Bin Door Repair

[VCBandit]

One of the bin door latches (plastic at each end of the door) has broken off. I though this would be an easy fix, just remove the cover on the inside of the door and remove the rod that controls the latch and replace with a new one! Doesn't work that way the rod end at the side of the bin door is riveted in place and the rod won't come out throught the center opening. I'm sure there is a trick I don't know so anyone out there who has done this want to let me in on the secret? Thanks

[cbeierl]

You need to drill out the rivets and then use pop-rivets on the new latch.

[Gary - K7GLD]

Golly - for a minute I thought one of Bin Ladin's brother's was busted

[smlranger]

Here is the whole deal (if your door handle is in the middle of the door).

1. remove the door handle an manipulate the handle gizmo so that you can un-hook the rod that goes to the broken latch. **advise you tie a string to the rod end so, if it falls down into the door, you can retrieve it.

2. drill out the rivets and remove the latch mechanism. Un-hook it from the rod end.

3. hook rod to new latch mechanism and rivet that into the door end.

4. retrieve the handle end of the rod, re-attach to handle mechanism and re-install handle in the door.

5. pop the cap on the cool beverage of your choice .

The best way to preserve these latches is to never slam the door but close it gently and press on it with your knee/lower leg to latch it. This is especially true when it is cold.

[AFChap]

The part you need is called the "slide bolt mechanism." You can replace it in less than 10 minutes once you figure it out and have the right tools. I carry an extra one (which means I'll probably never need one again!!!)

Recently in a few RV magazines I have seen a replacement advertised that has an aluminum "bolt" rather than plastic. I haven't decided yet whether or not that is a good idea, but they are out there if you want to go that way. I do try to avoid totally slamming my compartment doors to avoid some wear and tear on the slide bolts.