Cougar Door Latch

Dorsey · 06-24-2021, 08:23 PM

My 2020 Cougar 29MBS has what I believe to be a Euro Latch, a vertical handle door lock. It sounds dumb but I can never figure out how to unlock and spend way too much time every time I try to unlock it. It also locks on its own when we close the door, very concerning. Does anyone else have this issue or can explain to me how to unlock the darn door?

jwfrede · 06-26-2021, 03:26 AM

Just picked up my 27SGS 2020 leftover 10 days ago. Probably same latch.

The top keyhole is a deadbolt. So you turn the key and then reverse to lock or unlock. Clockwise to lock. CC to unlock. Key slot always ends vertical. Bottom hole changes from horizontal(locked) to vertical(unlocked).

Top of handle pulls out. Bottom is pivot point.

Dorsey · 06-26-2021, 05:20 AM

Thanks jwfrede. One thing I forgot to mention is that I unlock the bottom (I can hear latch and the pull handle releases) then I unlock the deadbolt (can hear that latch as well) but then the unlocking of the deadbolt locks the bottom handle. If I do the deadbolt first, and then unlock bottom lock, The deadbolt locks. So, then I basically start the whole process over again until I’m absolutely frustrated and then by my hundredth time the door magically opens. But then when we close the door again, it locks on its own and here we are again fighting the door. My husband and I are at a loss. I called a tech and they think that it may have something to do with the strike plate or hinges. We are going to see if we can adjust anything today ourselves. I’ll update.

**flybouy** · 06-26-2021, 06:47 AM

Leave the door open and try it. That way the strike plate won't be involved.

Life-in-Him · 06-26-2021, 10:43 AM

We have had a similar problem.

What we found as flyboy mentioned is strike plate related.

We just push & hold the door @ the top & to the left of the handle assembly & pull the handle.

A little lube on the striker plate helps for awhile.

It's now starting on the back door also.

We live in our rig & 28,000 miles, 25 states, & 20 months it gets old when DW can't open the door & i can, so I just get out the White Grease & put a little dab on it for another month or so.

Wipe off the old.

Maybe use a fingernail file to remove any burs

**flybouy** · 06-26-2021, 10:55 AM

I would not use white lithium grease as it will hold dirt. Bees wax, graphite powder, or silicone spray won't attract dirt and won't stain your clothing if you happen to rub against it.

Dorsey · 06-26-2021, 12:26 PM

Thanks!! We tested as flybouy suggested and could quickly tell it was strike plate related. We shifted the plate out further and it seems to be working. Good idea on adding wax or grease I think I’ll give that a try.

retired school dude · 06-27-2021, 03:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dorsey

My 2020 Cougar 29MBS has what I believe to be a Euro Latch, a vertical handle door lock. It sounds dumb but I can never figure out how to unlock and spend way too much time every time I try to unlock it. It also locks on its own when we close the door, very concerning. Does anyone else have this issue or can explain to me how to unlock the darn door?

We have the same model (29MBS), same problem with door lock / latch.

I adjusted strike plate when trailer was level. All is well.

When trailer is slightly off level, sometimes we have to push in on door just above the lock to get it to disengage the strike plate.

Life-in-Him · 06-28-2021, 06:54 PM

Thsnks, will do the Bees wax thing. Might try candle wax also.

Just used what we had on hand since our rig is our home whenever wherever it is.

sierraman68 · 06-28-2021, 08:43 PM

Same problem on my 2020 25RES. I had to completely realign and remount the strike plate. Before the remount I discovered that the door was not even latching at all.

**flybouy** · 06-29-2021, 04:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Life-in-Him

Thsnks, will do the Bees wax thing. Might try candle wax also.

Just used what we had on hand since our rig is our home whenever wherever it is.

Candle wax is fine as is paraffin wax (same thing) or if you don't have wax handy a rub a bar of soap on the plate.

Camping family · 06-29-2021, 05:42 AM

Same problem on my 2020 29rks. I found the striker plate was installed backwards. Works better now I have no problem with it but the wife can’t ever open the door.

formyfelinebabies · 07-04-2021, 08:02 AM

I have the same lock and issues, I just push on door to lock/unlock and I’m ok. BUT I would love to replace it with a keyless touchpad lock. I haven’t found any that will fit this lock. Has anyone else look for or find one?

sgildner · 07-04-2021, 08:14 AM

I’ve looked forever and can’t find a replacement. I hate the Euro handles, I have all the same problems as the others and rarely can the kids open the door.

Camping family · 07-04-2021, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by formyfelinebabies

I have the same lock and issues, I just push on door to lock/unlock and I’m ok. BUT I would love to replace it with a keyless touchpad lock. I haven’t found any that will fit this lock. Has anyone else look for or find one?

I have looked all over. I even contacted some dealers and was told because this handle is new they have not been any keyless pads made yet.
If anyone knows of one please post I sure there are many like me that would like one.

**JRTJH** · 07-04-2021, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Camping family

I have looked all over. I even contacted some dealers and was told because this handle is new they have not been any keyless pads made yet.
If anyone knows of one please post I sure there are many like me that would like one.

I don't know of any locksets that will fit your door. You might contact Lippert customer service to ask them. They manufactured the door.

Camping family · 07-04-2021, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JRTJH

I don't know of any locksets that will fit your door. You might contact Lippert customer service to ask them. They manufactured the door.

There are none. I contacted lippert they told me since it’s a new style none have been made yet.

apachewolf · 07-04-2021, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flybouy

I would not use white lithium grease as it will hold dirt. Bees wax, graphite powder, or silicone spray won't attract dirt and won't stain your clothing if you happen to rub against it.

Very good advise!

And it works! We use silicone as it seems to last longer. Even the door latches at the house at home get it.

rlh1957 · 07-04-2021, 02:15 PM

NOPE, no such animal.
Nobody makes a replacement digital or alternative lock for these crap ‘Euro’ handle locks! The should have left the design in Euro.

Keystone used these for one half the production year in 2020, so all 2020’s don’t have it. 2019 don’t have them and 2021’s don’t have them. Piece of crap and we are left with no alternative because of the low use of them you won’t find any after market makers tool up to make a digital lock.
And Keystone is like “oh well”, you can buy a new door!

**JRTJH** · 07-04-2021, 02:32 PM

Have you considered fabricating two plates to rivet to the door, one outside, one inside and then cut those plates to fit a conventional "digital door lock" ???

If done carefully, the plates could be shaped to enhance the door rather than appear as a "block of metal to cover a hole"....

It would take some thought, some "artistic ability" and some work to build the required parts, but the end result would probably be much better than "empty anger at Keystone".....

You may also like: