Forum Discussion

anutami's avatar
anutami
Explorer III
Feb 03, 2015

Truck Bed access doors

I am starting to have issues with my truck bed access doors opening while underway. The latches Northwood uses don't seem to be absolute Northwood quality
What upgrades have you done to make these things stay closed and still easy to open.

Door keeps coming open while underway


Closer look at the latch



Thanks
Nolan

16 Replies

  • I would put a slide bolt in. I take camper off when camping and would not feel comfortable with access to my camper just by pushing the access doors open.
  • My lance 815 came with slide bolts for those doors, never had a problem with them opening up on their own.
  • Like Joeshome said it does need spread out, the closer look pic of the door the leg is bent up below the screw, try taking the screw out then spread it apart then start a new hole for the screw a little lower.
  • Could it be that the latch isn't mounted far enough forward on the "frame" causing it to not latch securely to begin with? If that might be the case then moving it forward a 1/16th or an 1/8" might help it. Otherwise you might buy some new door hardware.

    I can tell you on my trailer all the latches are almost too tight - and I feel like I'm going to rip the handle off before the door opens.
  • Take a wide flat blade screwdriver to the door side and spread it open a bit more. Should make it tighter. Had to do that right off the bat with drawer under the oven. I literally made my first left turn out of the dealer driveway and the thing flew open.
    It must be loosening because it's starting to slide open again.

    I had a question for you the other day, but I forgot what it was....oh well.

    Edit: If that doesn't work, maybe buy some those command Velcro strips, cut one length-wise to fit inside the door edge. That'll keep it closed. Cheap fix. Did that on the medicine cabinet door. Got tired of the contents ending up in the sink
  • Those do look unsuited for the task. My 2008 Northstar Arrow 8.5 has those doors. They have positive slider latches. The kind you normally see latching a fold down bunk. Never had them open by themselves.