Forum Discussion

RVer_Mary's avatar
RVer_Mary
Explorer
May 22, 2021

Door Issue

I am a RV newby. My trailer is fairly level but not perfect perfect. My door closes okay. However, I closed it, locked the main latch but not the deadbolt and it seemed secure. If it weren’t latched it would pop open. I was gone maybe 15 hours and when I came back, the latched remained locked but it was popped open. It did not appear to have been tampered with... Does this happen? Why?
  • If there is any twist to the frame from leveling (or lack thereof), the door will be flexed.
    From having my door open while towing, I decided it was likely intentional why RV doors are hinge forward ;)
    I firmly latch the door, lock main & dead bolts, and then move the lift grip access handle from out to forward against the door when traveling, vice back for stowage. Extra insurance for the flexing.
  • Hi Mary, Welcome to the forum. :)

    If the door wasn't closed firmly enough, the striker (spring loaded tongue that goes into the slot) might not go fully into the hole covered by the striker plate. Sometimes you have to be a little firm with them.

    If you have closed it firmly and this condition is there, then possibly a little adjustment may be needed to move the striker plate out a tiny bit.

    If you hold the handle open, close the door most of the way, let go of the handle, then push the door firmly on the door by the handle, you should be able to hear a definite click as the striker engages in the slot.
    If it is only barely partially latched, popping open is a likely situation.