Hello, My 2004 Monaco Cayman is showing the same signs and BEFORE I get locked out I looked for this video, you are a TRUE savior now I know what I am doing tomorrow....THANK YOU!!!!!!
I watched this video again, after many years, because I have a 2001 Monaco with the same door. The door is beginning to get a little hard to open, and this video helped a lot. Since it is my coach, I decided to make a small modification by cutting out the part of the door cover where the adjustments are and put a removable cover over them. It might not look as good as a pristine door cover, but, after 24 years, my door cover wasn't all that pristine. And I would rather be able to get in and out of a less than pristine coach than to have to look at a pristine one through the window. I love my Monaco almost as much as you love your Beaver (sorry if that sounds awful). You're the best!
Wanted to let you know that I, for one, truly and sincerely appreciate the videos you do for us. I know it's not easy at times but you're very generous to show us step by step what you're doing and explaining to us systems and how they work. Just thought you need to hear this word of thanks!
Thank you so much. I am dealing with a locked door in my 04 CC Intrigue. Wife and I, plus two dogs were able to get it 400miles back to home by crawling in and out of drivers window. We are in our mid 70s so no easy task! I see what I have to do now to get in! I have watched seemingly 100s of your videos over the last 3 years and learned a lot from each one. I see you running back and fourth to Harrodsburg now. I live about 100 miles west of there. *******
“Fairly confident RVs do hate me so every day is just a struggle” and “I’m just trying to work on batteries” you just captured my internal monologue perfectly 😂
Believe it or not I just checked my 2002 Monaco after watching your excellent video of adjusting the door locks and found mine to be at the edge of not opening and releasing. And so just before heading back to Florida I will make the fix thanks to you. You saved me from a nightmare, a wife, two cats and a dog most likely locked in or out of the RV! Thank You again!
Just purchased a 2003 HR Imperial, Have to push in on the door before pulling the handle to get it open, Thanks to you I know I have a problem coming and can make the repair before I get locked in till the black tank is full, and I now have great confidence that I can make the adjustment. still looking for your video on diagnosing a transfer switch issue. ( gen runs, makes power but the transfer switch won't switch). Thank you for all the great videos! they have helped me a lot. JC
Our ambulances at work do the same thing. That’s exactly how we fix them but we drill holes where the adjustment nuts are and put plugs in the holes. Happens frequently. Nice job.
I can't thank you enough. Same problem on my 2006 Monaco Cayman; getting worse and finally JUST managed to get the door open. Total mystery how the mechanism works, but got the panel off so I could see the mechanism around the inside handle. Your video makes it crystal clear what I need to do to adjust the mechanism... thanks so much! I'll be taking the door apart tomorrow when I have a day to work on it, and some warmth to keep my fingers from icing up. If appropriate, I'll update tomorrow with my success (or failure) and how much time it took a total mechanical klutz to do the job!
An update... Taking the door apart was a piece of cake, probably only took about 30 minutes. Making the adjustments took a while longer. Getting at the nuts on the rods that work the latch, especially the upper one, was a challenge. It took some time. But finally got the adjustment done, reassembled the door, and now it works just fine. Your video gave me the confidence to attempt the repair, and it was spot-on how to do it!
Thank you!! after watching this and the help of my brother in law my door is fixed!!!! after years of putting up with a hard to open door it works like a brand new door. Thanks again
Thank you so much for making this video. You saved the vacation. My outside latch wouldnt work and locked us out. The inside one worked so we were able to open the door. But your video showed me how to disassemble everything. Our linkage was loose and the handle pin came loose. Was able to reset the handle and adjust the linkage arms. So now everything works and we can continue the week off. Again, thanks so much.
Thank you for the video the details and explanation of the door adjustment was great, I was hesitant to do it because it required removing so many parts to get to it but I fallow the video step by step as you show it and I did it. Now the door works perfect after months of frustration opening it. I really appreciated it.
I have an 04 Monaco Windsor that is on its last leg of door opening. It opens at the very end of handle travel so I know it won’t be long before I’m locked out. So thanks for this as I’m going to tackle mine this weekend!
Thank you!! My 2006 Windsor door is just about to fail to open as in this video. I've read postings about making adjustments but they were hard to follow so I never took on the challenge of tearing into it. Your video makes everything clear. After writing this I'm going for it! (-: Again, most appreciated! Followup: After watching the video this morning, I tore into it and now it operates perfectly! It went just as if I had done it many times before; no surprises or mistakes. Can't imagine doing it without your help! You saved me from an extended mess trying to fix it or finding someone who could. THANK YOU!!
A Big Fat Thank You. (If you want a kiss, I'll send one of those too) For years the door has been hard to open on our 2007 Monaco, and about three weeks ago it did Not open at all. A friend watched your video quite a few times. She and her daughter came over today. Yahoo! Door opens.
Thank you so much for this video! My 2004 Monaco Camelot door was getting to the point where my wife could not open it from the outside. After watching your video I decided to try to make the adjustments. A lot of screws to remove but not really difficult. Adjusting the rod length made a huge difference. I do believe that the root problem is not the rods stretching but a cam wearing. Taking the slack out of the rods compensates for the cam wear. Also a way to check it before putting everything back together is to manually trip the latch's closed without closing the door, then pull the handle. If the pop open about 2/3 of the pull, you are adjusted.
Just finished taking my door apart and adjusting the handle. Mine didn''t seem to be loose at the actual latches, but between the handle and the mechanism that operates the latches. Start to finish, 4 hours, but it sure works well, and fresh lubrication helped also.
Another great video! I am also glad that you post these videos. I have a 1999 Monaco Windsor, it has the same door. I feel the door latch getting close to the end of it stroke when I open the door. Now I know the pain I must endure to adjust the opening handle. I haven't been locked out YET, so it is better to do it now. Almost every time I am on UA-cam; one of your videos catches my eye. As you might have guessed, if I am watching that many videos, I must have "lots" of issues with my coach. Ha, it is true. Anyway, thanks again for posting your videos, I wish I lived closer, I could give you some work.
Thank you for your kindness! It helped me adjust the door on my new to me Monaco Dynasty, it was at the end of the throw on the handle so I disassembled the door tonight and made adjustments as needed! I also adjusted some of the lower bay doors as the striker was hitting the latch guide before the door was latched and wearing on the guide! If I ever get to the Phoenix area I will look you up and buy lunch! You have helped me already solve some issues! Thank you sir!
