Forum Discussion

lonfu's avatar
lonfu
Explorer
Apr 24, 2017

lower compartment latch or slide bolt replacement

Ok, so just bought a 99 pace arrow 35U for $6k. I need to replace 12 of the 20 slide bolts on the lower compartment doors. Sadly, the latches are mounted on the inside of the door frame rather then on the outside like many later models. Rather not have to pull apart 10 doors...... Has any one tried simply routering out a port near where the latch is and servicing it through the port? The latches are set with a nut and bolt set.

Any suggestions on a hole size for the access port?

Figured I'd make some aluminum plates to go over the holes with silicon to seal up. I was thinking making a clamp on temp plate and using a counter trimmer so I could do it right on the coach. Figure once I make the plate, it will take me less than 2 mins each to create an access port to replace the broken slide bolt. I already have ordered the bolts.

Any suggestions???? has anyone tried this?
Class A
  • lonfu's avatar
    lonfu
    Explorer
    Mar 02, 2018
    doors open up, latches are on the sides, riveted to the door frame. No room for the latch arm to be removed without disassembling the entire door. Mine have broke both ways, button breaks off or interior of latch breaks and can't be opened. did the same thing to get them open. with the small plate in place it will be a breeze to replace now. I have another moho where the latch is on the bottom, much easier arrangement to repair, but not as waterproof. here is the other thing that made the hole neccessary, the latch is mounted on the inside of the door frame, not the outside. When I reinstalled I mounted it on the outside of the frame, makes no diff in how the door works.

    wa8yxm wrote:
    Describe the locks/lathes. Do the doors open UP or Sideways?

    On my Intruder I have Tri-Mark latches the doors open UP.

    What happens is the striker bolts break and wont retract when I pull the handle

    I have been able to slide under. and using a long screwdriver push the striker bolt up (or you can drill a small hole diretly below it in the latch cover plate) . .These are not the world's most secure latches.

    Once I have the latch apart and all the parts in my hand a METAL SMITH has been able to carve me new ones out of higher quality metal.. This worked, sort of.

    If Finally figured out how to "mend' em. but then I have limited Smith's training and a very good tool box.
  • discovery4us's avatar
    discovery4us
    Explorer
    Mar 01, 2018
    I did just what you described. Cut the width of the latch and about three inches tall. I did not cut the side towards the center of the door so I could just fold up the piece and then fold it back down. Put license plates from states we have been to cover the cuts. I was able to make the cuts with a razor knife.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Mar 01, 2018
    Describe the locks/lathes. Do the doors open UP or Sideways?

    On my Intruder I have Tri-Mark latches the doors open UP.

    What happens is the striker bolts break and wont retract when I pull the handle

    I have been able to slide under. and using a long screwdriver push the striker bolt up (or you can drill a small hole diretly below it in the latch cover plate) . .These are not the world's most secure latches.

    Once I have the latch apart and all the parts in my hand a METAL SMITH has been able to carve me new ones out of higher quality metal.. This worked, sort of.

    If Finally figured out how to "mend' em. but then I have limited Smith's training and a very good tool box.
  • lonfu's avatar
    lonfu
    Explorer
    Mar 01, 2018
    the way that the doors were made the latch is riveted into the door. I drilled the rivets and when I tried to remove the latch the bar would not come out of the latch. So, I had to make the hole to reach the end of the latch. Once the hole was cut with my "wiggle" saw the entire process went very quickly. Made small aluminum plates to cover the holes with Tek screws to hold it in place. a dab of caulking made it waterproof.
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Apr 24, 2017
    Mine were very easy to change out.
    I removed the cover over the latch
    Locate the metal linkage to the latch.
    Tied a peice of sturdy twine to linkage.
    Removed the screws that hold the ends in place.
    Gently pulled the assemble out while helper guided string in.
    Reversed the procedure to install.
    The plastic retainers for the latch cover broke(of course) used screw to re-install.

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