Outside Compartments Not Fully Closing

[lwestbro]

Hi guys. I'm a new member and find this site has alot of great information. I have a problem that maybe someone can help me with. I have a 2002 Winnebego Journey 36DL. Some of the outside compartments either don't latch at all the way or don't latch at all. This is especially true on the drivers side compartments. I was wondering if the latching mechanism's can be adjusted or is this just normal wear requiring the replacement of the latches and catches. Also, if these need to be replaced, any idea wher I can buy these. Thanks for the help.

Larry

[codgerbill]

On my precious coach the latch system had some adjustments that could be done. The catches could be moved up or down and the catches could have extra material added or subtracted from the backer plates.

[RickO]

Welcome to the forum! the latches on mine are adjustable too I believe.

good luck

Rick

[cbeierl]

One thing you can try is to grab onto the bottom edges of the door and the compartment lip near the corners and gently squeeze the door shut against the rubber seal. You may find that this will let the door latches engage properly.

[Finhawk]

I just put my leg against the end of the door and push. I'm afraid that slamming them will break those plastic latches

[trouble&rose]

Latches are usually easy to find and replace
Ckeck local RV store near you

[lwestbro]

The problem with the doors in question is that the plunger on the latch is not securely staying in the catch attached to the RV body. The catch is built at a slight angle to allow the plunger push in slightly when closed and then snap into the catch. I suspect that both the plunger and catch have some amount of wear leaving the end of the plunger just at the edge of the catch when closed. Any kind of bump and it pops out. I'm sure that I have totally screwed up the names of these parts and mechanisms, sorry. Thanks for the help.

Larry

[Phelpo]

Larry, welcome....on my 2004 Vectra I have to use my knee to push them tight,
I do not like to slam them shut.

Phelpo

[cbeierl]

You might try shimming out the 'catch' a bit and see if the latch holds better. I'd start with some thin cardboard--once you get a thickness that works you could substitute a plastic or metal shim of roughly the same thickness.

If the latches need to be replaced they can be obtained from your local Winnebago dealer or ordered from somewhere like Lichtsinn Motors. The old rivets on the latch assemble will need to get drilled out and replaced with new aluminum pop-rivets.

[JC2]

Here is a source to try.
060-0460 EZ Access Baggage Door Lock | TriMark Corporation=

and another>
RV door catches, latches, holder, fasteners, accessories

[butterbean]

Howdy y'all,
Those latches shouldn't be 'worn' at all on a 2002 rig!! Just try pressure on the latch, but don't FORCE IT. ALSO YOU DO KNOW THAT IT IS POSSIBLE FOR
SOMEONE ELSE'S KEYS TO FIT YOUR BAYDOORS, DON'T YOU!!! THIS HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES... If the latches are REALLY not good you might try
putting ALL new ones on, just for safety reasons...

[smlranger]

Larry, welcome to the forum. I have the same coach and when we bought it in 2005, the dealer was careful to instruct me to lower the cargo doors gently, then push on them at both ends with my lower leg until I heard them latch. I had a friend slam one of the doors shut one time and he broke one of the latch plungers. While I have had to replace two of the plunger mechanisms, all of the catches are still working well. I suspect the previous owner of your coach was not careful when they closed those doors and may have damaged the latches.

[Purplefans & Harvey]

HI Larry, Welcome to the forum!

[Pusherman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by smlranger Larry, welcome to the forum. I have the same coach and when we bought it in 2005, the dealer was careful to instruct me to lower the cargo doors gently, then push on them at both ends with my lower leg until I heard them latch. I had a friend slam one of the doors shut one time and he broke one of the latch plungers. While I have had to replace two of the plunger mechanisms, all of the catches are still working well. I suspect the previous owner of your coach was not careful when they closed those doors and may have damaged the latches.

I too use my leg to latch the doors securely at the edges, when I close them. I did this on my old coach, and I do it on my new (4 year old) coach.

The doors are very big. Don't slam them; gently nudge them latched.