Surprising Bar Soap Trick to Help Open Stuck RV Door

Published
Open door on RV

Travel Guides Outdoor Adventures Camping

Edwin Tan /Getty Images



 Hilary I. Lebow

Troubleshooting a stuck RV door

hand holding bar of soap

The reason that soap works so well is that it acts as a lubricant on the metal latch. You can also use dish soap, vaseline, or zipper lubricant for the same effect. A step up from that would be a chemical spray that works fast to remove grime from surfaces, which could be obstructing movement. To get the job done, you could try some good old WD40 or some Camco Slide Out Lube, which is formulated for RVs and can be used on several parts, like hinges, rollers, and brakes.

When you have a chance, examine the parts around your door to see if any quick adjustments are needed. You’ll want to look for loose screws or handles in three places: around the latch, the screen door, and the strike plate. If any of the screws are off-kilter, it could make the whole door more difficult to open and close. Should you spot something out of place, go ahead and use any Phillips screwdriver to tighten the parts. Another option is to adjust your stairs so they drop down a little bit, freeing up the space between your door and the first step. Once the door mystery is solved, you can get back on the road and enjoy your next RV adventure.



Dave Pennells

By Dave Pennells

Dave Pennells, MS, has contributed his expertise as a career consultant and training specialist across various fields for over 15 years. At City University of Seattle, he offers personal career counseling and conducts workshops focused on practical job search techniques, resume creation, and interview skills. With a Master of Science in Counseling, Pennells specializes in career consulting, conducting career assessments, guiding career transitions, and providing outplacement services. Her professional experience spans multiple sectors, including banking, retail, airlines, non-profit organizations, and the aerospace industry. Additionally, since 2001, he has been actively involved with the Career Development Association of Australia.