Basement door stuck

[Lawrence Tarnoff]

One of the latches on one of our basement doors refuses to open despite applying the Beaver knee.  Of course, it's the bay that holds our 50 amp cord.  Any ideas?

Thanks!!

[Carl Boger]

On my coach I sometimes have to pry the door open with a flat bladed screw driver.  I put it in at the latch point and slide the door down slightly.  This will usually open it.  The doors have a little movement in them side to side and sometimes they can make one latch to tight.

[Roy Warren Co-Admin]

I would first put the coach in travel mode, and go out and try to open it, using the beaver knee prior to raising the handle.  If that doesn't work then I try a flat putty knife to try and force the plastic tip on the lock forward or aft, depending on which side of the door it is located.
Roy Warren

[Lawrence Tarnoff]

Thanks, guys.  The problem occurred, I believe, because the bedroom slide was extended.  I previously opened that bay when the slide was retracted.  I retracted the slide and the door reluctantly opened.  It's still a tad too finicky but operable. 

[Keith Moffett]

I often took WD40 to it as a cleaner and after it dried a good lube.  All tabs and the latch.  When the tabs hang us they can break too easily.  Last Newell I found was at BCS parts.  Not sure now.

[Joel Ashley]

Make sure all mounting screws on latch components are positioned optimally and are snug.  One of mine hung up once, but after I eventually got it free I found a missing latch screw.  Slamming bay doors can break or loosen the screws, so of course we try to never do that.  If yours is finicky now it will frustrate you again down the road if no preventive action is taken.  At least make sure the latch mechanism and “bolt” are lubed.  I prefer dry silicone wherever possible to restrict dirt accumulation, but WD-40 and similar wet products penetrate where dry silicone doesn’t.

Joel