Main Door Won't Stay Closed

[Obrieri]

I have a 2014 Salem Hemisphere 282RK. I have needed to use the deadbolt lock to keep the door closed when towing. The standard door latch will not secure the door. Has anyone experienced this issue & come up with a fix?

[TheWolfPaq82]

Don't know if ours would ever do that as I always lock the deadbolt when traveling. Do you lock the door latch when traveling ? bounce may be the culprit.

[Obrieri]

Yes I do lock the door when travelling but I have found the door latch not holding the door closed when the trailer is stationary. This is why I only trust the deadbolt at all times.

[TheWolfPaq82]

Had an issue with ours when we bought it, it was hitting the striker plate and not closing unless I pushed on it from outside. FR for some reason put two striker plates over the same hole and it was catching on the door. Removed one plate, straightened up the one underneath that was bent, put in a little longer screw and it was fine. Check alignment of striker plate and if door catches better if you put pressure on it from the outside. They may show you what is going on with the door.

[Iwannacamp]

I don’t generally lock mine unless we are stopping somewhere. I do turn the hand grab bar over the door...this was from a more experienced DW when we first got an RV.

[NMWildcat]

Sounds like you need to adjust your standard door latch if it pops open while stationary. Might also need cleaning and lubricating.
When traveling, we always use the dead bolt to secure the door.

[john5646]

Funny I just did a reset of frame on 272 rl. Mine was bowed enough that I was concerned that stricker only adjustment would possible allow water leak durning rain. As weatherstrip was barely catching door when closed.
Removed latch side covers and screws and reset level and straight. Caulk clean up was toughest part. Be careful in screw cap cover

[DouglasReid]

Originally Posted by NMWildcat

Sounds like you need to adjust your standard door latch if it pops open while stationary. Might also need cleaning and lubricating.
When traveling, we always use the dead bolt to secure the door.

All the above Plus closing the hand grab bar over the door "just in case".

[gentle_1ben]

I had a problem with the door on my Wildcat when I first got it used. The door would not latch with the regular latch or the dead bolt. The door was bowed in the middle about 1 1/2". I took the door off and flatten it back out, then the door latched properly. The dealer would not do anything to help, even tho I just bought it from them. I put a straight edge from the top to bottom of the door, it told me what the problem was.


Ben