What Direction Do You Face The Strike Plate When Installing On RV Door Frame

Published 04/05/2022

Question:

Our existing strike plate is installed with the solid part on the top of the hole and we have a hard time shutting the door I think because of the bent metal that folds into the latch hole is facing the outside so it adds just a tad extra depth that the door must close for the latch to clear that space. In your photos, it shows the solid part at the bottom of the hole. Ive read in a forum where another RVer with a Lippert door and Grand Design rig had theirs the same way as mine and when they flipped it, the door closed easily. However, flipping it requires creating new holes where the one of the old ones will be visible above the strike plate OR cutting the strike plate in a couple of places to allow it to fit and the deadbolt to clear the plate. Neither are ideal. I wrote Lippert and they say my latch is installed correctly, but Im having a hard time reconciling that with your photo of what appears to be the same plate just installed upside down. Can you tell me which way is right?

asked by: Ryan

Expert Reply:

I understand your frustration, I can help you out with this.

**Global Link Replacement Strike Plate for RV Entry Doors - Steel # 295-000022.

If your strike plate is like the one above I suggest mounting it with the hole closer to the top of the plate. Like you see in our photos. You want the lip on the outside to face away from the inside of the camper.

If you have to drill new holes you can fill them with a non leveling sealant that you can paint to match, once it dries.

expert reply by: David B