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Topic: Water bay door latch torn off (Read 370 times) previous topic - next topic

Water bay door latch torn off

I kinda knew this would happen as I have not adjusted the doorlatches in some time.
I was trying to open my passenger side water bay door (with the manibloc and water pump) and could not get it open.
Coincidently, I had repaired this back (left side looking at it) door latch previously using new rivets and J and B compound to reattach the hinge as I had ripped it off before.... 
I pulled and AGAIN ripped it off. Pulled the rivets right out of the fiberglass again. Now looking at it, the holes are now enlarged and I suspect I would have to fashion a metal plate to rivet over the existing area just to support new rivets. The realignment of the latch would be a horror story....
So here is the question.
I took the long bracket off of the that side along with the detached latch which left only the one (IT IS THE FRONT FACING LATCH AND HINGE) working. When I close the door the front latch clicks and holds the door closed. Unless I pull on the back, it stays fairly sealed and closed. Is that going to be enough for travel? Will it stay closed (I would lock the door) with the shifting of the coach? IF SO, I would entertain NOT redoing the back side one latch.
Comments?
Peter    Alberta Canada
'98 U320 40'  Build 5359 M11 450 HP, Aqua hot, Blu Ox

Re: Water bay door latch torn off

Reply #1 –
No residue duct tape would be a temporary reinforcement to keep it closed during travel.
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: Water bay door latch torn off

Reply #2 –
So. ... one latch locked would not secure while traveling?
Peter    Alberta Canada
'98 U320 40'  Build 5359 M11 450 HP, Aqua hot, Blu Ox

Re: Water bay door latch torn off

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Peter –
So. ... one latch locked would not secure while traveling?
Why risk it?  A little tape, even wide  blue painters tape couldn't hurt.
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: Water bay door latch torn off

Reply #4 –
When bay door latch is not working, removing bottom rubber weatherstrip may open up space for a long tool to release side locks.

Re: Water bay door latch torn off

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Peter –
So. ... one latch locked would not secure while traveling?
No idea.  I will say I've had the bus style doors open up while traveling and thats not a great feeling.  Those only extend out a foot or so, a hinge style door opening up would stick out much more and really increase the pucker factor.

Quote from: Barry & Cindy –
When bay door latch is not working, removing bottom rubber weatherstrip may open up space for a long tool to release side locks.
This works great on the hinge style doors and has saved my bacon.  The bus style doors have that plastic that covers most of the mechanism, I think some members have attached emergency release lines to these that allow you to "easily" grab by removing the lower gasket.
2000 / 36' / U320 / WTFE
WildEBeest / "Striving to put right what once went wrong"

Re: Water bay door latch torn off

Reply #6 –
Hi Steve
That,in fact is a hinge type door and if it were to open would certainly project further out
Until i can fashion a metal plate for the hinge to attach to i will be using  "Gorilla Waterproof Patch & Seal Tape, 4" x 8', Clear" along the bottom rear edge to ensure it stays closed
Peter    Alberta Canada
'98 U320 40'  Build 5359 M11 450 HP, Aqua hot, Blu Ox

Re: Water bay door latch torn off

Reply #7 –
Quote from: steve –
I will say I've had the bus style doors open up while traveling and thats not a great feeling.      a hinge style door opening up would stick out much more and really increase the pucker factor.
I had the small hinged door behind the driver side rear tire come open recently.  I was on a very busy southern California interstate with a guard rail on the side of the narrow shoulder, no exit for miles.  The open door extended over the white line.  The pucker factor was definitely high. 
Jan & Richard Witt
1999 U-320  36ft WTFE
Build Number: 5478 Motorcade: 16599
2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited w/Air Force One
Jan: NO5U, Richard:KA5RIW
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