Forum Discussion

unbob's avatar
unbob
Explorer
Sep 16, 2017

Interior door latch upgrade

I drive a lot with my Bigfoot TC in Baja where some roads are brutal - dirt, potholes, topes (speed bumps), etc etc. For years I've been frustrated by interior doors (and fridge doors) flying open while driving. My current latches are pics below (factory-installed) - they are woefully inadequate.

Does anyone here know where I can get upgraded door latches that will not fail no matter what? I'm guessing it might only be available as a sailboat hardware part. Anyone done this or can recommend something? Thx, Rob


Truck Campers

11 Replies

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  • HMS_Beagle's avatar
    HMS_Beagle
    Explorer
    Sep 18, 2017
    I had those RV latches on the motorhome and they still would come open occasionally, but worse than that they broke frequently. I have these in my boat (blue water cruising sailboat), haven't had one come open even in rough weather. Made by Southco, I think this is what Northstar is using. There is one version that is a simple pull over center and another more secure one that requires twisting the knob.
  • unbob's avatar
    unbob
    Explorer
    Sep 18, 2017
    work2much wrote:
    Depending on how much of a project you want to make out of it there are better latching hardware like this concealed push knob lock you could install. This is what Host is using now.

    Concealed push knob lock

    Thanks! Definitely superior to the latches I have now. However, I've opted to upgrade with the RV Designer H316 latches only because they don't require drilling a hole through the door which I'm afraid I would "screw-up".
  • SidecarFlip's avatar
    SidecarFlip
    Explorer III
    Sep 18, 2017
    ab257 wrote:
    We put in little brass hook and eyes that you can pick up at Lowe's. This way we know the cabinet doors won't pop open no matter how rough the road.


    Did that to my wet bath door that kept opening. Looks cobbly but works.
  • ab257's avatar
    ab257
    Explorer
    Sep 18, 2017
    We put in little brass hook and eyes that you can pick up at Lowe's. This way we know the cabinet doors won't pop open no matter how rough the road.
  • sbryan's avatar
    sbryan
    Explorer II
    Sep 16, 2017


    As Dan posted above, Northstar uses the push button latches. 12,000 miles so far this year over some very rough roads in the Yukon and Alaska and have yet to have an unintended opening.
  • SidecarFlip's avatar
    SidecarFlip
    Explorer III
    Sep 16, 2017
    Sea Dog isn't all that salty, just slightly but they look nice. I'm going to order a couple and see how they do.
  • SidecarFlip's avatar
    SidecarFlip
    Explorer III
    Sep 16, 2017
    I'll be watching this thread. I also have the same issue but not with every door. My fridge door has a positive latch and my drawers have set in detents. Only the cabinet doors have issues and not all the time. Depends on how much rock and roll I do.
  • DWeikert's avatar
    DWeikert
    Explorer II
    Sep 16, 2017
    work2much wrote:
    In the past I have just doubled up on the hardware by adding a second similar latch. I have also added magnetic latches in some cases like bath medicine cabinet.

    Depending on how much of a project you want to make out of it there are better latching hardware like this concealed push knob lock you could install. This is what Host is using now.

    Concealed push knob lock



    That's similar to the style Northstar uses in their campers.



    Sea Dog makes a marine version that's a little more salty, err expensive. :)

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