Forum Discussion
4x4van
Sep 10, 2016Explorer III
Chris Bryant wrote:4x4van wrote:
Amazing to me that people will spend good money trying to replace something, when the only problem is the incorrect installation/use of the part they already have. To each his own, I guess.
Those plastic T-bar hold backs are not positive latch, even when perfectly installed and before they rot in the sunlight. Of course, a magnetic holder is not positive latch either.
When the T-Bar latches are installed correctly (so that the arm pivots up & down), they ARE a positive latch. You physically have to raise the arm in order for it to unlatch; the wind cannot "lift" the arm. I have used the metal version of the T-bar latch for 27 years on 2 different motorhomes AND my enclosed trailer, and they have NEVER come unlatched, regardless of how hard the wind blew (I camp at Glamis, plenty of wind shaping the sand dunes). My new MH again has the T-bar latch (although plastic) that is installed correctly; the arm swings up & down. Going by the OP's description and without actually seeing a pic of his setup, I'm betting that his T-bar latch is installed so that the arm pivots sideways; that's the only way that it could be doing what he says it's doing. That is an incorrect installation; both of his pieces need to be rotated 90 degrees.
This is how it's supposed to be installed. Regardless of how hard the wind pushes or pulls the door, it cannot unlatch until the arm is physically lifted up. Pushing and/or pulling on the door puts NO upward pressure on the arm, therefore the T cannot come out of the large slot at the top.
Moderator edit to re-size pictures to forum recommended limit of 640px maximum width.
About DIY Maintenance
RV projects you can tackle on your own with a few friendly pointers.4,352 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 20, 2025