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Help!!! Can't open door!!!!

myoldspringer
Explorer
Explorer
I have a 2007 Cameo with the standard RV door latch and deadbolt. It is parked a home but I cannot open the door. Both the latch handle and the deadbolt are unlocked. The latch handle opens, but does not retract the door latch. All the windows are closed, and there is no access to the interior through any outside compartment, so I cannot enter the unit. In addition, the doorside slide is extended, so I cannot drive the unit to a repair facility. I expect I will have to somehow destroy the entire mechanism to gain access, but how? Has anyone solved this problem in the past? Any comments are appreciated.
23 REPLIES 23

BB_TX
Nomad
Nomad
Do you have a laundry hamper under a trap door to the basement? DW managed to lock our only set of keys inside the trailer as she came out. I climbed into the basement, pushed the laundry basket up, pushing up the trap door, and then climbed up thru that opening. Now I have two extra sets of keys that stay in the truck.

midnightsadie
Explorer II
Explorer II
are one of the windows a safety exit? or the locksmith, but I,d ask if they have worked on rv doors.

enblethen
Nomad
Nomad
Pull the latch handle open. Look in the small opening to see if the handle is moving the operator. If it is not, you maybe able to use a small screw driver to move the operator.

Bud
USAF Retired
Pace Arrow


2003 Chev Ice Road Tracker

ReneeG
Explorer
Explorer
Oh man. I hope you get this figured out. This brings back memories. The latch that holds the screen door to the door, is installed at an angle. Not knowing any better, DH made it straight and guess what, as he suspected, it was at an angle for a reason. It took holding the latch open, and pushing on the inside screen by slipping our fingers through the door. It came open! Problem fixed, but it nicked that little latch a little. Easy fix though.
2011 Bighorn 3055RL, 2011 F350 DRW 6.7L 4x4 Diesel Lariat and Hensley TrailerSaver BD3, 1992 Jeep ZJ and 1978 Coleman Concord Pop-Up for remote camping
Dave & Renee plus (Champ, Molly, Paris, Missy, and Maggie in spirit), Mica, Mabel, and Melton

TenOC
Nomad
Nomad
3 dog nights wrote:
Is it level? Possible frame twist.


2X, Been there, I had to put a leveling jack under the frame near the door.
Please give me enough troubles, uncertainty, problems, obstacles and STRESS so that I do not become arrogant, proud, and smug in my own abilities, and enough blessings and good times that I realize that someone else is in charge of my life.

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Durb
Explorer
Explorer
If were me, I would start to demo that lock from the outside. It will need to be replaced anyhow.

There are 4 screws holding the inner and outer plates together. They are 2 1/4" apart. The top screws are 5/8" from the top of the outer flange. The lower screw on the door hinge side is 2 1/2" down from the top screw. The lower screw on the jamb side is 3" down from the top screw.

I would start with small drill bits and get progressively larger until you hog out the screw mounting posts. I took these measurements from a 2008 Carriage product so I assume they will be close. Good luck, I hope your drill isn't in the trailer!

3_dog_nights
Explorer
Explorer
Is it level? Possible frame twist.
Bob & Lynn
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also was - 2015 Winnebago Adventurer 37F, towing 2003 Jeep Wrangler

now - 2021 NoBo 19.5, 2019 Honda Ridgeline RTL (Talk about downsizing!)

Mandalay_Parr
Explorer
Explorer
Pull The latch handle Use other hand push the door closed
This will relieve the pressure on the latch.
Jerry Parr
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pianotuna
Nomad III
Nomad III
The latch bolt is made from zinc or white metal. They break and will not retract. Call a mobile locksmith. I'm on my 2nd latch.
Regards, Don
My ride is a 28 foot Class C, 256 watts solar, 556 amp-hours of Telcom jars, 3000 watt Magnum hybrid inverter, Sola Basic Autoformer, Microair Easy Start.