it won't latch.

[Ralph_Cramden]

You need to look at the reveal between the door and frame with both the rig leveled and not leveled. The dummies in the factory get paid by how many doors they install, not by if they're installed correctly. Most were probably taking orders at Burger King the week before they were installing doors.

On my current 17 Rockwood, and the previous 13 Keystone I had to pop the trim, remove the screws, and reset the latch side of the jamb on the entry doors. They just slap them in and pay no attention to proper alignment most of the time.

[Almot]

I had to move the strike plate up a little too. Assumed that the OP had already checked and done all the small/easy fixes:)

Then I looked at the door frame from inside and saw the light - no, I was sober, it just was the crack around door frame that the trim didn't cover. Took some caulk to it.

Then added an extra weather strip on the screen door where it was TOO much of the gap.

Then - the drawers held together with staples like those you use on paper, then - the shower head screws barely holding in 1/8" plywood as if anchors or backing has not been invented yet. Etc etc, ad infinitum.

Don't get me started...

[Hornnumb2]

I used my dremel to make the hole correct on my striker, plus I removed a little wood behind it because the dead bolt wasn't going all the way in.

[Almot]

Jammed door - bad leveling.
Or sometimes it is "too good", with jacks tighten up too much in order to get the perfect level. Don't over-tighten. Try lowering some jacks, heck with that perfect level.

These barns on wheels are flimsy, the box gets distorted, door frame gets out off shape by fraction of inch.

It can also be that the door itself is warped, though this is more typical to screen door.

[sgfrye]

campigloo wrote:
Spraying with
Silicone will help some but it's mostly just the nature of the beast. You might want to stop slamming it.

please tell my wife this.....

[Halmfamily]

Had a similar issue on ours. I pulled of the striker plate and flattened it out some with hammer. Closes much easier now.

[IBcarguy]

rhagfo wrote:

IBcarguy wrote:
Just use the landing gear for up/down and 2x8 wood pads under tires to level side to side if needed.

Yes, slamming the door only makes it worse. Pulling the small finger tab will close it but it's not easy because it's pretty small.

How hard do you crank up on the rear levelers??

Just until I hear the motor labor slightly.

[stickdog]

,7 1/2 years traveling in our previous 5 the wheel sometimes it was difficult to close the door after a day of travel even if it was level. The next morning all was well. Just the way it is.

[rhagfo]

IBcarguy wrote:
Just use the landing gear for up/down and 2x8 wood pads under tires to level side to side if needed.

Yes, slamming the door only makes it worse. Pulling the small finger tab will close it but it's not easy because it's pretty small.

How hard do you crank up on the rear levelers??

[campigloo]

Spraying with
Silicone will help some but it's mostly just the nature of the beast. You might want to stop slamming it.

[IBcarguy]

Just use the landing gear for up/down and 2x8 wood pads under tires to level side to side if needed.

Yes, slamming the door only makes it worse. Pulling the small finger tab will close it but it's not easy because it's pretty small.

[beemerphile1]

How are you leveling?

[Dick_B]

We never slam our door. To close the door I pull on the handle, close the door, release the handle and push on the door to latch it completely.