Door won't close without slamming it

I see this problem frequently when people try to level their trailers with stabilizer jacks and twist the frame.

If you are going to use a lubricant, use graphite powder - not Pam, or cooking oil, or WD40. This stuff comes in a tube and you just insert the tip and squeeze. Works good to lubricate key mechinisims - simply stick it into the keyhole.

We have this same problem with the entrance door on our new 5th wheel. It won't close without opening the latch to close it. So frustrating!

Dave H M wrote:
If it is the entrance door to the camper, We got used to ours being slammed. :R

Each season i spray some pam on my finger and rub it on the striker plate and bolt. It will always latch on the first slam then. :B

Yup....Me too. Except I don't use PAM. Since I never can find what I need in my tool box or storage area, I usually use olive oil. Coat the striker plate and the latch paul. Works like new for about 4 months. Then it needs a recoat.

If it's like most trailer latches there's 4 screws on the interior side of the latch, remove them and the cover plate and lub the mechanism with lithium grease. Plan on doing it every couple of years so you won't be a door slammer.

Denny

More information will lead to better answers.

Is the door square in the opening? Is it scraping when opening and closing?

If it is the entrance door to the camper, We got used to ours being slammed. :R

Each season i spray some pam on my finger and rub it on the striker plate and bolt. It will always latch on the first slam then. :B

We tried and tried to adjust the strike plate on ours. Finally removed the thing entirely and the door closes just fine and locks without it. No more slamming needed.

Try adjusting the strike plate - worked for me.

several things come to mind. years ago a friend of mine in the RV business came to my house to fix my complaint about the door having to slam. he told me to re level my TT and fix the levels to show it is properly leveled.. that worked for me. I also sprayed silicone spray and bought a stick of bees wax to coat the jam bar. that worked too. there are many things you need to do to correct your problem, I gave you two of them.