hard to open front door

[cannon man]

very hard to open. have to pull very hard to get the lever to open. thought it was just a lube problem but that doesent help. we looked at other new nrv's,sea breeze and other dolphins. they were all the same. anybody with same problem, got a fix? thanks, dave

[cannon man]

very hard to open. have to pull very hard to get the lever to open. thought it was just a lube problem but that doesent help. we looked at other new nrv's,sea breeze and other dolphins. they were all the same. anybody with same problem, got a fix? thanks, dave

[Jeff H]

The whole latch system (door and sill) probably has some loose bolts, so the door is sagging.
We have to tighten ours up a couple times a year.

[Rick 2005 Dolphin 5376]

I'm guessing you mean the entry door. Is this coach new to you? I had the same problem. Make sure the coach is level before you make this adjustment. Look at the striker plate for rub marks from the striker. Adjust accordingly. You have very limited ability for adjustment but you'll get the picture when you go there. I had to actually use a dremel tool to cut some of the striker plate to make the door latch properly. We found out the hard way. We were coming across the country and Julia got up to make a cup of coffee while under way. She made the mistake of bumping the door and it came open, (at 65 mph). luckily she didn't loose her balance and fall out. It was a miracle as she has had MS for the last 25 years. I ripped NRV and our dealer a new one. A few choice words were exchanged. The door wasn't latching due to some jackalope at the factory who did not seat the latch in the right place. sorry for the long story. If you need some help, PM me a picture and I'll help you fix it via phone. You can reach me at 928-830-2248.

[cannon man]

level does'nt seem to matter. yup, its new to us.looks like everything is hiting in the right places. all the hardware is tight. not a easy open problem. it's that you cant get it open.

[Rick 2005 Dolphin 5376]

There has to be a reason. There must be something catching to cause this condition. You are going to have to look for rub marks or something around the door frame that gives you an indication of what's going on. Did this condition just start or was it happening when you bought the coach?

[cannon man]

yup there from day one. this may help. the door is not sticking. the lever is hard to pull to get the mechanism to release. thanks, dave

[Rick 2005 Dolphin 5376]

I guess if it were me I'd take the assembly apart. Can't do a lot wrong as there aren't many parts in there.

[cannon man]

i'll take it apart early before it gets too hot.was 106* today. it works easy with the door open. no load. hopefully its got a bur or something that can be corrected. thanks dave

[cannon man]

ok, took it all apart n could'nt find any problems so lubed it up good n back together. now, looked at door frame. the top and bottom of door hit the jam first and leave about a 3/8" in the center where the latch is. so, by the time door is closed hard enough to latch all the way there is quite a load on the mechanism. next i took my 4' staight edge to check. the jam is straight n the door is bowed out in the middle. i see no fix for this. maybe the gods will worp it for me. thanks dave

[Rick 2005 Dolphin 5376]

I'm not Dave but I'll reply. Perhaps you have to much force on the striker plate causing the door latch to bind. for S$%ts and giggles, I'd loosen the two screws on the striker plate and move the plate a bit, (away from the coach), tighten the screws and see how it works after the adjustment.

[cannon man]

been there , done that. no change. not much adjustment there. i could move the plate out, and that would do it but i am sure the door would then leak.

[Rick 2005 Dolphin 5376]

I couldn't pull mine out far enough either. I landed up having to use a dremmel tool and a little grinding bit to make the opening longer. It only took grinding about 1/16 inch away to make the door and latch close properly. I ground the opening wider toward the outside of the coach.

[cannon man]

i'll try it. thanks rick for all your help