how do you adjust the entry door?

[scepter]

On my 2001 Scepter I always had problem opening the door. If I open it from inside I have no problem. If I open from the outside, I have to push on the door while I pull on the door latch. So this pretty well eliminate everything but the outside door latch. Is there any adjustment for this? All the people I know that have Monacos only have to pull on the outside door latch to open the door. Myself, I have to pull on the latch while I push on the door.

Can you help me with this?

["007"]

If its a P.T.L. lock this link may help you.

[Rex]

No it is not a PTL door. It is a Monaco made door. There are two catches you can see on the side of the door. Open the door and manually close each catch. Then open the outside handle slowly till one or both of the catches release. They should both release about the same time and what you describe indicated this is the problem.

Also the door pins the catches engage should move up and down but feel tight if you put a wrench on them.

See the attachment for adjustment information.

[jbushon2004]

This is what is in my owners manual for a 2004 Diplomat with this type of door:

"The entry door is adjusted at the factory and tested for all operations. The door incorporates three separate seals to eliminate wind noise during travel. The door uses two separate locks for safety and security. One locking system is the door handle and the other is a dead bolt. The door handle incorporates a primary and secondary latching system. This is used to ensure secure and safe latching. There are adjustments which can be made to help maintain entry door performance.

Adjusting the Entry Door Latch:
1. Determine which bolt needs adjustment.

2. Slowly close the entry door observing the latch and strike bolt alignment. Do not attempt to latch if the alignment is off. If the alignment is correct, allow the latch to catch in the first (primary) position only.

3. The latch should move to the second position with only slight pressure applied to the entry door. Upper and lower latches should e evenly timed. Press on the entry door to check for further movement of the door.

4. The entry handle should operate with little effort to open the entry door. Excessive pressure indicates the bolts are set too far back.

5. With a 5/8" inch box wrench or socket, loosen the movable strike bolt. Make all adjustments in small increments. Tighten the bolt firmly after making adjustments. The bolts should have slight up and down movement for vibration control in travel.

6. Test the operation of the dead bolt lock to ensure proper functions.

7. Apply silicone weekly to the the entry door rubber gaskets to prevent squeaking while the motorhome is traveling. Use a one inch sponge paint brush, sprayed with silicone for easy application."

This worked for me.

[scepter]

I just came back from vacation ahead of Irene. I will try the excellent ideas posted here.

[rpasetto]

I had similar problem, the two catches were not tripping at the same time. This can be adjusted via the turnbuckles (see Rex's diagram) after getting the inner panel off. Toughest part is getting the panel back on.

[scepter]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rpasetto I had similar problem, the two catches were not tripping at the same time. This can be adjusted via the turnbuckles (see Rex's diagram) after getting the inner panel off. Toughest part is getting the panel back on.

Are you talking about the small panel around the door handle ?
How do you remove and put this panel back?

[rpasetto]

Quote:

Originally Posted by scepter Are you talking about the small panel around the door handle ? How do you remove and put this panel back?

That small panel is easy to remove, two or 3 screws, I think. That'll get you access to handle and catch mechanism but that's all. The turnbuckles are behind the big door panel, quite a few inches above/below that little door handle plate. (#13 on the middle diagram of Rex's post shows the lower one)

The inside door panel, the whole thing, was what I referred to. I don't recall exactly what I did to remove it, some trim pieces and screws I recall. It was tough getting it back together.

[scepter]

well I finally did it! I took the door apart and made the adjustment. My problem was that the bottom latch would work but not the top one. I adjusted the linkages and everything is working properly. Thanks to all who provided me with the information.