Entrance Door Latch

Tikvah · January 28, 2016, 05:51:01 AM

I have a RV door latch on my coach. Usually I like it just fine. But occasionally the plunger snaps in two and I have to tear it apart and replace it. The latch itself seems to be out of stock and the replacements are a different size.

So, if I have to do a major latch rebuild on my door, what do you all suggest? What has worked well for you?

If possible include an Ebay link or other picture link.

Thanks,
Dave

eagle19952 · January 28, 2016, 06:11:05 AM

what, exactly do you have now ?

Tikvah · January 28, 2016, 06:28:05 AM

Lin · January 28, 2016, 06:48:17 AM

I have had similar issues. The RV type door latch we have has been out of production for decades. I was once lucky enough just to happen into one when it needed it. About 8 years later, that one failed, but I was able to put one together using the parts from the two broken ones. The one you show in the picture seems to be newer than mine though. Have you searched it by model #? If not available on Ebay, sometimes forums will be able to tell you what fits of replace it if it is no longer made.

In my case, since my door does not still have an air closure, there is a lot of stress on the tongue of the latch, and I think that is what does them in.

Tikvah · January 28, 2016, 06:51:24 AM

QuoteIn my case, since my door does not still have an air closure, there is a lot of stress on the tongue of the latch, and I think that is what does them in.

I think that's exactly right.
I did the same, I've taken the parts from the newer style and replaced the tongue of the latch. But, there must be something better.

I know some have talked of semi door latches, but I don't know what to buy and how it's done.

luvrbus · January 28, 2016, 06:54:41 AM

I believe the Tri/Mark 30900 is a direct replacement for that latch,I went with the Trimark 060-1650 if I had it to do over I would have went the same lock from Rec/Pro as I removed it's not a easy task to refit a different lock on a MCI door made of stainless steel find one that fits

I have a air lock installed at the top of my door to stop in and out movement that breaks those locks fwiw

Tikvah · January 28, 2016, 06:56:24 AM

QuoteI have a air lock installed at the top of my door to stop in and out movement that breaks those locks

Tell me about your air lock

luvrbus · January 28, 2016, 07:05:42 AM

It's 1 inch round cylinder with a wedge on the ram with a insert to match on the top of the door.I am going to remove my air claw when I do you can have it if you want the thing,it's air operated not a manual

Tikvah · January 28, 2016, 07:06:33 AM

Love to see a picture

luvrbus · January 28, 2016, 07:10:07 AM

Quote from: Tikvah on January 28, 2016, 07:06:33 AM
Love to see a picture

maybe on F/B I have no luck here with photos

Tikvah · January 28, 2016, 07:12:01 AM

Quotemaybe on F/B I have no luck here with photos

https://www.facebook.com/dave.rush.33

Lin · January 28, 2016, 07:15:30 AM

I think the real trouble comes when on the road, not when parked. The air lock should work to save it. I have also thought of installing some sort of manual setup that would pull the door in a bit for travel. It would also be extra night security. If you have any ideas along those lines, it would be interesting.

Lin · January 28, 2016, 07:19:03 AM

Oh, and one more thing. The tongue on my latch is aluminum and is weakly attached to a steel shaft. The last problem I had was the tongue and shaft separating. I was thinking of fashioning a steel tongue that could be welded to the shaft.

pabusnut · January 28, 2016, 07:23:19 AM

Here is the link to Fast Fred's article on the old coach conversion central site(which I think is otherwise defunct):

http://www.coachconversioncentral.com/FAST%20FRED.htm

Scott & Heather · January 28, 2016, 09:42:30 AM

I used a stainless house door knob and deadbolt. Haven't had a problem yet in five years of fulltiming in all weather.

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