Entry Door lock/jamb adjustment.

[fayjim2]

I have a 2003 Monaco Monarch with metal exterior. The door has always had to be slammed to get the door to close in the handle lock position. Deadbolt has never worked? Oh yes one more thing when its hot and the sun is shining on that side its really bad. HELP Metal to metal sounds. The big washer thats under the 5/8 bolt extends outward past the end of door jamb . Came new that way Thanks Jim Senn Athol Idaho.

[RobRV]

You might take a look at the Insulation Seal on the Door/Frame at the Hinge side! There may be an overlap that is causing too much pressure.

Over time these adhesive backed seals shift ,and or they just may have been installed incorrectly.

[dix39]

Look closely at the door to see what is causing the problem. Close it slowly and watch to see what is hitting and causing it to keep from closing easily. As RobRV says it could be the seal, or it could be a metal to metal problem between the door and frame or guides where the latch is. Before you can address a fix you must first determine where the problem is specifically.

I just re-read your post. Is the big washer hitting the door frame as the door is being closed? If so, can you grind/file enough off it to allow the door to close easily without causing another problem? What is the function of the 5/8 bolt and washer? My only experience is with the Flair below, and our previous Caribou camper in which I removed and replaced the entire door and frame. I'm also thinking that a pic of the problem area would help.

Our "new to us" Flair had a problem with the guides not aligning and slamming it it finally caused the door to de-laminate, well that and a bit of decay in the wooden frame. I took the thing apart, replaced the bad wood and cemented it back together. If anyone tries this, be certain to get all measurements EXACTLY as they were before or you will regret it, don't ask how I know. I tried to adjust the alignment pins but finally gave up and simply ground/filed a bit off the pins and the striker until the door closed smoothly. Seals would be an easy fix, I have to replace mine.


Best of luck.


Steve

[dpinvidic]

You have three things to check.
1. door-frame alignment. your door should shut without rubbing against the doorframe. The frame may not be square - usually the door is always square.

2.door latch alignment. This is the normal latch (not the deadbolt). The pin sticking out of the door frame is mounted in a oversized hole. So you can loosen it, and move it up/down & in/out. The thickness of the door seal affects the in/out adjustment. Sound line your in/out needs to be adjusted if you must slam the door to compress the seal more. Hold the latch handle in the open position, and slowly close thedoor and feel for interference. this is the up/down adjustment check. Grind off part of the washer if needed, it is just for the oversized hole.

3. Finally is the deadbolt adjustment. The deadbolt must align with the strike plate. This is also a up/down & in/out adjustment. Take out the screws and remove the plate, and use masking tape over the hole. Shut the door and partially lock the deadbolt to make an impression in the tape. this will show you where the plate needs to be. Remount the plate as needed.

Hope this helps.

Dan