Best RV Door Holders: Hold Your Door Open with Ease

Keep the doors of your RV secure with these latches

byAndra DelMonico, Nikola Petrovski|
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BYAndra DelMonico, Nikola Petrovski/ LAST UPDATED ON March 30, 2020

Do you have a door in your RV that just won’t stay open? It could be the main door into your RV or a cabinet or compartment door that tries to swing close every time you open it. A reliable latch will keep the door out of your way while you’re working. This will reduce the risk of damage to the door and whatever you’re moving through the open doorway. Check out these latches as possible solutions for your RV door.

Best Overall
Red Hound Auto Trailer T-Style Entry Door Catch

Red Hound Auto Trailer T-Style Entry Door Catch

Summary

This T-style door catch comes with one arm and one catch side. The latch is made of premium rust-resistant stainless steel. The mounting bases are 3 inches by 1.75 inches. The arm is 4 inches long. 

Pros

The installation is easy with pre-drilled holes for bolting onto your RV. The stainless steel construction makes it tough and corrosion-resistant. 

Cons

The mounting hardware doesn’t come with the latch. There is no space for adjustment clearance, so the door and your RV need to be perfectly aligned for this latch to work. 

Best Value

Hamilton Bowes 2 Pack: RV T-Style Door Holder Catch

Summary

These durable plastic T-style RV door holders are a direct replacement of OEM latches. They measure 3.5 inches. They come as a set of two. 

Pros

The plastic construction makes them blend into the look of your RV, so you don’t have that tough industrial look. The direct OEM replacement means it’ll fit into the existing latch space. 

Cons

Mounting hardware doesn’t come with these latches. The plastic construction makes them not as durable as other options. 

Honorable Mention

JR Products Low Profile Bumper Door Holder

Summary

A low profile option is this polymer plastic bumper style door holder. It has a polymer plastic stem and rubber socket. It measures 1.5 inches tall by 1.25 inches in diameter.  

Pros

The black color won’t fade in the sun, so it’ll look great for years to come. The mounting screws are included, which makes installation easy. 

Cons

You may find the rubber and plastic hard to separate once you open and latch the door. The fit is very tight. It also needs to be perfectly aligned straight on or it’ll struggle to work. 

Benefits of RV Door Holders

  • Reduce damage. Constantly holding doors open to move furniture or get around can be a hassle. You also don’t want doors flinging open on you while you drive around or park the RV. They can damage your walls, the door, and items around the door. The best door holder will reduce or prevent damage around the RV by holding them in place.
  • Increase safety. Doors without holders can shut on their own and hit you or passengers who walk by. Getting smacked by a door is unpleasant, so having high-quality door holders is important. They keep entrance doors open so you can walk by unharmed. They also allow you to freely pass by without having to take the time to open them if your hands are full.
  • Improve mobility. Being able to maneuver throughout the RV without worrying about opening doors makes things a bit easier. If you’re carrying something in both hands, you can simply walk through the doorway without putting the item down. 

Types of RV Door Holders

Latches

An RV door latch comes in two parts to hold the door open. One attaches to the front of the door while the other connects to the side of the RV or a wall. The piece on the door includes a rod that hooks into the piece on the wall. Once connected, the door will remain open until the latch is detached. These are the most common type of RV door holders and are simple to install.

Bumpers

An RV door bumper is inserted beneath the door to hold it open at the desired position. This can be spring-loaded or made out of rubber. They prevent the door from slamming or rubbing against the side or walls of the recreation vehicle. These tend to be much cheaper, as they are easier to design and don’t last quite as long.

Top Brands

JR Products

JR Products was established in 1970 by John Roba. The company began in the basement of the Roba family, selling just six products. Today, it manufactures more than 1,000 premium pieces of equipment for RV owners. These include replacement parts and hardware and accessories. One of its best RV door holders is the JR Products Low Profile Bumper Door Holder.

Red Hound Auto

The Red Hound Auto company manufactures accessories and equipment for more than just RVs. You’ll find a number of items fit for homes, auto, beauty supplies, and just about anything you can imagine. Its main focus is creating high-quality accessories for RVers and car enthusiasts, with one of its door holders being the Red Hound Auto Trailer T-Style Entry Door Catch.

RV Door Holder Pricing

  • $5-$20: This is the standard price range you will be looking at if you need a new RV door holder. You can find both latches and bumpers here to better protect your RV, doors, and passengers.
  • $20 and up: If you find holders over $20, you will be paying in bulk or for more durable material. These can range from stainless steel to a premium chrome finish that won’t rust.

Key Features

Material

You should consider an RV door holder that is durable and is long-lasting. Cheap plastic ones won’t do the trick if you constantly use the front door. If you are looking at a latch system, we recommend ones developed out of stainless steel or chrome. Stainless steel is heavier and more reliable. It is finished with a coating that won’t rust in the weather. Chrome tends to be lighter and is also rust-resistant.

