Is anyone having a problem of the above slam latches breaking and not being able to open the compartment doors? I have had two of my twelve latches that have broken cams, which operate the lock bolt when you lift up on the handle. It is a difficult process to get the doors open, including drilling a hole in the bottom of the assembly and inserting a long, thin screwdriver to push the bolt up to open the door.There is no name on the latch assembly, other than 'Made in China', to find out who makes them. I did find a picture of a similar latch on the web and it appears to be made (imported?) by AP Products. However, there doesn't seem to be individual parts available for them.I ended up making a cam from steel (5/32" thick) for the first one that broke, which required a lot of time cutting and grinding it to shape. I have since had a second one break while on the road. This time I used aluminum stock to recreate it.New latches are available at prices for 40 bucks and up. However, they would have to be painted to match your color.Now, I have ten more to go. Let me know if anyone else is having a problem with these type latches and if you have found parts for them.

I had a slam latch on patio side basement door that did not want to release easily. It was a nuisance, but pulling jiggling, it would release. I noticed door manfs name on inside of door, so gave a call. They said some earlier latches had problems releasing, and sent 2 new ones no charge. New one works great and easy to change out. They sent new keys as well.Sorry, can't remember the manufacturers name, and no access to FW now.on edit: light bulb just lit...the manuf was challenger doorJerry

I had a broken one and found replacements on ebay, inexpensive.

Mine have been surprisingly flawless but I'm gentle with them. I never actually "slam" the doors.

Another who haven't had issues, but since it sounds like replacing them is a pretty big hassle.. can you buy the replacement and then just salvage the parts?

At first, I thought letting the door slam is what put stress on the cam. After taking it apart and watching it operate, slamming it shut does not involve the cam. The cam only comes into play when using the handle to open it. The cam itself is made from brittle pot metal which breaks at the pivot point.

Compartment Door Slam Latches | Good Sam Community

MFL
Nomad II
Jan 10, 2020
I had a slam latch on patio side basement door that did not want to release easily. It was a nuisance, but pulling jiggling, it would release. I noticed door manfs name on inside of door, so gave a call. They said some earlier latches had problems releasing, and sent 2 new ones no charge. New one works great and easy to change out. They sent new keys as well.

Sorry, can't remember the manufacturers name, and no access to FW now.

on edit: light bulb just lit...the manuf was challenger door

Jerry
Gonzo42
Explorer
Jan 10, 2020
I had a broken one and found replacements on ebay, inexpensive.
ScottG
Nomad
Jan 10, 2020
Mine have been surprisingly flawless but I'm gentle with them. I never actually "slam" the doors.
ependydad
Explorer
Jan 10, 2020
Another who haven't had issues, but since it sounds like replacing them is a pretty big hassle.. can you buy the replacement and then just salvage the parts?
zigzagrv
Explorer
Jan 10, 2020
At first, I thought letting the door slam is what put stress on the cam. After taking it apart and watching it operate, slamming it shut does not involve the cam. The cam only comes into play when using the handle to open it. The cam itself is made from brittle pot metal which breaks at the pivot point.
zigzagrv
Explorer
Jan 10, 2020
ependydad wrote:
Another who haven't had issues, but since it sounds like replacing them is a pretty big hassle.. can you buy the replacement and then just salvage the parts?

I'm not willing to pay $40+ to replace a 50 cent part. For the rest of my doors, it would cost me over $400.
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Jan 10, 2020
challengerdoor.com they are in Elkhart, IN. Great people, I changed out all my non lockable to lockable with parts from them.
janstey58
Explorer
Jan 10, 2020
I dont slam my doors, instead upon closing I release the latch with my right hand and "knee" the door closed, then release the latch. Never had on break yet.
ependydad
Explorer
Jan 10, 2020
zigzagrv wrote:
ependydad wrote:
Another who haven't had issues, but since it sounds like replacing them is a pretty big hassle.. can you buy the replacement and then just salvage the parts?

I'm not willing to pay $40+ to replace a 50 cent part. For the rest of my doors, it would cost me over $400.

I don't disagree, but it sounds cheaper than buying a whole new latch + having it painted to match.

Hope you can find the part you need.
Chum_lee
Explorer
Jan 10, 2020
Regular shots of silicon spray on the handle pivots and latches helps the mechanisms stay lubricated and last longer. Slamming the doors, . . . . . NOT!

Chum lee

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