2005 Essex Door Noise

[SpursMVP]

Evening everyone,

We just picked up our new to us 05 Essex and love it. I noticed the wind noise when returning home and found multiple old threads on IRV2 but was unable to reply to the posts because they were 3 years old.

So…the entry door only latches to the first click. Also noticed that the dead bolt would not lock and the door doesn’t appear flush with the frame when closed. Do you recommend the PTL door fix previously discussed or is this another problem?

Thanks

[Skip426]

Can you lock the dead bolt if you push on the door from the outside, or pull in from the inside with the close handle ?

Only closing to the first click ( latch position ) usually means the striker is too far in ; it has to be loosened and moved out a small amount .
Mark the current position before you start .

[Bullard]

So glad to see your post, you are not alone. Just got our 2006 Essex and are having the same noise. Latching system seems to be in working condition so we are going to start with re-sealing.

[dbike199]

I had the same issue on a 2005 DSDP. The final solution was calling PTL and getting a new door seal. An 18-year-old seal is just not as pliable as it once was. They sent a video on how to properly install the new seal. It was a straightforward process. Take your time and remove all of the old seal and left over glue. Good luck.

[SpursMVP]

Thank you for the suggestions. I’ll probably order the new door seal. For adjusting the door so the deadbolt latches does this require removal of the trim etc to do the PTL adjustment? I was looking at the trim piece that covers the access and it attached very well

[dbike199]

I adjusted the latch prior to purchasing the new seal. I too had to remove the trim also. Just pop out the wood plugs that covers the screws and you can access the latch. Once I received the new seal and installed it, I went back in and adjusted the latch back to the original position because I had to slam the door really hard with the new seal. The original latch position was perfect with a new seal.

[SpursMVP]

Originally Posted by dbike199

I adjusted the latch prior to purchasing the new seal. I too had to remove the trim also. Just pop out the wood plugs that covers the screws and you can access the latch. Once I received the new seal and installed it, I went back in and adjusted the latch back to the original position because I had to slam the door really hard with the new seal. The original latch position was perfect with a new seal.

This makes sense. I’ll replace the seal and then adjust as needed. What’s strange is not being able to lock the deadbolt. I’ve pulled on the handle from the inside and no luck. I can hear the door air lock engage when the brakes are released too.

[bentjm]

Originally Posted by SpursMVP

This makes sense. I’ll replace the seal and then adjust as needed. What’s strange is not being able to lock the deadbolt. I’ve pulled on the handle from the inside and no luck. I can hear the door air lock engage when the brakes are released too.

The deadbolt can only be locked if the door is completely closed.

Does the striker pin move freely up and down in a slight arc?

[SpursMVP]

Originally Posted by bentjm

The deadbolt can only be locked if the door is completely closed.

Does the striker pin move freely up and down in a slight arc?

I called PTL engineering and they were very helpful. We’re working to find out which seal the coach has. In closer inspection the PO had added layers of gasket to the original. I included a photo to show how far out the door is when it’s fully closed. Keep in mind “fully closed “ does not look closed to me. No amount of slamming, pushing or pulling gets the door flush with the frame. It sticks out about 1/4” which explains the deadbolt issue and probably the wind noise. More to follow

[bentjm]

Originally Posted by SpursMVP

I called PTL engineering and they were very helpful. We’re working to find out which seal the coach has. In closer inspection the PO had added layers of gasket to the original. I included a photo to show how far out the door is when it’s fully closed. Keep in mind “fully closed “ does not look closed to me. No amount of slamming, pushing or pulling gets the door flush with the frame. It sticks out about 1/4” which explains the deadbolt issue and probably the wind noise. More to follow

It is not fully latched.

The PO adding the extra gasket material is a problem. Can you remove it?

[SpursMVP]

Originally Posted by bentjm

It is not fully latched.

The PO adding the extra gasket material is a problem. Can you remove it?

You raise a great point. Took out all of the excess gasket material and I can now get the door to fully close to the 2nd latch. Can even lock the deadbolt

Next step is to take her for a test drive to check the wind noise without the extra gasket material. The remaining gasket looks like the original and the PTL tech said that they didn’t make the original gasket anymore. he did verify (via photos I sent) that the door seal isn’t inflatable.

[bentjm]

Originally Posted by SpursMVP

You raise a great point. Took out all of the excess gasket material and I can now get the door to fully close to the 2nd latch. Can even lock the deadbolt

Next step is to take her for a test drive to check the wind noise without the extra gasket material. The remaining gasket looks like the original and the PTL tech said that they didn’t make the original gasket anymore. he did verify (via photos I sent) that the door seal isn’t inflatable.

That sounds like progress.

I had wind noise around my door. Tried everything including adjusting the Movabolt. Finally removed the screen door to where my wife could really listen around the door seal. There was a gap at the top of the door. You could shut the door and slide a piece of paper easily at the top. I had to add some 1/8 inch thick neoprene to the top of the door frame to solve the problem.

My door latches fully with just a soft tug from the I side or slight push from the outside now.

[SpursMVP]

Originally Posted by bentjm

That sounds like progress.

I had wind noise around my door. Tried everything including adjusting the Movabolt. I had to add some 1/8 inch thick neoprene to the top of the door frame to solve the problem.

My door latches fully with just a soft tug from the I side or slight push from the outside now.

Great suggestion. Going for a test drive tomorrow with the door double latched. For the neoprene how did attach it to the door frame? Source of the neoprene?

Thanks

[bentjm]

Originally Posted by SpursMVP

Great suggestion. Going for a test drive tomorrow with the door double latched. For the neoprene how did attach it to the door frame? Source of the neoprene?

Thanks

The neoprene gasket has a stickon backing. I bought it off of Amazon - lots of width and thickness options.