Design

Choosing the door holder design is mainly based on preference. Latches are handy to have around but take a few seconds to hook up. You can’t just open the door and let it fall into place. You have to physically connect the latch in order for the door to remain open. It’s not difficult but adds an extra step. Bumpers catch the door and hold it in place but may not necessarily last as long due to their rubber design.

Other Considerations

  • Compatibility: You need to be sure the latch fits your old latch before making a final purchase. All latches come with screw holes and a certain number of screws. If the new latch you are looking at has more than your old one, you will need to drill new holes into the door.

Best RV Door Holder Reviews & Recommendations 2020

This high-quality latch based RV door holder ensures your door stays in place when you need it to. The T-style door catch comes with one arm and one catch side. The latch is made of premium rust-resistant stainless steel. It comes with a mounting base that measures 3 inches by 1.75 inches and includes a 4-inch arm.


One of the best benefits of this latch door holder is you can install it by yourself. The installation is easy, as the kit comes with pre-drilled holes for bolting onto your RV. Plus, its stainless steel construction makes it tough and corrosion-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about it rusting in the weather.


You may encounter one problem with this latch when installing it yourself and you will need some tools to make the job a bit easier. There is no space for adjustment clearance, so the door and your RV needs to be perfectly aligned for this latch to work. Plus, the mounting hardware is not included.

These two RV door catchers fit firmly and easily on your door. The set includes durable plastic T-style RV door holders that are a direct replacement of OEM latches, so there’s no need to worry about extra screw holes or drilling into your door. They’ll fit into the existing latch space without a problem. 


Each measures 3.5 inches long. You won’t even notice they latches are on the door, as they blend right in. Their plastic construction matches the look of your RV, so you don’t have that tough industrial look. They are also waterproof and won’t corrode in the rain.


There are a few things to make note of when it comes to these latches. First, the mounting hardware is not included with these latches, so you will have to buy your own. Also, their plastic construction makes them not as durable as other options. The kit does not come with extra screws.

If you’re after a more simplistic look and style for your RV, then this JR Products Low Profile Bumper Door Holder is designed for you. This low profile bumper is built out of a polymer plastic for extra durability. It has a polymer plastic stem and rubber socket. It measures 1.5 inches tall by 1.5 inches in diameter.


It’s compact and sits just out of sight so you won’t notice it at all. Plus, its black color won’t fade in the sun, weather, or cold, so it’ll look great for years to come. You also get the complete mounting kit with included screws to install it more easily and quickly. The bumper fits firmly into the holder and won’t scratch or dent your RV.


You will notice a few downsides with this particular bumper, however. You may find that the rubber and plastic is difficult to separate once you open and latch the door to the motorhome, as the fit is very tight and secure. You will also need a tape measure, as the components need to be perfectly aligned or it’ll struggle to work.

Tips

  • Think about where the latch will get installed to determine what type of latch you should use. Some latches are better meant for outdoor use, while others look better for indoor use. 
  • Measure the area where you plan to install the latch. Make sure you have enough room to install each base and that the latch arm is long enough. You may find that you need a latch with a bent arm to accommodate the space available. 
  • Pay attention to whether or not mounting hardware comes with the latch. You’ll need screws or bolts to hold the latch in place. Typically, each base of the latch requires four mounting screws, so you’ll need eight total. 

FAQs

Q: Should I choose OEM or aftermarket door holders?

A: The answer depends on your personal preference. If you want to keep your RV looking like new and true to the original, then you want the OEM replacement. Sometimes buying aftermarket is an upgrade to the OEM part. This can happen with latches as they tend to be made of cheaper plastic from the manufacturer. Upgrading to a higher grade plastic or metal can provide more durability. 

Q: Should I care if it’s spring-loaded? 

A: You don’t have to have a spring for the latch to work. Having a spring can make the latch more secure. The spring prevents the latch from popping open in more extreme weather or when stress gets applied to the latch. If you RV in a place where the wind can get aggressive, then a spring-loaded latch can be the smarter choice. 

Q: How do I install my new latch?

A: Remove the old bracket and clean the area. Remove any old residue or sealant that may remain. Check that your new hardware fits and that the screw holes line up. If they line up, use them. If they don’t, you’ll need to drill new holes. Use a sealant, such as an outdoor caulk, to fill the hole and weatherize the area. Install the bracket by holding it to your RV and install the screws until the latch is secure. 

Final Thoughts

The Red Hound Auto Trailer T-Style Entry Door Catch will provide you with a secure hold as well as corrosion resistance.

The Hamilton Bowes 2 Pack: RV T-Style Door Holder Catch provides an attractive and affordable direct OEM replacement.

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Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.

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