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screen door latch question

The latch that keeps the screen door closed when the main door is open and also acts as a latch to the main door that fits behind the rubber keeper so the screen door stays attached/moving with the main door....mine is bent and always has been.  I removed it and the bend looks like it was there on purpose.  Is it supposed to be straight??  The inside portion of latch has a lot of play in it and you have to fiddle with it to get the bent portion through the slot.  See 2nd pic.





2000 GV320 4010 build #5712  2019-?
1999 Bounder 2000-2008
Bardstown, KY
🥃The Bourbon Capital of the World🥃

Re: screen door latch question

Reply #1 –
No  you can also take a Allen wrench and take out the extra  slop out of it

Re: screen door latch question

Reply #2 –
About once a year, I disassemble mine, tap the tab flat with a hammer and reassemble.  The handles will crumble after a while - I got a replacement on Amazon.

The latch really does not like having the door closed when the screen is not latched to the door.  Which does not explain why it volunteers to open at the moment the door is being closed.
Matt B
1998 u-320

Re: screen door latch question

Reply #3 –
You can order replacement latch assembly parts and handles from the manufacturer, PTL at Screen Door Handle Kit (Long Tongue) - PTL Engineering
or from Screen Door Latch chrome used on entry screen door on motorhomes by monaco...

PTL also still sells repair parts for the pos-a-lock and latches.
2001 4010 U320 build #5865 "Bluto-d-Bus" since 09/18
2006 Honda Element ESP Toad
Full timing since 2016 in Western MT
Copilot: Sitka
1975 GMC 260 Avion: sold
 

Re: screen door latch question

Reply #4 –
As oldmatb posted, disassemble, tap the bend flat, and reassemble. It gets bent because its not reassembled tightly.

If its loose it will fall open while door is opened, you dont notice and slam the door closed. The part you bent flat gets caught in the closing door and you once again have the bend.

You cant get it tight when you reassemble without using a clamp or something else to exert significant force before tightening the two set screws. When its tight it still works smoothly because of the nylon washers, but it only opens when you want it.

When you disassemble, make careful note of how the parts are angled. For me I often have to take several tries to reassemble properly.
Mike & Molly Patronick
2001 U320 40'
2011 Forester