Hi James. It's so funny, I watched this video last week only because I have an '07 HR Navigator and was curious. Wouldn't you know....today, I go out to the RV to do a little work and I can't get in. The door will not open. I had to crawl in through the driver side slide window and open the door from the inside. So this week, I have yet another project to do......follow your tutorial and take the door apart so I can adjust the linkage. I can tell that this is exactly what is wrong with the door. It's always something but thank goodness you make a video and shared it. I would not known where to start without your video. As always, I love your channel and videos and thank you very much!! Take care.
Your videos have helped me on several of my projects. On our 2006 HR I disassembled the door to install a new door handle. Although it works ok, I'm not sure I put everything back where it belongs. I dread going back in for this adjustment.
That is great news, I'm glad you found some help in my videos. I have the same feeling everytime I close a job up too....not sure if I got everything back. There is a good chance I edited those parts out. Thanks for watching!
Lol This happened to me looking at a used Beaver. My friend a retired RV tech, has the same model, with the same problem as yours. His instructions worked perfect if locked out. Stand at the passenger front tire, grasp the handle and quickly pull to the rear of the coach. Good luck
Just watched your video again. I'm helping a friend adjust his today and this video is so very helpful. I think I will take some measurements and see where holes could be drilled to adjust. Seems like everything can be lubed without taking the door apart. I adjusted my door again recently and those darn door posts/latches on the frame were not moving. It took a lot of time to get the bottom one moving and I was not sure it was supposed to until watching your video. Thanks so much for sharing this.
I'm going to stop calling you AZ Expert and call your AZ Magician you are truly a magician of your craft, without you and your videos a lot of people would be screwed... Your videos have really given me the courage to buy my first RV and not worry so much about some of the repairs that will be in my future, your simply one of the best of here great job and if I'm ever in AZ I will stop by and buy you lunch and maybe have your replace a roof or something lol I owe at least that!!!!
It will help us - thanks ! Our door opens from the inside only now. The outside handle has gotten worse and worse over the course of several months until now it doesn’t work at all.
Gary F Hawthorne Thanks for the video, I will check my 05 Monaco Diplomat before it will not open. It looked like a lot of rust on that latch. I think I will lube mine
Thank you for all your holiday rambler /Monaco videos, I have a 2004 holiday rambler endeavor I’m also an aircraft mechanic and I spend a lot of time fixing poor designs and factory screw ups. I hope the industry has improved there design and built-in more quality because the price of these things just keeps going up and up. All these early 2000 diesel pushers where fairly decent rigs but they’re showing their age bad nowadays good for you bad for the owner operator.
@@AZExpert Yeah that’s kinda what I figured guess my next bus will be a nice used Prevost or an older Newell, I’m from Washington state so I’m very familiar with slide see leaks...
I have this problem right now, cannot get in but can get out, I climbed thru the window to get back in, I have,a man coming this,Wednesday. I learned alot and fixed a situation along. Time ag and knew the rods to the striker needs,adjustment
I just want to greet you from Germany and thank you for your videos. I drive a 2003 Holiday Rambler Imperial 38 PTS , imported from Arizona and refittet to match German laws. And a few days ago i ran into the exact same problem, the door wouldnt unlock as we were inside. Luckily it took some wiggling form inside n out at the same time (i had to crawl out a window to pull the handle from outside and one did the job from the inside) Now that i know what to do to fix the problem, i will try it the way you showed! LG Mark
@@AZExpert Thx for your answer! No, we dont have our own channel, but Videographer Sven of the channel "GermanTelevision" did this video of us : ua-cam.com/video/P4InSJBUV2k/v-deo.html I am the guy doin most of the talking , Mark, and Georg is the shy guy on the passenger side couch , try to be invisible ;-) I dont think i could be able to walk n talk n film n edit AND make sense.. so my highest respects to you! But since i now found you: You dont happen to have a video showing in detail how to change the springs in Carefree slideout toppers? I have two broken springs, which i deinstalled . One friend had them manufactured using the old onesas examples, now we just have to install them and make sure to have the right tension.... Funfact: In the vid i say : "No i never had a problem with them" .. and one winter later, i have two out of three broken ;-)
BTW: The video was taped in a rv park at the river Mosel , during a meeting of american motorhomes in October 2020. We are members of a forum for american rvs and meet occasionally
Interesting situation there. My best buddy has a 03 HR Imperial with that same setup so I'll be sending him this video so he can address it before it happens to him! Thanks for posting this. And Merry Christmas, James!
Thank you. I will be replacing the outside handle upon return home and leaving the driver side window unlocked until I get there. The hardest part is opening the door frame which you covered beautifully. Your videos are awesome. Thanks for doing them!
Like, subscribed, commented. I dont remember the last time ive done that. I even hit the bell icon. This was super helpful. My door is about to break and this motivated me to adjust it before I am locked out. I have to push the door in while opening. Thanks for the great explanation!!!
I have the same issue on my 2002 Monaco Windsor. I thought it was the key less entry messing with me. Then I tried adjusting the strike bolt but now I see what I have to do. Thank you.
Thank you so much, having the same problem on my '05 Monaco Cayman, opens from the inside, but not the outside. I adjusted the linkage between the outside handle and main linkages. But both handles are at max when it releases. Now that everything is back together, I'll take it all back apart and adjust the main linkages and that should do it, for a wile anyway.
@@AZExpert Got it done today! I closed each latch and tightened nut until it released the latch then backed the nut off 1/2 turn on both. Works like a charm. I can open it with 1 finger!
@@AZExpert my winnebago has the ecape indows with the 2 orange clips so if there is a fire or MVA you can still get out ,,, just thinking if the rv went on its side you have no door to exit ,,,
@@13yearsaprepperr.jtilbury.51 All RVs are required to have an emergency exit window too. Some large sliding windows meet the requirement for exits, but yes I could imagine someone struggling way too long trying to open this front door in an emergency. Thanks!
@@AZExpert Just a thought My lincon town car has a little plastic tag in the Trunk its a wire that hooks onto the linkage incase someone puts you in the Trunk It wouldnt be hard (Or expensive to have a little Pull tab so WHEN THIS HAPPENS AGAIN they could get out ,,, Great vid , keep them commin , OH whats the dogs name you are riding at the end of the Vid ,,,,,,MUST EAT A LOT !
