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Compartment Door Slam Latches

zigzagrv
Explorer
Explorer
Is anyone having a problem of the above slam latches breaking and not being able to open the compartment doors? I have had two of my twelve latches that have broken cams, which operate the lock bolt when you lift up on the handle. It is a difficult process to get the doors open, including drilling a hole in the bottom of the assembly and inserting a long, thin screwdriver to push the bolt up to open the door.

There is no name on the latch assembly, other than 'Made in China', to find out who makes them. I did find a picture of a similar latch on the web and it appears to be made (imported?) by AP Products. However, there doesn't seem to be individual parts available for them.

I ended up making a cam from steel (5/32" thick) for the first one that broke, which required a lot of time cutting and grinding it to shape. I have since had a second one break while on the road. This time I used aluminum stock to recreate it.

New latches are available at prices for 40 bucks and up. However, they would have to be painted to match your color.

Now, I have ten more to go. Let me know if anyone else is having a problem with these type latches and if you have found parts for them.

Ron



2003 Gulf Stream Ultra Supreme 33'
F53 Class A
2013 Ford Edge toad
18 REPLIES 18

ependydad
Explorer
Explorer
Another who haven't had issues, but since it sounds like replacing them is a pretty big hassle.. can you buy the replacement and then just salvage the parts?
2017 Spartan 1245 by Prime Time
2018 Ram 3500 Crew Cab DRW w/ 4.10 gears and 8' bed
FW Hitch: TrailerSaver TS3
Learn to RV- learn about RVing - Towing Planner Calculators - Family Fulltiming FB page

ScottG
Nomad
Nomad
Mine have been surprisingly flawless but I'm gentle with them. I never actually "slam" the doors.

Gonzo42
Explorer
Explorer
I had a broken one and found replacements on ebay, inexpensive.
MOTHER SHIP Winnebago View 24H (2007 Dodge Sprinter 3500 Chassis, 2008 Body)3.0 L M-B Diesel V6 bought used with 24K miles. Toad: ROCKY the Flying Squirrel.

MFL
Nomad II
Nomad II
I had a slam latch on patio side basement door that did not want to release easily. It was a nuisance, but pulling jiggling, it would release. I noticed door manfs name on inside of door, so gave a call. They said some earlier latches had problems releasing, and sent 2 new ones no charge. New one works great and easy to change out. They sent new keys as well.

Sorry, can't remember the manufacturers name, and no access to FW now.

on edit: light bulb just lit...the manuf was challenger door

Jerry