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Topic: Bay Door Latch Maintenance (Read 909 times) previous topic - next topic

Bay Door Latch Maintenance

I did not want the hi-jack the repair thread but this may be important also.

When we have a latch that does not want to release like it should and we pull harder on it that contributes to pulling the rivets loose.

What can we do to maintain the operation of these latches?
Steve

1997 U270 36' build 5179
Motorcade #18147
1980 CJ5

Re: Bay Door Latch Maintenance

Reply #1 –
I would avoid oily sprays as that just creates a dirt and grime magnet. Use dry graphite lube spray.
The door to the genset radiator on our coach was gooped up and wouldn't close. Cleaned it with an evaporating solvent and treated with dry lube, now it opens/shuts so easily that at times I double check to make sure it's latched.
Jerry & Nona and Kimeru the cat that thinks she's a dog
1998 36' WTFE U320  #5314 Motorcade #17711
USAF 1975-1995
2019 Subaru Crosstrek 'toad'
2003 Subaru Legacy touring car
jerry Fincher | Flickr

Re: Bay Door Latch Maintenance

Reply #2 –
Quote from: bigdog –
I would avoid oily sprays as that just creates a dirt and grime magnet. Use dry graphite lube spray.
The door to the genset radiator on our coach was gooped up and wouldn't close. Cleaned it with an evaporating solvent and treated with dry lube, now it opens/shuts so easily that at times I double check to make sure it's latched.
Thanks my start battery door is bad enough I have to reach up underneath to open it.  Its like the rod is not long enough to open the catch.

can we get replacement parts for these?
Steve

1997 U270 36' build 5179
Motorcade #18147
1980 CJ5

Re: Bay Door Latch Maintenance

Reply #3 –
We had the problem with our utility bay door some time back.  Another issue  we have is any of several doors opening while under way, despite "clicking" them before hand.  I noticed that the tips of the locking slide seem to be a little worn.  I've raised the striker plate (piece that is stationary and holds the slide pin) using spacers underneath, but still have the problem from time to time.  Any source for new latches?
2000 U320 mid entry  #5688
2006 Jeep Liberty


USMCR retired
SDFD retired
FEMA US&R TF8

Re: Bay Door Latch Maintenance

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Super8mm –
Thanks my start battery door is bad enough I have to reach up underneath to open it.  Its like the rod is not long enough to open the catch.

can we get replacement parts for these?
Super8mm: If not available, Why not just cut the old too short rod and thread it and add a small turn buckle. or just make one using the old one as a pattern.

Sven: I tried to adjust the post on the coach that the door clicks on to. I swear it is a black art getting them correctly positioned. A 1/16" makes a difference and trying to tighten that bolt without the torque moving it in it's mount more than that 1/16" has been near impossible.
Jerry & Nona and Kimeru the cat that thinks she's a dog
1998 36' WTFE U320  #5314 Motorcade #17711
USAF 1975-1995
2019 Subaru Crosstrek 'toad'
2003 Subaru Legacy touring car
jerry Fincher | Flickr

Re: Bay Door Latch Maintenance

Reply #5 –
Quote from: bigdog –
Super8mm: If not available, Why not just cut the old too short rod and thread it and add a small turn buckle. or just make one using the old one as a pattern.
Mine is just  a flat bar with some bends, I might see if I can find some flat material like that and rebend and drill?
Steve

1997 U270 36' build 5179
Motorcade #18147
1980 CJ5

Re: Bay Door Latch Maintenance

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Super8mm –
Mine is just  a flat bar with some bends, I might see if I can find some flat material like that and rebend and drill?
I'd still check with FT to see if the part is available and how much. I guess that there is a bit of satisfaction in home brewing a part. Yet if it's available and cheap. I'd give FT the benefit of a few dollars. I want them to stay in business.
Jerry & Nona and Kimeru the cat that thinks she's a dog
1998 36' WTFE U320  #5314 Motorcade #17711
USAF 1975-1995
2019 Subaru Crosstrek 'toad'
2003 Subaru Legacy touring car
jerry Fincher | Flickr

Re: Bay Door Latch Maintenance

Reply #7 –
My battery bay door latch doesn't always release.  The pull rod seems like it doesn't pull up enough. I added just a bit more bend in it and it works better.  Try moving the latch pin too. 

Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Bay Door Latch Maintenance

Reply #8 –
Roger, I had the same problem and after a year of laying on my back to fiddle with the rear door latch to open them, I stumbled upon the fix just yesterday.  There is a 7/16 nylock nut in the center of the handle assembly.  I loosened it and slid the entire handle up a bit in the door, tightened the nut back up and the latch now works perfectly.  This only works on the two small rear access doors in the rear of my coach that have a solid bar connecting the handle to the latch.  It's a very odd geometry on those latches.  Woody.

Quote from: Roger & Susan in Home2 –
My battery bay door latch doesn't always release.  The pull rod seems like it doesn't pull up enough. I added just a bit more bend in it and it works better.  Try moving the latch pin too. 


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: Bay Door Latch Maintenance

Reply #9 –
Good suggestions all.  But I have a couple doors that when they are latched up in the open position are difficult to unlatch to lower when I pull the handle.  Any suggestions?
Forest & Cindy Olivier
1987 log cabin
2011 Roadtrek C210P
no longer 1999 36' U320 build #5522
2013 Rzr 570 & 2018 Ranger XP1000
2006 Lexus GX470
2011 Tahoe LT 4x4
Previous 1998 45' 2 slide Newell, 1993 39' Newell

Re: Bay Door Latch Maintenance

Reply #10 –
Thanks for all the input. Like many others, my start battery door latch wouldn't open. After laying on my back multiple times, I removed the latch, took it home and cleaned it up. It is still on my work bench. I have been using a bungee cord to hold the door closed. I'm planning on putting it back on before next weeks trip. Waiting on getting the coach back from the shop. Hopefully today.

Larry
Larry Warren
1996  U320 36' SBID "Lola" sold 2020
Build #4970
Motorcade #18318

Re: Bay Door Latch Maintenance

Reply #11 –
I've always thought of it as my "anti battery theft device".  The only way I can open my battery door is tug on the bottom left.  This thread motivates me to correct this.  I'll be back shortly if my effort makes it worse.
97 U295 40, Build #5040, 6C8.3 325 HP
Oregon Continuous Traveler
Samsung Residential #RF20HFENBSR,
Xantrex SW2012, (3)AGM8D Hse, (2)AGM Grp24 Eng, Victron BMV-712, 1800w Solar 4 LG & 2 Sunpower
Extreme Full Body Pt w/hdlmps, new furn/floor, 4 down Lexus 2004 GX470 AWD curb weight 4,740 lbs
Prev: 1990 Barth, 10L 300 2 yrs; 91&92 Monaco Signature, 10 yrs, 10L C 300 &  6C8.3 300; 1997 ForeT 6C8.3 325 since May 2017.  Employed by Guaranty RV 14+ yrs.  Former VW New Car Dlr/Service Dlr, Sales Mgr, Rv Sales, and Service Adviser from 1968-2017
"Don't criticize what you can't understand" Bob Dylan

Re: Bay Door Latch Maintenance

Reply #12 –
foliver there are cables attached to the latches that need to be shortened. Access to the adjustment is by removing a small panel in the middle of the door.
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins

Re: Bay Door Latch Maintenance

Reply #13 –
Foliver,

See What did you do to your coach today VIII

The cables pull a pair of retainer latches.  They are plastic and wear out. I am in the process of replacing all of mine.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN