2012 Discovery Baggage Door Lock Broken

[pagosajoe]

Yesterday, DW decided to check the water bay to see if the light I had installed to keep things warm over the winter was working. Well, it was, but when she closed the baggage door, the door lock "tongue" broke off and now the lock doesn't work. Seems a bit of under-engineering to use a PLASTIC tongue to hold the door shut, rather than a metal one!

I intend to replace it with this item:

RV Designer Collection E525 Fleetwood Style Baggage Door : Amazon.com : Automotive

The question is, has anyone done this repair, and do you have to drill out the rivets that hold it in place? If so, is there sufficient clearance to put in two sheet metal screws to secure it? Guess I need to stock up on replacement door latch assemblies if this failure is any indication of their reliability.

[Gocoffeer]

I have just recently replaced 6 each of the exact part # on my rig. It was a relatively easy but time consuming task. Yes... drill out rivets using 1/4 drill bit....remove the 4 each screws on the inside rear latch handle cover....Unhook the galvanized metal rod that attaches to the corresponding side of the broken door catch.... install the new catch in proper position.

NOTE: I had to push the rod towards the new catch to expose enough to hook it onto the new catch. It was an easy fix....YES you can use some sheet metal screws. I used pop rivets again since I had some in that proper size in stock.

[SarahW]

It would be nice to get some photos of this upgrade and the installation. (hint, hint)

[Gocoffeer]

Sarah...my parts are already installed. No photos for you to review available....but the task is not at all difficult....just time consuming.

[pagosajoe]

Thanks Gocofeer - the part should be in shortly, and I'll try to take pix as I go through the process. We're right in the middle of a major kitchen remodel in the S&B, so it may be awhile until I can get to that.

[Gocoffeer]

Joe...you are not going to have any difficulty installing these. After you see that the only one gotcha is which way to install the catch...tapered side towards the coach (so when you close the door the taper pushes the catch in so door latches)

[Statgeek]

I've heard of this happening on many brands/models... If you have the patience to document this task by pictures and posting them, that's be great for the rest of us who may need to do the same someday!

[Triker56]

Why not replace them with Aluminum plunger instead of the plastic.
May save you time in the long run.

Guaranty for lifetime.

[firedoc]

Originally Posted by Triker56

Why not replace them with Aluminum plunger instead of the plastic. May save you time in the long run. Guaranty for lifetime.

i have replaced two of the plastic latches with this aluminum one. Actually have another one waiting for the next occasion. Just remember to order the one for a Fleetwood.

[pagosajoe]

Originally Posted by Triker56

Why not replace them with Aluminum plunger instead of the plastic.
May save you time in the long run.

Guaranty for lifetime.

Dang, Triker - the plastic replacement arrived yesterday. Thanks for the link - I'll buy a couple of the aluminum replacements - no doubt I'll need them. Much appreciated!

[pagosajoe]

Originally Posted by Statgeek

I've heard of this happening on many brands/models... If you have the patience to document this task by pictures and posting them, that's be great for the rest of us who may need to do the same someday!

Sure will. Hope to have it replaced in a day or two, then I'll post the pix.

[moisheh]

1/4 inch drill for rivets?? Most pop rivets are 1/8. If you drill to 1/4 inch what type of screws are you using? Thanks

[akeyzoo]

I just did all on my coach, seemed they reached the age of failure. I also bought a few spares. Just be careful opening the door with the broken latch not to damage paint.

Chris

[pagosajoe]

I repaired the latch, and documented the process:

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f107/bust...ml#post1780603

Hope that helps someone.