Well, on my gas unit, I only have one striker, and no doubt 2 strikers would be a lot better set up😫. One time I was in a campsite and had to level my coach and some how the frame was a little twisted. Yep, couldn’t open the door, had to re-level again then the door opened normal. I’m wondering when you got in the coach if you would have jacked up the front end to different levels you may have had a better chance to open the door. At least then it would have been easier to work adjusting the latches. Great job anyhow, enjoyed the video👍.
James you are the man! Thank you so much for sharing with us out in UA-cam land! Just one little observation. I see those are nylock nuts on the end of those rods. It seems by how easily you turned them that they could be turn over time and becoming loose. Now they tried to do the right thing using the nylock nuts. Maybe when they get older, it's time to double nut them. That way they won't loosen as they vibrate going down the road. Just a thought. Tell me what you think in the comments down below. 🤣😂🤣 Sorry, I've always wanted to say that. 🤪
The door does not have to come apart. Same thing happened to me. I drilled a sink plug sized hole approximately 8.5" below the deadbolt knob, and 4.5" in from the edge of the door panel. This gives perfect access to the adjustment, and just push a SS sink plug back into the hole. Looks like it's supposed to be there.
Great info. Thank you! Just bought a 2009 La Palma and the door is really hard to open, but I think it's due to it also being very hard to shut. It never shuts correctly unless I get it close to being closed and push firmly from outside at the lower latch. Slamming the door causes the latches to not catch and it'll sometimes bounce back open. Once shut it's so tight the kids can't open it. Have lubed the latches themselves, but I don't fully understand why the door is so tight. Unlatching also occurs at the end of the handle pull so I think there's two issues. I'm thinking about drilling a hole where those adjustments are and 3D printing plugs to go in the holes so that there's no door disassembly required.
Very interesting. Looks like a pain in the ***. But someone has to do it. Even though mine is a 98. It does look familiar.. dreading this happening.. but at least i know what I'll be getting into. Lol Thank you
It's not the worse job, I just had not planned on it...and it would be a simple job if there were access panels at the latches. Thanks for watching I'm sure yours should be fine if it hasn't done it by now.
So my take away on yet another great video is, that once the door latch starts to become difficult to release you should either have the linkage adjusted or do it your self before you get locked out.
You are so funny!! I know you prob don't mean to be, but I just about choked on my morning coffee when you said - I'm fixing the batteries😅🤣😂whenever my bff and I do one of my hairbrained projects, he always says: well Jane, let's see what we gotta do to drain this swamp...🤣😂
Great video as usual. I have a recently new to me 2007 Monaco Dynasty. The previous owner removed the lower stricker post, I'm guess because of problems getting in. Would you know where I migth find a post? I'd like to get it back the way it's suppose to be. TIA
With my 06 Patriot Thunder the door latch is about at the end of it's travel, tomorrow I will take her apart and tighten up the two 7/16 nuts a bit and lube up all the moving parts, should be good for another fifteen years.
@@AZExpert On mine I didn't take the door frame loose, was able to pull the inner plastic panel and upholstery loose so I could get at the two nuts. The hard part was getting the upholstery back under the door frame edge, used a 3/4" wood chisel to work it back under the frame. All fixed now good for another 10 years.
@@leewelbanks6366 I know this is an old thread but I just have to mention that when I first started shopping for a used Diesel Pusher in 2010, I fell in love with an early 2000’s Beaver Patriot Thunder. The only reason I didn’t buy it was because the prior owners lived in it full time with multiple cats and the smell of cat urine was everywhere. I ended up with a very nice ‘01 Holiday Rambler Endeavor that was garaged and only lightly used. But I’ve never forgotten how beautiful and powerful that Patriot Thunder was! I don’t think I’ve ever seen nicer woodwork in a coach.
Looks like the block below and above the 7/16 nut has a place for a set screw think that might cause the nuts to unscrew without it from opening all the time my opinion
it does look like it, but that block has to float on the rod, and the hole is how the block is mounted to the arm of the latch so it pivots. Thanks for watching!
I have this identical door on my ‘01 Endeavor. I have to slam it in order to engage the 2nd stage latches. I then have to pull fairly hard on the handle to open it and I too don’t have much travel left once it unlatches. So this video is super helpful on how to adjust the two linkages but I’m curious how to adjust the strikers so the door doesn’t require so much force to fully latch closed? Is it like my old Chevy truck where I can put a wrench on the strikers and unscrew them to move them out a little? Thanks for all your videos. I love your content!
Hey James, I have a similar problem with our 2011 Monaco Knight door. I will attempt the process soon based on your info. I also hate the door stop at the top and trying to come up with a better solution for a replacement so if you have a recommendation it would be greatly appreciated. Your vids are great and educational so thanks for all you do!
I need to do this myself ours is giving us grief. One thing that is happening constantly for me is that when you shut the door it will pop back out just a bit, but can still be locked. The issue is it isn’t fulled closed / latched so seems unsafe for travel. Is this a striker adjustment issue or the adjustment rod? Any advice very appreciated. Love your videos as I find the things you post would help me and many of my fellow RVers. Happy New Year.
😂 A miserable experience! 😂 I can relate to that! I just got locked inside my 2011 Ventana... The wind slammed the door shut. I remembered watching this video some time ago and as I was watching it again hoping for a solution, the campground manager was standing at the door to give us a receipt. She simply pulled the handle and the door opened. 🥲😮💨 What a relief! I checked it and everything is fine... I greased it up a few months ago. The door has only one latch/strike bolt. Do you think it also has a rod that should be adjusted? As always great videos!👍
Thank You VERY MUCH for making this video. We have a 2004 HR Ambassador, with the exact same door as you were working on. I now see what I have to do to get the two latches adjusted so they release 1/2 way through the movement of the door handles. With ours, you have to snap it and they only open if you snap hard enough. My wife is locked out 1/2 the time because she sometimes can't snap it hard enough. We also have a problem with the top of the door is about 1/8" from being completely closed when the bottom latch closes completely. I know its from always pushing on the bottom of the door rather than the middle. Can you recommend a safe / easy / recommended way to make both the top and the bottom of the door close at the same time? I am thinking about putting a wooden dowel on the bottom to prevent it from actually latching and slamming the door until the top latches. Then taking a bottle or screw jack and pushing the bottom of the door out until the framework bends back perfectly parallel to the door jam. It is perfectly parallel at the front of the door where the hinges are and 1/8" off at the rear of the door where the strikers are so I don't think hinge adjustment is going to help. I'll give it a couple of days for you to answer before I try this method, just in case there is a better way to get-er-done!!! Our rig is an Ambassador that has been lived in FULL TIME since 2005 when I retired. It has 22,000 miles on the drive train and a million cycles on the door and this is our biggest problem. Again, thanks for the info and for being an experienced RV Tech.
