Basement Door Latch replacement

[infogeek]

I have a 2000 Fleetwood Bounder 32H. Several of the basement door latches (on the sides, not the handles) are frozen and non-functional. They look to be mounted from the inside of the door and not the outside as I can find from all of the videos on youtube. Only way I can see to replace them is to take the door apart, which seems like a huge hassle to take the door ends off somehow without damaging the paint and seams.

Anyone know how to replace these things? I read somewhere via google how one RVer just cut a hole in the door over the latch and replaced it that way, then made a cover with some stainless. That, too, seems like major work for what should be a simple latch replacement. But something tells me it's not going to be that simple.

Has anyone done this where the latches are screwed from the outside but located entirely within the door?

Thanks.

[Gundog]

A picture of what you are working on would really help. I replaced several of mine on my 05 Fleetwood expedition. I bought them off ebay you need to check the bolt spacing on them they make a few different models that in pictures look the same but the bolt spacing is different.

I also moved some of the latch bars because they did not line up well I am not sure if things shifted over time or they just did a lousy job installing them at the factory. Spray them with lube occasionally that also makes a big difference. I also don't just slam them closed I close them and lift the handle then give them a little nudge while lifting the handle if they don't latch good.

[TommiesRVgal]

So at least I finally found someone else with this issue. I have a 2002 Fleetwood Bounder 36S and finally getting around to replacing broken or frozen latches. One door in particular is completely broke both sides and won’t latch. Nothing can be stored in it when driving. I’m at a loss for removing the old latch. It appears as originally stated that there are 4 Robertson screws holding on the side of the Door frame but looks as if I’d have to bend it back as it’s permanently molded in some parts with only a partial seam. Even on that seem it may be difficult without messing up the paint job in the outside. Just a girl with simple tools. Cutting a bigger hole sounds nice to be able to replace with outside patches, but I have nothing to do that with. Suggestions?

[RLS7201]

Once you've repaired those latches, make sure and use some silicone spray on them to keep the moving. Petroleum lubricants will attract dirt. Also, when shutting those bay doors pull up on the handle and when shut push with your knee. Handles and latches are all original on my 95 Bounder.

Richard

[PCarnathan]

Is at least one door operable? It seems you should be able to climb in one door and crawl around inside to open the doors from the inside. Anything's better than cutting up your door(s)!

On our 2009 Mandalay 43A the little cable that connects the outside door handle to the latch mechanism broke. I had to climb in another door, open the offending door from the inside, then replace the little cable.

Good luck - It's a project no matter what!

Pat in Menifee, CA

[discovery4us]

I have the same and yes cutting a hole in the door is the easiest way. I have found that if I cut the two sides (top and bottom) about 6 inches in from the frame and then cut the frame side right along the edge of the trim about 4 inches I can use the uncut side as a hinge. Fold the piece back replace the latch and then push the flap back.

I then take old license plates from states we have visited and using very short screws attach the plate over the flap I cut to hide it.

Also I found that a sharp exacto knife or one of the razor blade knives from the big box stores works best for the cuts.

[infogeek]

Yes, like those, but mounted inside of the door and not the outside like most videos I see. I'm guessing cutting a hole in the door may be the easiest way to replace them. I bought those latches already.

[185EZ]

Are they like these?
Mine were breaking off the plastic tips
basement latch
Yes, pain in the butt.
Mine had the screws on the backside of the door to attach to the latch and they were like a one time self drilled screw and I had to use vise grips to unscrew them.
I had to take apart the door skin on the back to get the linkage rods to connect
I don't slam the door shut anymore lol