Basement storage door latch replacement

[dirko]

Hi Ho: We have a 2000 35U Itasca Suncruiser. A basement door latch is broken and needs to be replaced. I looked at a couple of threads and am confused. The latch on this door is inside the door frame. Does this mean that the frame has to be taken apart? It looks like about 4 rivits hold the side of the frame to the top and bottom.

It is relatively easy to remove the rivits that hold the latch in place. Do I now remove the pneumatic closer and the side panel?

Thanks, Dirk

[Hikerdogs]

What part of your latch is actually broken? We've had the lift handle on one of ours come loose a couple times, and that part is easy to fix without disassembling the door. Once the handle is removed you can easily see the cam that extends and retracts the latch mechanisms.

[viper]

Dirko- it's easy if your latch is like ours. Just drill out the 2 rivets that hold the latch into the door and re-rivet it back in. Before you pull the old latch,you should check to see how the hook on the end of the rod that pulls the latch is hooked-either hook facing outward or inward. If you loosen the screws that hold the paddle latch you can see how the rod is positioned before you remove it. Shouldn't have to remove struts or hinges etc. Good luck!

[dirko]

Hi Ho: Got it. The Adventurer/Suncruiser series has the latch inside the frame of the door, so the door has to come apart. Seemed a little strange to me because all I have read is just take out the rivits and replace the latch.

The problem was the broken plastic latch itself (not to do with the handle/actuator assembly). I'm sure this problem is common. The answer is that 1/8 pop rivits for the door and 3/16 for the latch itself make the job straight forward. The pneumatic closer/lift mechanism also has to come off.

Thanks for the response. If yours is like mine don't hesitate to take the side piece off the door (just 5 rivits).

Dirk