You are very welcome. There is a door jig that can bend a door, but you can do the same thing with a scissor jack and a 4x4 steel tube. I'd try adjusting the latches first. Thanks!
Do you have any info on the older doors with a single latch? My door is stuck shut and won’t open from the inside or outside. I just need to be able to get it open so I can take the door panel off.
Good video! I have the opposite problem which I hesitate to delve into. The entry door on my 2004 Cheetah can be pushed open even though it does go through the two stage lock cycle. Anyone else have this issue?
I know this is a old video but was wondering if you can make a suggestion on my situation? I have a 08 winnebago outlook 31c that has a single latch catch next to the handle mechinism....and it catches a post just like your video. Problem im having is the rv is level but but i need to slam the door to get it fully closed...i can push the door gently and it catches but isnt fully sealed...any ideas? Thanks
the latch should latch twice. If you manually latch the lock, when opened it should click twice. Often, all you have to do is loosen the striker bolt (5/8" I think) and move it and the washed in the eccentric hole toward the exterior about 1/8" or so. That should let the latch double latch.
Could i trouble you to ask what it would cost to get a new fiberglass roof replaced? Approximately of course. Usual suspect front cap and rear cap leak. Or can i put something over top skin to prolong the roof? Im canadian but may go to the states if it is more practicle. How long would that job usually take? Thank you for any advice..
A true gel coat fiberglass roof shouldn't have to be replaced just repaired like a boat hull. Winnebago roofs are a different beast and some tiffins and national products share winnebago design. On a monaco, I would probably recommend rv roof armor which is a spray on bedliner type material rather than a new roof.
@@AZExpert I found the rear bedroom fire escape window had one latch open, was able to force it open enough to undo the latch. Although 6ft tall and only 155lb I have been able to gain access in the past thru thru roof vents after I drill out their rivets and open it up, real tight but doable
Do you have a way we can contact you with a few questions regarding if you know how to change the cylinders on this style of door handle I believe they are trimark.
how do I contact you about a dead bolt on monaco that won't install without binding?? just watched locked out and I have that monaco door and cannot get the new deadbold to go in properly
@@AZExpert yea, factory should'a doubled them up, so ya have a second one compressing on that desired position. First of all it's in a door, where it's gonna rattle, but second of all it's in an RV, where it's gonna rattle all day long for years. Bound to shake loose, eventually.
@@pault1964 there is a lot of truth to that, but it is similar to home builders in that respect. However these entry doors are much more unique to monaco products
Hello, My 2004 Monaco Cayman is showing the same signs and BEFORE I get locked out I looked for this video, you are a TRUE savior now I know what I am doing tomorrow....THANK YOU!!!!!!
I watched this video again, after many years, because I have a 2001 Monaco with the same door. The door is beginning to get a little hard to open, and this video helped a lot. Since it is my coach, I decided to make a small modification by cutting out the part of the door cover where the adjustments are and put a removable cover over them. It might not look as good as a pristine door cover, but, after 24 years, my door cover wasn't all that pristine. And I would rather be able to get in and out of a less than pristine coach than to have to look at a pristine one through the window. I love my Monaco almost as much as you love your Beaver (sorry if that sounds awful). You're the best!
Wanted to let you know that I, for one, truly and sincerely appreciate the videos you do for us. I know it's not easy at times but you're very generous to show us step by step what you're doing and explaining to us systems and how they work. Just thought you need to hear this word of thanks!
Thank you very much for taking the time to let me know. It really means a great deal to me to hear that. I'm equally glad you are enjoying the videos.
Thank you so much. I am dealing with a locked door in my 04 CC Intrigue. Wife and I, plus two dogs were able to get it 400miles back to home by crawling in and out of drivers window. We are in our mid 70s so no easy task! I see what I have to do now to get in! I have watched seemingly 100s of your videos over the last 3 years and learned a lot from each one. I see you running back and fourth to Harrodsburg now. I live about 100 miles west of there. *******
Several times this year!
“Fairly confident RVs do hate me so every day is just a struggle” and “I’m just trying to work on batteries” you just captured my internal monologue perfectly 😂
Believe it or not I just checked my 2002 Monaco after watching your excellent video of adjusting the door locks and found mine to be at the edge of not opening and releasing. And so just before heading back to Florida I will make the fix thanks to you. You saved me from a nightmare, a wife, two cats and a dog most likely locked in or out of the RV! Thank You again!
Glad it helped Good luck!!
Just purchased a 2003 HR Imperial, Have to push in on the door before pulling the handle to get it open, Thanks to you I know I have a problem coming and can make the repair before I get locked in till the black tank is full, and I now have great confidence that I can make the adjustment. still looking for your video on diagnosing a transfer switch issue. ( gen runs, makes power but the transfer switch won't switch). Thank you for all the great videos! they have helped me a lot. JC
This the first video from RV expert
I had the same problem on my 02 Monaco Windsor 😊
Glad it helped
Our ambulances at work do the same thing. That’s exactly how we fix them but we drill holes where the adjustment nuts are and put plugs in the holes. Happens frequently. Nice job.
That's both reassuring that we think alike,
...but also scary to think an ambulance door might not open when really needed. Thanks for watching
I greatly appreciate this! Just noticed mine doing this over the last month and now I can get ahead of the problem. Thank you!
I can't thank you enough. Same problem on my 2006 Monaco Cayman; getting worse and finally JUST managed to get the door open. Total mystery how the mechanism works, but got the panel off so I could see the mechanism around the inside handle. Your video makes it crystal clear what I need to do to adjust the mechanism... thanks so much! I'll be taking the door apart tomorrow when I have a day to work on it, and some warmth to keep my fingers from icing up. If appropriate, I'll update tomorrow with my success (or failure) and how much time it took a total mechanical klutz to do the job!
