Restoring a Snug Fit to Your Entry Door

by RV Enthusiast | Nov 3, 2021 | Pro Tip, RVEXPERT

Recreational vehicles are oftentimes referred to as a “home away from home” – and they do pack an amazing array of functional and comfortable features to take the edge off camping.

However, nothing subjected to the near-constant hammering of bad roads is ever going to provide the same level of fortification as a brick-and-mortar home. Entry doors, in particular, can develop problems over time, making latching difficult and allowing in cold drafts in one season or letting cold air escape in another.

If the entry door weatherstripping has deteriorated, carefully scrape away the old weatherstripping as well as the old adhesive left behind then apply new foam weatherstripping.

This strike plate is typical of those found on most RVs. Loosening the plate with a screwdriver reveals that the mounting holes are slotted, allowing the plate to be adjusted.

Many RVs use simple foam weatherstripping that can deteriorate and lose its resilience over time. This is an easy fix. Carefully scrape away the old weatherstripping as well as the old adhesive left behind, then apply new foam weatherstripping to the doorway. If your RV has worn or damaged rubber weatherstripping, LaVanture Products (lavanture.com) can help — it carries a wide range of trims, seals, sealants and foam tapes for the automotive and RV segments.

The other possible area of concern is the latching mechanism, which is secured via either the striker plate or Nader pin (depending upon the door manufacturer). Both can loosen over time and move, preventing a tight fit. Whichever style is used on your RV, it can easily be adjusted with simple hand tools and a few minutes’ time. Like many other RV maintenance items, catching the problem early ensures that repairs are simple to affect.

Some RV doorways incorporate a Nader pin instead of a strike plate. To adjust these, simply loosen the pin and turn it one direction or the other.

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