Exterior Door "open latch"

[LABergo]

The exterior door on my 2007 Mountain Aire does not stay open. I noticed a little plastic piece in the hinge area that slides freely up and down. I understand this has to do with keeping the outside door in a "open" position. Does anyone know how this works....?

[Skipper 05MA]

My thought is the plastic piece you are talking about is the auto-lock when the unit is put in to gear and/or the parking brake is released. You will hear the door lock. We are on our third Newmar and every door has been as you described. There is a light latch when open but wind or a little push will let it come out of the latch. If you get it resolved let us know.

[LABergo]

Tom,
My 2000 DutchStar had a positive latch. You had to lift the door handle, as if you were opening the door, to release the door from the "latched" open position. I miss that....

I rigged a short bungee cord so I can keep the door open. I just loop it around the end of the water drain trough above the door.....and around the elbow of the assembly at the top of the door. It works OK....

[pj54]

Does your door have that folding flat iron on top of the door that stops the door from opening to far? If so, there is a ring on a pin that catches in the notch to hold the door open. The ring comes off and door won't stay open. Need to replace whole folding piece. Three years ago it was $225 through dealer. I believe it can be ordered from PTL (they make the doors) for about 1/3 that.

[Route 66]

A common problem.

Quote:

Originally Posted by pj54 Does your door have that folding flat iron on top of the door that stops the door from opening to far? If so, there is a ring on a pin that catches in the notch to hold the door open. The ring comes off and door won't stay open. Need to replace whole folding piece. Three years ago it was $225 through dealer. I believe it can be ordered from PTL (they make the doors) for about 1/3 that.

[akadeadeye]

Quote:

Originally Posted by LABergo The exterior door on my 2007 Mountain Aire does not stay open. I noticed a little plastic piece in the hinge area that slides freely up and down. I understand this has to do with keeping the outside door in a "open" position. Does anyone know how this works....?

No, that piece on the coach side of the door frame slams against another piece on the door itself to snug up the door and prevent air noise. It engages when you release the parking brake. Do not let anyone try to open the door unless the parking brake is engaged or this snugging mechanism will break and you will notice wind noise. The little "bat wing" looking piece on the door side can be replaced. PPL handles them I believe.

But, this is not the locking mechanism for your door.

Don