Please do let us know how it goes. Thank you!
An update... Taking the door apart was a piece of cake, probably only took about 30 minutes. Making the adjustments took a while longer. Getting at the nuts on the rods that work the latch, especially the upper one, was a challenge. It took some time. But finally got the adjustment done, reassembled the door, and now it works just fine. Your video gave me the confidence to attempt the repair, and it was spot-on how to do it!
@@jimsumrall that is fantastic news. Thank you for the update!!
Thank you!! after watching this and the help of my brother in law my door is fixed!!!! after years of putting up with a hard to open door it works like a brand new door. Thanks again
Thanks a lot for the video because I had to break in on my own home just to get in 👍👍🤝
Glad I could help
Thank you so much for making this video. You saved the vacation. My outside latch wouldnt work and locked us out. The inside one worked so we were able to open the door. But your video showed me how to disassemble everything. Our linkage was loose and the handle pin came loose. Was able to reset the handle and adjust the linkage arms.
So now everything works and we can continue the week off. Again, thanks so much.
Great to hear!
Thank you for the video the details and explanation of the door adjustment was great, I was hesitant to do it because it required removing so many parts to get to it but I fallow the video step by step as you show it and I did it. Now the door works perfect after months of frustration opening it. I really appreciated it.
I'm working on my Monaco door on a Holiday Rambler right now, based on your video. Thanks so much for sharing.
Hey you are welcome
I have an 04 Monaco Windsor that is on its last leg of door opening. It opens at the very end of handle travel so I know it won’t be long before I’m locked out. So thanks for this as I’m going to tackle mine this weekend!
Thank you!! My 2006 Windsor door is just about to fail to open as in this video. I've read postings about making adjustments but they were hard to follow so I never took on the challenge of tearing into it. Your video makes everything clear. After writing this I'm going for it! (-: Again, most appreciated!
Followup: After watching the video this morning, I tore into it and now it operates perfectly! It went just as if I had done it many times before; no surprises or mistakes. Can't imagine doing it without your help! You saved me from an extended mess trying to fix it or finding someone who could. THANK YOU!!
Glad it helped
A Big Fat Thank You. (If you want a kiss, I'll send one of those too)
For years the door has been hard to open on our 2007 Monaco, and about three weeks ago it did Not open at all.
A friend watched your video quite a few times. She and her daughter came over today.
Yahoo! Door opens.
Awesome news! LOL
Thank you so much for this video! My 2004 Monaco Camelot door was getting to the point where my wife could not open it from the outside. After watching your video I decided to try to make the adjustments. A lot of screws to remove but not really difficult. Adjusting the rod length made a huge difference. I do believe that the root problem is not the rods stretching but a cam wearing. Taking the slack out of the rods compensates for the cam wear. Also a way to check it before putting everything back together is to manually trip the latch's closed without closing the door, then pull the handle. If the pop open about 2/3 of the pull, you are adjusted.
I'm glad it helped! I just wish they put access covers at the top and bottom latches.
Just finished taking my door apart and adjusting the handle. Mine didn''t seem to be loose at the actual latches, but between the handle and the mechanism that operates the latches. Start to finish, 4 hours, but it sure works well, and fresh lubrication helped also.
Another great video! I am also glad that you post these videos. I have a 1999 Monaco Windsor, it has the same door. I feel the door latch getting close to the end of it stroke when I open the door. Now I know the pain I must endure to adjust the opening handle. I haven't been locked out YET, so it is better to do it now. Almost every time I am on UA-cam; one of your videos catches my eye. As you might have guessed, if I am watching that many videos, I must have "lots" of issues with my coach. Ha, it is true. Anyway, thanks again for posting your videos, I wish I lived closer, I could give you some work.
I have a 2008 HR Scepter. Seems my door requires this adjustment, as well. Grateful you showed me the fix-Thank you so much!
You're welcome
Thank you for your kindness!
It helped me adjust the door on my new to me Monaco Dynasty, it was at the end of the throw on the handle so I disassembled the door tonight and made adjustments as needed!
I also adjusted some of the lower bay doors as the striker was hitting the latch guide before the door was latched and wearing on the guide! If I ever get to the Phoenix area I will look you up and buy lunch! You have helped me already solve some issues!
Thank you sir!
Wonderful!
Hi James. It's so funny, I watched this video last week only because I have an '07 HR Navigator and was curious. Wouldn't you know....today, I go out to the RV to do a little work and I can't get in. The door will not open. I had to crawl in through the driver side slide window and open the door from the inside. So this week, I have yet another project to do......follow your tutorial and take the door apart so I can adjust the linkage. I can tell that this is exactly what is wrong with the door. It's always something but thank goodness you make a video and shared it. I would not known where to start without your video. As always, I love your channel and videos and thank you very much!! Take care.
So glad it helped!!
Your videos have helped me on several of my projects. On our 2006 HR I disassembled the door to install a new door handle. Although it works ok, I'm not sure I put everything back where it belongs. I dread going back in for this adjustment.
That is great news, I'm glad you found some help in my videos. I have the same feeling everytime I close a job up too....not sure if I got everything back. There is a good chance I edited those parts out. Thanks for watching!
One of the most useful videos I’ve used! My door now works like new - thanks.
Awesome!
I was taught to use a bunch of cuss words in situations like this but you always seem to get the job done without them. You are truly amazing...😂
Just fixed my 06 Monaco Diplomat door. Just followed your work exactly. Thanks
Glad it helped
Lol
This happened to me looking at a used Beaver.
My friend a retired RV tech, has the same model, with the same problem as yours.
His instructions worked perfect if locked out.
Stand at the passenger front tire, grasp the handle and quickly pull to the rear of the coach.
Good luck
yes, that is the last fail safe to try. Thanks
Just watched your video again. I'm helping a friend adjust his today and this video is so very helpful. I think I will take some measurements and see where holes could be drilled to adjust. Seems like everything can be lubed without taking the door apart. I adjusted my door again recently and those darn door posts/latches on the frame were not moving. It took a lot of time to get the bottom one moving and I was not sure it was supposed to until watching your video. Thanks so much for sharing this.
