Foretravel Owners' Forum For owners and Fans of Foretravel Motorcoaches September 10, 2025 ...

Engine Bay side louvered door latch

May 25, 2022, 10:22:20 am

After 20+ years, it's time to R&R the 4 latches that hold the side louvered doors on the engine bay closed.  Can anyone recommend a source or perhaps a different design that will be a little more robust and weather resistant?  Picture below.

Thanks,

Rich

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Re: Engine Bay side louvered door latch

Reply #1 – May 25, 2022, 01:16:21 pm

I was thinking 20yrs is pretty robust for what those go through in the elements. But I as you will await a response for some ideas

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Re: Engine Bay side louvered door latch

Reply #2 – May 25, 2022, 02:14:14 pm

Here is a post with what looks like the latch. Reply #138

What did you do to your coach today IX

Mark

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Re: Engine Bay side louvered door latch

Reply #3 – May 25, 2022, 02:36:10 pm

My solution

bus style bay door latch

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Re: Engine Bay side louvered door latch

Reply #4 – May 25, 2022, 02:57:58 pm

Mark and Craneman,

Thanks.  I ordered 4 and think I can do the required modes to get them installed.

Rich

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Re: Engine Bay side louvered door latch

Reply #5 – May 25, 2022, 03:02:13 pm

RV Compartment Latch | 1197 | HTF Hardware

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Re: Engine Bay side louvered door latch

Reply #6 – May 25, 2022, 03:37:50 pm

Thanks MAZ for posting that!

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Re: Engine Bay side louvered door latch

Reply #7 – May 25, 2022, 09:16:42 pm

On the other end of the cable is this.... so has anyone needed to replace this latch or come up with something better?  This is on both of the louvered side radiator/A-C condensor doors.  You can see that mine is at the end of its lifespan and it really isn't a very elegant "design".  It looks like a modified section of piano hinge with holes drilled into it that the cable drags through when you operate the latch.  I'm sure I can replicate it but it sure seems like there's room for improvement.  Any ideas?

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Re: Engine Bay side louvered door latch

Reply #8 – December 01, 2024, 09:22:06 pm

Bumping this topic back to the top.  I still would like to see what type of latch others have on the louvered radiator and air conditioner condensor doors.  A picture from another U series coach would be very helpful.  For now I have to reach underneath and grab the cables and pull them toward each other while pulling on the door with my third hand.  Not very convenient.  The "handles" for these door latches are just short modified peices of piano hinge and mine are broken.  I've seen a photo before of a coach with some sort of lever sticking down that looks interesting.

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Re: Engine Bay side louvered door latch

Reply #9 – December 02, 2024, 01:05:09 am

George, I have the same latches as you also. They are a pain to open. My drivers side works fine but the passenger side I need to pull the cables like you do to open that door.
 Have not changed them yet.

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