Anyone else have generator latch problems?

[RW8804]

To my great surprise the other day, while pulling into a campground in Kentucky, we heard a weird rumble and clang from underneath. We hadn't run over anything, but were shocked to look down and see the generator front panel about 6 feet out on its rails and the generator about half way out on its own rails!

I called the Entegra support after-hours number and Dave kindly called back to tell me that the generator latch failed and that it broke the door latch as well. Luckily there was an easy temporary fix. First buy the heaviest duty zip ties you can find. Tie down any part of the generator rail to a solid steel support underneath. See my picture. Tape (yes tape) the generator door closed.

I found 150 pound capacity zip ties and used four of them, and I sadly used gorilla tape on the front of my coach.

The rest of the trip was uneventful and Entegra will get the problem fixed.

Moral of the story: If you hear rumbling warning signs when braking, take care, as it could be the generator about to go for a trip. We heard these sounds a few minutes earlier, but could not stop until the unhappy event occurred.

[brobox]

Good heads up Robert, thank you. Someone told me the other day that their generator door latch also broke.

[hawgguy]

The mounting plate for the engagement pin for my latch (the part that's on the generator door) got bunged up by my salesman during the demonstration. He hit the air deploy switch prior to disengaging the latch. They need to idiot-proof that system. It was fixed before leaving the dealership, but the door is not as snug as it should be and as a result will rattle if the coach is at a certain angle. Pretty sure I can fix this myself, but I will probably let the pros tackle in at Entegra this November.

[RW8804]

Originally Posted by hawgguy

The mounting plate for the engagement pin for my latch (the part that's on the generator door) got bunged up by my salesman during the demonstration. He hit the air deploy switch prior to disengaging the latch. They need to idiot-proof that system. It was fixed before leaving the dealership, but the door is not as snug as it should be and as a result will rattle if the coach is at a certain angle. Pretty sure I can fix this myself, but I will probably let the pros tackle in at Entegra this November.

Bob, glad you're leaving it to the pros. The generator weighs a ton (figuratively), and when it goes on it's own trip, like mine, there could be a safety issue. We're glad Entegra responded so professionally and that the temporary fix was simple.

[johnnyreno]

Mine doesn't latch when I close it I lubed it too after awhile it does but im parked now so not a prob. on shore

[1mainiac]

I am not impressed with the gen slide and latch setup. One issue on the Cornerstone is once the outer door latch has been bent it never will work right again so I have been adding reinforcements to them. What I suggested to them at the factory was A use a much stronger bracket for the outer door latch so it won't just bend and put a interlock on the gen slide so it cannot engage with the outer door closed. As for the Anthem and Aspire all I can say what a lame setup to put on such a nice coach.

[brobox]

Originally Posted by 1mainiac

As for the Anthem and Aspire all I can say what a lame setup to put on such a nice coach.

Any idea how to strengthen that latch? I have not looked at mine, but I will after this post.

[1mainiac]

What I have done is add a 1/4 thick plate to the side which removes the flex from it I also add a couple extra bolts to the mount so it is tighter. Next I add a foam strip inside the front cap so the outer door pushes against the foam when closed this removes all the rattles.

[RW8804]

I'll see what Entegra does. It will be fixed during our PDI starting June 15th.

[RW8804]

Originally Posted by 1mainiac

What I have done is add a 1/4 thick plate to the side which removes the flex from it I also add a couple extra bolts to the mount so it is tighter. Next I add a foam strip inside the front cap so the outer door pushes against the foam when closed this removes all the rattles.

Thanks. These are great suggestions for the gen door latch. My problems are also with the generator latch itself.

[hawgguy]

Originally Posted by 1mainiac

What I have done is add a 1/4 thick plate to the side which removes the flex from it I also add a couple extra bolts to the mount so it is tighter. Next I add a foam strip inside the front cap so the outer door pushes against the foam when closed this removes all the rattles.

You have the right idea. That is what I would do. I might use rubber door molding instead of foam - will retain its form / resistance a little longer.
A second latch on the other side would balance the retaining force better but would be much more complicated to rig up.

[hawgguy]

Originally Posted by 1mainiac

As for the Anthem and Aspire all I can say what a lame setup to put on such a nice coach.

I am just happy it's on a slide. My previous coach did not have a slide and the generator was a bear to service / repair.

[hogdriver]

I haven't had any problems with 14,000 mi/ 1 yr. Might just be luck. I will keep any eye on it.

[brobox]

Originally Posted by 1mainiac

What I have done is add a 1/4 thick plate to the side which removes the flex from it I also add a couple extra bolts to the mount so it is tighter. Next I add a foam strip inside the front cap so the outer door pushes against the foam when closed this removes all the rattles.

Entegra added some split PEX pipe to the generator slide to get rid of the rattle, then I added more to get rid of the play in the slide.

I am going to add your fixes as well. Seems simple to avoid a problem later on. Thanks, good tips.

At least the Entegra latch is better than the Travel Supreme, we had to get on our hands and knees to release a "T" handle underneath. Outside of that, no changes have been made to the slide and cowl assembly, it's been the same since 2002.