Glad it was helpful!
I was looking for something else, but ended up watching this whole video. Great content, bro! Thanks for all the amazing great videos!👍
Awesome! Thanks for watching! :)
I'm going to stop calling you AZ Expert and call your AZ Magician you are truly a magician of your craft, without you and your videos a lot of people would be screwed... Your videos have really given me the courage to buy my first RV and not worry so much about some of the repairs that will be in my future, your simply one of the best of here great job and if I'm ever in AZ I will stop by and buy you lunch and maybe have your replace a roof or something lol I owe at least that!!!!
Thanks I just got locked out of my 2001 Monaco this answered my questions
It will help us - thanks ! Our door opens from the inside only now. The outside handle has gotten worse and worse over the course of several months until now it doesn’t work at all.
Thanks.....I have the adjustment problem and did not know about the adjustment or how to take the door panel apart..... Many thanks
Very Welcome
Gary F Hawthorne
Thanks for the video, I will check my 05 Monaco Diplomat before it will not open. It looked like a lot of
rust on that latch. I think I will lube mine
Good luck!
Thank you for all your holiday rambler /Monaco videos, I have a 2004 holiday rambler endeavor I’m also an aircraft mechanic and I spend a lot of time fixing poor designs and factory screw ups. I hope the industry has improved there design and built-in more quality because the price of these things just keeps going up and up. All these early 2000 diesel pushers where fairly decent rigs but they’re showing their age bad nowadays good for you bad for the owner operator.
they did not get better
@@AZExpert Yeah that’s kinda what I figured guess my next bus will be a nice used Prevost or an older Newell, I’m from Washington state so I’m very familiar with slide see leaks...
you are very welcome!
I have this problem right now, cannot get in but can get out, I climbed thru the window to get back in, I have,a man coming this,Wednesday. I learned alot and fixed a situation along. Time ag and knew the rods to the striker needs,adjustment
Good luck!
Fixed it my self no problems
Thanks for doing the videos,on top of doing full time work and responding to people like me.
Thank you for he support and watching!
What a project! Access panels would be a bonus for sure.
If it were my coach I would make some panels for sure!
I just want to greet you from Germany and thank you for your videos. I drive a 2003 Holiday Rambler Imperial 38 PTS , imported from Arizona and refittet to match German laws. And a few days ago i ran into the exact same problem, the door wouldnt unlock as we were inside. Luckily it took some wiggling form inside n out at the same time (i had to crawl out a window to pull the handle from outside and one did the job from the inside) Now that i know what to do to fix the problem, i will try it the way you showed! LG Mark
Do you have a channel? I'd really like to see that in Germany. That is very impressive.
@@AZExpert Thx for your answer! No, we dont have our own channel, but Videographer Sven of the channel "GermanTelevision" did this video of us : ua-cam.com/video/P4InSJBUV2k/v-deo.html
I am the guy doin most of the talking , Mark, and Georg is the shy guy on the passenger side couch , try to be invisible ;-)
I dont think i could be able to walk n talk n film n edit AND make sense.. so my highest respects to you!
But since i now found you: You dont happen to have a video showing in detail how to change the springs in Carefree slideout toppers? I have two broken springs, which i deinstalled . One friend had them manufactured using the old onesas examples, now we just have to install them and make sure to have the right tension.... Funfact: In the vid i say : "No i never had a problem with them" .. and one winter later, i have two out of three broken ;-)
BTW: The video was taped in a rv park at the river Mosel , during a meeting of american motorhomes in October 2020. We are members of a forum for american rvs and meet occasionally
I today used the example you gave and adjusted my rv front door.. works like a charm! thx again for the help, greets from Germany, Mark
Interesting situation there. My best buddy has a 03 HR Imperial with that same setup so I'll be sending him this video so he can address it before it happens to him! Thanks for posting this. And Merry Christmas, James!
Merry Christmas to you too. I hope it helps your buddy if he needs it.
Thank you. I will be replacing the outside handle upon return home and leaving the driver side window unlocked until I get there. The hardest part is opening the door frame which you covered beautifully. Your videos are awesome. Thanks for doing them!
Thank you
Truly appreciate all your videos. We are learning so much! TY!👍
I am happy to hear they are helping. Thank you!!
Like, subscribed, commented. I dont remember the last time ive done that. I even hit the bell icon. This was super helpful. My door is about to break and this motivated me to adjust it before I am locked out. I have to push the door in while opening.
Thanks for the great explanation!!!
Awesome! Thank you!
I have the same issue on my 2002 Monaco Windsor. I thought it was the key less entry messing with me. Then I tried adjusting the strike bolt but now I see what I have to do. Thank you.
Good luck. I hope it works!
Thank you so much, having the same problem on my '05 Monaco Cayman, opens from the inside, but not the outside. I adjusted the linkage between the outside handle and main linkages. But both handles are at max when it releases. Now that everything is back together, I'll take it all back apart and adjust the main linkages and that should do it, for a wile anyway.
I'm really happy to hear it helps. Good luck!
Couldn't get into my 2006 Monaco Knight today, and it was 35⁰. Guess what I'll be doing tomorrow.. 😑
Thanks for all the videos!!
You are welcome! :) Thanks for watching!
@@AZExpert Got it done today! I closed each latch and tightened nut until it released the latch then backed the nut off 1/2 turn on both. Works like a charm. I can open it with 1 finger!
Glad there wasnt a fire ,,,,,,, i cant see me jumping out a window ,,,, Happy new year buddy
Indeed. I also tell owners to leave at least one window unlocked....just in case this happens.
@@AZExpert my winnebago has the ecape indows with the 2 orange clips so if there is a fire or MVA you can still get out ,,, just thinking if the rv went on its side you have no door to exit ,,,
@@13yearsaprepperr.jtilbury.51 All RVs are required to have an emergency exit window too. Some large sliding windows meet the requirement for exits, but yes I could imagine someone struggling way too long trying to open this front door in an emergency. Thanks!
@@AZExpert Just a thought My lincon town car has a little plastic tag in the Trunk its a wire that hooks onto the linkage incase someone puts you in the Trunk It wouldnt be hard (Or expensive to have a little Pull tab so WHEN THIS HAPPENS AGAIN they could get out ,,, Great vid , keep them commin ,
OH whats the dogs name you are riding at the end of the Vid ,,,,,,MUST EAT A LOT !
