Dennis
Depending on how old your Alaskan is, that will have something to do with the wear & tear on the locking mechanism.
I had a late 60's (I think?) for a couple years and then a 1976 C/O 8' on my truck right now. With that in mind, I can't comment on the newer campers but I would suspect teflon/plastic or other components may have different parts in them.
So, with those disclaimers in mind, here goes:
1) if the locking mech. is loose then you will have to fab up a work-around to mount it securely. Longer, fatter screws or maybe a threaded screw, washer & locknuts would be needed to mount it.
2) I believe you will find a collection of dried grease, dead bugs and some components being worn down. You might find a replacement lock mech. and use it or just salvage parts and make one GOOD one out of the parts.
3) after a good soaking in a solvent of your choice, an old toothbrush, small tools (like an old dentist pick) and others will get yours like new. Then lubricate with something for these kinds of old door locks. Take pics of the removal and dismantling of the lock so you can get it back together.
However, if the PO allowed it to be slammed shut when not mounted tightly, then enough metal may have been removed so that you DO really need one off a parts Alaskan.
