Storage Bay Latches

Boldtning · 01-06-2008, 11:53 AM

We have a 2001 KSDP. This week I had not 1, but 2 of the latches to storage bays seemingly break where they cannot be opened. Anyone ever had this happen? What did you do to open the doors and how did you get replacement parts?

Boldtning · 01-06-2008, 11:53 AM

We have a 2001 KSDP. This week I had not 1, but 2 of the latches to storage bays seemingly break where they cannot be opened. Anyone ever had this happen? What did you do to open the doors and how did you get replacement parts?

**"007"** · 01-06-2008, 12:27 PM

Used RV parts
If you need parts try these. Try to loosen door latch at bottom of door opening two nuts or screws to free locking latch bar. You have Newmar dealers in FL. that should be able to order parts for you but you may get cheaper at RV Surplus.

Latitude · 01-06-2008, 02:06 PM

Sorry Jeff Can't really help you on the 'Not Opening' We had a problem with 'not staying closed'!!!

Rick

GaryKD · 01-06-2008, 02:32 PM

Hi Boldtning,
007 got it right on how to get the doors open. Before ordering new latches, consider trying to fully lubricate the latches you have. In addition, ensure the access place screws are just snug tight. For my coach, if the screws are normal tight and the latches lack a little lubrication, they are impossible to opperate. It remains one of life's mysteries how the access plate screws tighten themselves over time.

Baby Bear · 01-06-2008, 04:49 PM

boldtning: Hate to tell you about this problem, what caused it and how to fix it so bear with me.
You will notice I have the same unit and have had the same problem. Truth is the latches were bad from the start.There were a bunch made with the internal lever that the handle moves to release the latch. I found this out while it was still under warranty and at Newmar. I had a latch fail right there and they replaced it. Next day another broke so this time I broke down the latch to see what was going on. The before mentioned lever has the pivot hole off center, resulting in a weak part.
I still have only 1 original latch, it's on the propane tank.
You will not be able to purchase the internal part seperately, must purchase the entire latch, and it will be black. You do not have to be a mechanical wizard to change out the broken lever, so go that way and you won't have to repaint.
Now to get the door open. You will have to grind off the bottom of the bolts holding the catch bar for the door, believe me there just isn't any other way!
If you are good with metal & tools you should just go ahead and make up a few spare levers. I have made 3 out of aluminum flat stock and none of them has broken.
I know this isn't what you wanted to hear,but, I'm just trying to let you know what's comming.

alfred · 01-08-2008, 08:11 AM

on the failing latches,go to newmarowners group and open message 81132 and daryl will give you the information.

Spoonman · 01-08-2008, 08:25 AM

Had a number of broken latches and was able to order just the lever from local Newmar towable dealer. Ordered 6 and have used 3 so far. New ones are slightly different
design and appear to be stronger.

**Route 66** · 01-08-2008, 08:29 AM

Alfred, welcome to iRV2!

Thanks for passing that info along.

HERE is a link to the info.

**"007"** · 01-08-2008, 10:30 AM

Welcome alfred to the Newmar forum and irv2.

Thanks for helping out enjoy the forums and do come back more often.

You deserve to be a member of this forum.

Andre Gauthier · 02-05-2008, 05:20 PM

Join the club, I also popped two latches today. Was able to pry the doors opened being very careful not to damage them. I used a long thin screwdriver and was able to nudge le latch insert up. Be very patient. This has happened before and I had to make the part myself. But now I am in South Texas for the winter and do not have my home workshop with me.
I would like to know where exactly Spoonman got those spare parts as it is always that same little lever that breaks near the pivot hole. It would save me widdling more parts with a dremmel. I have now taken all the other latches apart and cleaned and greased them so this does not happen again. It is quite annoying because it is really poor quality item. Any help will be appreciated and thanks for the other posts.

Andre Gauthier · 02-06-2008, 01:29 PM

UPDATE on our parts problem for the latches. Found some this afternoon at a Newmar dealer in Donna, Texas. As mentioned by Spoonman, new design is slightly thicker and looks alot better. Paid $3.99 each. Bought the last 5 in stock. The part number is HMR04759 and the descriptive is"Cam only FASTEC BG latch". Hope you are successful in opening those doors. Thanks for the help.

Spoonman · 02-06-2008, 03:17 PM

Andre,
Glad you were able to find the parts. Mine is in storage so I don`t have access to the part #s.
When the last latch broke on mine I drilled a 1/4" hole in the security plate that is there to keep anyone from prying doors open, I was then able to pry the latch open.
It probably defeats the purpose of the plate but if anyone is trying that hard to get in the compartment nothing is going to stop them.