This video saved me!!! Fixed my problem 100% Thank you AZ Expert
Awesome to hear!
Good video, thanks James. Happy trails!
Thanks 👍
Well, on my gas unit, I only have one striker, and no doubt 2 strikers would be a lot better set up😫.
One time I was in a campsite and had to level my coach and some how the frame was a little twisted. Yep, couldn’t open the door, had to re-level again then the door opened normal.
I’m wondering when you got in the coach if you would have jacked up the front end to different levels you may have had a better chance to open the door. At least then it would have been easier to work adjusting the latches. Great job anyhow, enjoyed the video👍.
I'm not sure a single is worse than a double, it's much less complicated. Thanks for watching
James you are the man! Thank you so much for sharing with us out in UA-cam land!
Just one little observation. I see those are nylock nuts on the end of those rods. It seems by how easily you turned them that they could be turn over time and becoming loose. Now they tried to do the right thing using the nylock nuts. Maybe when they get older, it's time to double nut them. That way they won't loosen as they vibrate going down the road. Just a thought. Tell me what you think in the comments down below. 🤣😂🤣 Sorry, I've always wanted to say that. 🤪
yes its a good thought, the nylocks seemed to be holding well though
The door does not have to come apart. Same thing happened to me. I drilled a sink plug sized hole approximately 8.5" below the deadbolt knob, and 4.5" in from the edge of the door panel. This gives perfect access to the adjustment, and just push a SS sink plug back into the hole. Looks like it's supposed to be there.
That's a good option too, not every owner would let me do that, but I think Monaco should have from the start too.
Great info. Thank you! Just bought a 2009 La Palma and the door is really hard to open, but I think it's due to it also being very hard to shut. It never shuts correctly unless I get it close to being closed and push firmly from outside at the lower latch. Slamming the door causes the latches to not catch and it'll sometimes bounce back open. Once shut it's so tight the kids can't open it. Have lubed the latches themselves, but I don't fully understand why the door is so tight. Unlatching also occurs at the end of the handle pull so I think there's two issues.
I'm thinking about drilling a hole where those adjustments are and 3D printing plugs to go in the holes so that there's no door disassembly required.
the strikers might be in too much too
In the time I worked on industrial machine tools. It was said that if the "engineers" had to work on it , it would be different.
LOL
Very interesting.
Looks like a pain in the ***.
But someone has to do it. Even though mine is a 98. It does look familiar.. dreading this happening.. but at least i know what I'll be getting into. Lol
Thank you
It's not the worse job, I just had not planned on it...and it would be a simple job if there were access panels at the latches. Thanks for watching I'm sure yours should be fine if it hasn't done it by now.
Thank you very much!!! Have a new to me 04 HR and love all your video keep up the good work
Thank you so much. I am glad to hear you enjoy them.
So my take away on yet another great video is, that once the door latch starts to become difficult to release you should either have the linkage adjusted or do it your self before you get locked out.
Thank you, it won't be too long before I will have to do mine.
Hey! You are most welcome!
@@AZExpert Thanks again, I did mine today. Thank You Thank you thank you! Works very nice.
Looks like the throttle linkage on my Mercedes 300SD. LOL !!
Ha!
Good review thanks 😊
You are so funny!! I know you prob don't mean to be, but I just about choked on my morning coffee when you said - I'm fixing the batteries😅🤣😂whenever my bff and I do one of my hairbrained projects, he always says: well Jane, let's see what we gotta do to drain this swamp...🤣😂
I do try to have fun and humor. I'm glad to hear you enjoyed the video!
Well done !!!
Great video as usual. I have a recently new to me 2007 Monaco Dynasty. The previous owner removed the lower stricker post, I'm guess because of problems getting in. Would you know where I migth find a post? I'd like to get it back the way it's suppose to be. TIA
With my 06 Patriot Thunder the door latch is about at the end of it's travel, tomorrow I will take her apart and tighten up the two 7/16 nuts a bit and lube up all the moving parts, should be good for another fifteen years.
good luck, I hope it helps
@@AZExpert On mine I didn't take the door frame loose, was able to pull the inner plastic panel and upholstery loose so I could get at the two nuts. The hard part was getting the upholstery back under the door frame edge, used a 3/4" wood chisel to work it back under the frame. All fixed now good for another 10 years.
@@leewelbanks6366 I know this is an old thread but I just have to mention that when I first started shopping for a used Diesel Pusher in 2010, I fell in love with an early 2000’s Beaver Patriot Thunder. The only reason I didn’t buy it was because the prior owners lived in it full time with multiple cats and the smell of cat urine was everywhere. I ended up with a very nice ‘01 Holiday Rambler Endeavor that was garaged and only lightly used. But I’ve never forgotten how beautiful and powerful that Patriot Thunder was! I don’t think I’ve ever seen nicer woodwork in a coach.
Looks like the block below and above the 7/16 nut has a place for a set screw think that might cause the nuts to unscrew without it from opening all the time my opinion
it does look like it, but that block has to float on the rod, and the hole is how the block is mounted to the arm of the latch so it pivots. Thanks for watching!
You did a great job on that good video
Thank you!
I have this identical door on my ‘01 Endeavor. I have to slam it in order to engage the 2nd stage latches. I then have to pull fairly hard on the handle to open it and I too don’t have much travel left once it unlatches. So this video is super helpful on how to adjust the two linkages but I’m curious how to adjust the strikers so the door doesn’t require so much force to fully latch closed? Is it like my old Chevy truck where I can put a wrench on the strikers and unscrew them to move them out a little? Thanks for all your videos. I love your content!
the striker bolts do have some movement yes but of course door slamming will change it quickly.
You rock.....helped me
Hey James,
I have a similar problem with our 2011 Monaco Knight door. I will attempt the process soon based on your info.
I also hate the door stop at the top and trying to come up with a better solution for a replacement so if you have a recommendation it would be greatly appreciated. Your vids are great and educational so thanks for all you do!
I need to do this myself ours is giving us grief. One thing that is happening constantly for me is that when you shut the door it will pop back out just a bit, but can still be locked. The issue is it isn’t fulled closed / latched so seems unsafe for travel. Is this a striker adjustment issue or the adjustment rod? Any advice very appreciated. Love your videos as I find the things you post would help me and many of my fellow RVers. Happy New Year.
