SOLVED: Monaco - replace exterior latch handle on entry door
Today part of the latch mechanism on the entry door of my 2004 Diplomat broke and will no longer unlatch the door. The inside latch handle still works. Yes, I crawled in through the driver window - thank goodness I had it unlocked, as well as the storage bay where the ladder was!
I searched a bit on here and no similar post jumped out at me. Tired, I thought I would ask if anyone has had this problem on a similar coach (with similar door and latch mechanism) and see how one goes about fixing it. I guess this is a high priority unless I just really enjoy crawling through the window. It was easier than I thought - just stepped off the ladder and onto the driver's seat! :S
Curious, I started looking at the door. I took the small access panel from the inside that covers the inside parts of the mechanism, but the outside handle that is broken is lower down in the door. It seems the whole inside panel must come off, and if so looks like the window has to come out too. I think I will email Monaco tech support and see what they say.
SOLUTION
As discussed in the posts below, took the door apart, saw the latch handle was indeed broken. Called Trimark and by describing the part and exchanging diagrams and photos, we quickly identified the part needed. They overnighted it to me and got it in.
Also as discussed in one of the links referenced below, I shortened the rod connected to the new handle to reduce the range of travel needed to spring the latches. It must have come from the factory with too much play in that linkage. All better now!
I searched a bit on here and no similar post jumped out at me. Tired, I thought I would ask if anyone has had this problem on a similar coach (with similar door and latch mechanism) and see how one goes about fixing it. I guess this is a high priority unless I just really enjoy crawling through the window. It was easier than I thought - just stepped off the ladder and onto the driver's seat! :S
Curious, I started looking at the door. I took the small access panel from the inside that covers the inside parts of the mechanism, but the outside handle that is broken is lower down in the door. It seems the whole inside panel must come off, and if so looks like the window has to come out too. I think I will email Monaco tech support and see what they say.
SOLUTION
As discussed in the posts below, took the door apart, saw the latch handle was indeed broken. Called Trimark and by describing the part and exchanging diagrams and photos, we quickly identified the part needed. They overnighted it to me and got it in.
Also as discussed in one of the links referenced below, I shortened the rod connected to the new handle to reduce the range of travel needed to spring the latches. It must have come from the factory with too much play in that linkage. All better now!
