Bay door won’t open

[BillDeb45]

One of our basement doors in our 2004 Windsor pwon’t open at all. 

[96 EVO]

Let me guess. Key won't even turn?

[jacwjames]

Do you have access from the other side, if so you may have to crawl through the basement to work on it. 

My doors swing up.  The small door on my drivers side did that, no access from in side.  I took careful measurements and drilled a hole from the bottom up to where the latch engages so I could us a screw drivers to push up on the latch to open the door. 

[BillDeb45]

Key works but door won’t budge. 

[cbr046]

33 minutes ago, BillDeb45 said:

Key works but door won’t budge. 

Sometimes I get this because I have the latches too tight (u-shaped threaded bracket on the chassis).  I have to bump the bottom the door while putting pressure on the latch to open.  This is from flexing of the frame while leveling.  If bumping doesn't work try releasing the jacks and trying again.

Keep us posted.

- bob

 

[96 EVO]

1 hour ago, BillDeb45 said:

Key works but door won’t budge. 

I see.

So these aren't electric powered locks?

[BillDeb45]

Yes, they are electric. That’s what I meant by the key works. 

[Bill R]

 

 

57 minutes ago, BillDeb45 said:

Yes, they are electric. That’s what I meant by the key works. 

For clarification, are you saying the door does not physically open, or just that the electric locks do not unlock the bay door?  But the door will physically open when you use the key?  Please provide more detail on what exactly is happening?

[Guest Ray Davis]

The guys are trying to help but you're making it difficult by not giving information.  

Which door is it?

Can you crawl through from the opposite side?

Like Jim J said above, you may have to resort to drilling form below & pushing the plunger up. 

You would need to eyeball another bay to plan where & the direction to drill. 

 It can be done.  Good luck

Edited November 3, 2022 by Ray Davis

[jacwjames]

I've had a problem with a couple of my doors.  After the first one wouldn't open with the key and/or the keyless entry I resorted to drilling the hole to get the door open.  I then drilled a hole for the other door.  Now I just have to use a screw driver to open if they are stuck.

If your electric actuator is bad they can be replaced, I believe Dr4film had a post recently on a replacement. 

I've also lubricated all the door mechanisms, I do this about every 2 years.  My doors have access panels on the inside of the doors, I know that some times Monaco didn't do this, probably a cost cutting measure.  If you don't have precut access panels you could buy them and install, the have several types at Lowes or you could use a circular hatch cover similar to what is used in the wet bays. 

Edited November 3, 2022 by jacwjames

[BillDeb45]

I crawled through and was able to get the door open.  Thanks to all for the help

[Dan B.]

I have the same problem on my '03 Windsor, but can't crawl through as it covers the fresh water tank. Can you describe what the problem was? Was it a broken or jammed gas strut hinge?

Thanks,

Dan

[jacwjames]

I've had a problem with the wet bay door not opening.  In my case the mechanism needed lubricating, the auto door lock solenoid wasn't strong enough to release the latch.

Finally resorted to drilling a holed from the bottom to release the latch.   You cal look at another door, if you have a door the same size measure from one side to the latch then use that measurement to drill a hole.  I then used a screw driver to push the latch up until it clears the striker plate to release the door. 

I now try and lube all the latches on an annual basis.

 

[Dan B.]

The latch is free and seems to work. I think it is the aft hydraulic gas hinge. Pulling on the door will begin to "bend" it at near that point of where I think the hinge attaches. This occurred after "banging" 1500 miles of our interstate highway. Maybe another 1500 miles will free it - ha. Thanks for your thoughts.

Dan B.

[jacwjames]

The latch portion may have disconnected from the handle and or the lever may have bent.  Last year I had a door that would not open.  After I used the screw driver trick I took a closer look at the lever that pulls the latch up, it was bent enough that the latch didn't clear the striker plate.  Used a crescent wrench to bend the lever. 

Below is a picture of the back side of the latch, I inserted an arrow showing the lever that I had to bend up. 

[cbr046]

I have to "thump" the bottom of the door with my fist while pulling on the latch.  I could adjust it out . . . . . but it's also sort of a secret "lock"

If the frame is twisted from leveling it can also affect door tightness. 

- bob

[Dan B.]

This is not a "latch" problem. I think it is a broken or jammed aft hydraulic gas hinge. I guess if this is the case, there are few options to get in there. I have tried airing down, all manner of "leveling" options, and driving the rear wheels up on a curb. All to "rack" the chassis around. Nothing.

Thanks - Dan

[Les Hurdle]

Hi Folks,

My 'wet' baggage door wont open.......... moved the coach around on jacks etc.

It isn't the latch since the bottom moves out, the right hand side at the top 'lifts', the left hand side will not.  I suspect a strut [no idea why]

Hope to open the door?

Les

oops.  phat phingers

 

HOW to open the door?