It helped me! Thanks
It sure helped me - thank you.
Glad it helped!
😂 A miserable experience! 😂 I can relate to that!
I just got locked inside my 2011 Ventana...
The wind slammed the door shut.
I remembered watching this video some time ago and as I was watching it again hoping for a solution, the campground manager was standing at the door to give us a receipt. She simply pulled the handle and the door opened. 🥲😮💨 What a relief!
I checked it and everything is fine... I greased it up a few months ago.
The door has only one latch/strike bolt.
Do you think it also has a rod that should be adjusted?
As always great videos!👍
the slider hole is to bug at 4:44 think it lost a shim there , i know that hold is there as a slider but think you should have fixed it right
There are lots of issues with this RV, mechanics can only repair what is asked for and give advice.
Damned impressive!
Thanks.
helpful video!
Glad it was helpful!
Thank You VERY MUCH for making this video. We have a 2004 HR Ambassador, with the exact same door as you were working on. I now see what I have to do to get the two latches adjusted so they release 1/2 way through the movement of the door handles. With ours, you have to snap it and they only open if you snap hard enough. My wife is locked out 1/2 the time because she sometimes can't snap it hard enough. We also have a problem with the top of the door is about 1/8" from being completely closed when the bottom latch closes completely. I know its from always pushing on the bottom of the door rather than the middle. Can you recommend a safe / easy / recommended way to make both the top and the bottom of the door close at the same time? I am thinking about putting a wooden dowel on the bottom to prevent it from actually latching and slamming the door until the top latches. Then taking a bottle or screw jack and pushing the bottom of the door out until the framework bends back perfectly parallel to the door jam. It is perfectly parallel at the front of the door where the hinges are and 1/8" off at the rear of the door where the strikers are so I don't think hinge adjustment is going to help. I'll give it a couple of days for you to answer before I try this method, just in case there is a better way to get-er-done!!! Our rig is an Ambassador that has been lived in FULL TIME since 2005 when I retired. It has 22,000 miles on the drive train and a million cycles on the door and this is our biggest problem. Again, thanks for the info and for being an experienced RV Tech.
You are very welcome. There is a door jig that can bend a door, but you can do the same thing with a scissor jack and a 4x4 steel tube. I'd try adjusting the latches first. Thanks!
@@AZExpert Thanks for the replay. I'll GENTLY try the scissor jack and a 4x4. Thanks again.
Do you have any info on the older doors with a single latch? My door is stuck shut and won’t open from the inside or outside. I just need to be able to get it open so I can take the door panel off.
Thank you good video
excellent help thank you! ThomyT
You are most welcome
very helpful. Thank you.
You're welcome!
One of our entry door springs broke, cannot find where,or how to replace spring. 2003 cheetah safari...any diagrams available?
My door looks just like yours in the vid. BTW, the doors will act up if rv not level. Happens to me alot lol as one of my javks don't hold compression
Google is your friend
I'm going to take a look at my 2001 door and grease the components before it happen to me too. 😁
Good luck!
Hope they payed you well.
Sometimes
Good video! I have the opposite problem which I hesitate to delve into. The entry door on my 2004 Cheetah can be pushed open even though it does go through the two stage lock cycle. Anyone else have this issue?
It would be easier to cut the brackets off and find a new way to lock the door! Kinda sucks that I just bought a Monaco with an inoperable door!
I know this is a old video but was wondering if you can make a suggestion on my situation? I have a 08 winnebago outlook 31c that has a single latch catch next to the handle mechinism....and it catches a post just like your video.
Problem im having is the rv is level but but i need to slam the door to get it fully closed...i can push the door gently and it catches but isnt fully sealed...any ideas? Thanks
the latch should latch twice. If you manually latch the lock, when opened it should click twice. Often, all you have to do is loosen the striker bolt (5/8" I think) and move it and the washed in the eccentric hole toward the exterior about 1/8" or so. That should let the latch double latch.
Could i trouble you to ask what it would cost to get a new fiberglass roof replaced? Approximately of course. Usual suspect front cap and rear cap leak. Or can i put something over top skin to prolong the roof?
Im canadian but may go to the states if it is more practicle. How long would that job usually take?
Thank you for any advice..
A true gel coat fiberglass roof shouldn't have to be replaced just repaired like a boat hull. Winnebago roofs are a different beast and some tiffins and national products share winnebago design. On a monaco, I would probably recommend rv roof armor which is a spray on bedliner type material rather than a new roof.
Was hoping to see how to bust in a locked and all widows locked senerio
Call a locksmith unless you want some costly repairs
@@AZExpert I found the rear bedroom fire escape window had one latch open, was able to force it open enough to undo the latch.
Although 6ft tall and only 155lb I have been able to gain access in the past thru thru roof vents after I drill out their rivets and open it up, real tight but doable
How did u break thru the driver's side window?
I'm locked out right now and would love to know how you did it?
usually a putty knife will break the latch on the window.
Do you have a way we can contact you with a few questions regarding if you know how to change the cylinders on this style of door handle I believe they are trimark.
I have an email listed on my main page and I try to get to all of them, but I'm only one guy
how do I contact you about a dead bolt on monaco that won't install without binding?? just watched locked out and I have that monaco door and cannot get the new deadbold to go in properly
I am in the east valley of Phoenix. You can send me an email to azrvexpert@gmail.com
A little lock tite on the threads would have helped keep them there.
They are nylock nuts, the linkages and latches wear and stretch.
@@AZExpert yea, factory should'a doubled them up, so ya have a second one compressing on that desired position. First of all it's in a door, where it's gonna rattle, but second of all it's in an RV, where it's gonna rattle all day long for years. Bound to shake loose, eventually.
It's ALWAYS something, right?
RVs really just seem to be an eternal project for me at least. Thanks!
Replace with a house door 😀
Could be a lot of wind noise though
Your firm should be called the last resort
I hope it's because I am the last resort...not the firm that would be the last resort after everyone else. :) thanks for watching
Your knowledge is amazing but most RV manufacturers use the same parts
@@pault1964 there is a lot of truth to that, but it is similar to home builders in that respect. However these entry doors are much more unique to monaco products
Thank you for replying
No thank you!
:)