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Gjac's avatar
Gjac
Explorer III
Jan 11, 2018

Trimark door latch broke

I went to open the door to the MH it would not open. I had to climb in threw the passenger window. I removed the 3 screws holding the inside plate thinking I could then remove the whole assy but the door latch was holding it and the screen door frame was in the way so I could not move the latch back with a card or screwdriver. After several attempts of trying to slide the broken latch out with a pick I called Trimark for help but were of little help except to say I had to drill a series of holes in the inside plate to remove the broken latch and they were going to send me an Email showing were to drill the holes but I never got it from them. They also informed me that new latch was $180 and a latch kit with a steel latch was $280. The latch is made of zinc which is very weak. This latch was replaced about 5 years ago. A quick search shows that these Trimark latches are problematic so I was not going to order another on from them. What I ended up doing was to add a steel return flange on the broken end of the plunger and held in place with a flush rivet. I first tried to hold it with a screw but the zinc was too soft to hold a thread. It works fine now. I think by lubricating the latch periodically it will put less stress on the zinc latch as it slides back and forth.

15 Replies

  • Hi,

    My lock did the same thing. It was a pita to get it out. Plus the new lock required the striker plate to be replaced.

    My old lock did last for 9 years--but I am NOT a happy camper about the materials used in the lock.
  • Gjac's avatar
    Gjac
    Explorer III
    wildtoad wrote:
    Their pricing is way out of line. I had to do essentially the same thing a few years ago except I didn’t have to drill any holes. Can’t remember the exact steps taken, but I did have to crawl in a windows over the dinette. ANyway I went to CW and found a direct replacement for the whole thing and it was no where close to either of the two prices.
    If I remember correctly I bought the last one on line for about $100.
  • Gjac's avatar
    Gjac
    Explorer III
    msturtz wrote:
    Pictures please!
    Unfortunately it is all back together now.
  • Their pricing is way out of line. I had to do essentially the same thing a few years ago except I didn’t have to drill any holes. Can’t remember the exact steps taken, but I did have to crawl in a windows over the dinette. ANyway I went to CW and found a direct replacement for the whole thing and it was no where close to either of the two prices.