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jjbsmith · 09-11-2007, 04:30 AM

This is a thread from "Quick Tips and Easy Mods"
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Dav5942:
UPDATE-just looked at a bunch of '07 &'08 DS, KS, Ventanas, etc.-they ALL are using this battery tray and latch!

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Dav5942:
If you have the battery slideout tray like shown below-sooner or later(if you get off the Interstates) you will break the latch on the tray. To keep from breaking it instatll two pins(one on each side of tray) for proper support. Sorry about the dirt-still getting it off from "Top of World and Cassiar Highways".

</div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Dave, our tray latch broke as did yours and as you say many others. We were lucky we caught it before it damaged our compartment door. I'm sure a hard left turn would have sent the batteries and the tray through the door. This is clearly a safety issue and Newmar should recall all the Allstar's and Ventana's that have this weak latch. I put two bolts in the corners where you put the pins. It seemed like the only logical way to procure a temporary fix. The holes were not easy to drill.

jjbsmith · 09-11-2007, 04:30 AM

This is a thread from "Quick Tips and Easy Mods"
[quote]Originally posted by Dav5942:
UPDATE-just looked at a bunch of '07 &'08 DS, KS, Ventanas, etc.-they ALL are using this battery tray and latch!

Quote:

Originally posted by Dav5942:
If you have the battery slideout tray like shown below-sooner or later(if you get off the Interstates) you will break the latch on the tray. To keep from breaking it instatll two pins(one on each side of tray) for proper support. Sorry about the dirt-still getting it off from "Top of World and Cassiar Highways".

Dave, our tray latch broke as did yours and as you say many others. We were lucky we caught it before it damaged our compartment door. I'm sure a hard left turn would have sent the batteries and the tray through the door. This is clearly a safety issue and Newmar should recall all the Allstar's and Ventana's that have this weak latch. I put two bolts in the corners where you put the pins. It seemed like the only logical way to procure a temporary fix. The holes were not easy to drill.

Dav5942 · 09-11-2007, 04:34 AM

Fortunately ours did not destroy the door either. This tray is used on most models. Not sure how long they have been using it but definetely needs a redesign.

Oemtech · 09-11-2007, 06:21 AM

You should have bought a gaser they have a nice metal tray with full metal tray rails. Now add a couple of $6 battery boxes from Wal Mart and no more mess.

Brigadoon · 09-12-2007, 11:38 AM

A couple of pictures or a detailed discription of the pins location would be helpful, thanks.

jjbsmith · 09-12-2007, 04:51 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Str8Shooter:
A couple of pictures or a detailed discription of the pins location would be helpful, thanks. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Terry, check Dave5942's recent post in "quick and easy mods"

Dav5942 · 09-13-2007, 11:46 AM

Just replaced the quick release pins with stainless ones with a retainer since they will probably be permanent. This view is looking down at right side of tray(also have pin on left side).

Brigadoon · 09-14-2007, 06:16 PM

Ahh, now I see, thanks for the picture! Another modification added to my list of things to do.

KarenEK · 09-15-2007, 06:16 AM

DAV 5942
Can you provide more details on the "SS LOCKING PINS"? Size?, where purchased? How do they lock into place?

Peter K

Dav5942 · 09-15-2007, 08:30 AM

Peter, the SS quick release pins are 2" by 1/4", they have a small push button on the end which keeps them from falling out. Hard to find but a good marine store(West Marine,etc.) should have them. Non stainless ones are available at a good tractor store.

Harm · 09-17-2007, 12:13 PM

Hi Dav5942:
My latch just failed too. Is the latch replaceable? I don't see what holds it in place, maybe spot welds? The bottom of mine broke loose and the latch tab and spring just fell out when I had to pry it open. How did you fit a drill in there to get to the side plate? The u-shaped channel is only 1 7/8" wide and I haven't found a drill that small. One more question, how do I get to the "Quick Tips and Easy Mods" section?
Thanks in advance!

Dav5942 · 09-17-2007, 12:42 PM

Wayne, yes the latch is welded in and a repalcement is difficult if not impossible(other than repacing the entire tray). We angled the 1/4" portable drill to drill the holes for the pins. You can put the latch parts back in and bend the piece that came unwelded(and possibly reweld it) to allow for the latch to work....but it will not hold up under any pressure. Don't know how many coaches have this tray but it certainly wasn't well engineered.

More pics-Newmar AllStar

Route 66 · 09-17-2007, 02:45 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> how do I get to the "Quick Tips and Easy Mods" section?
</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

There is a "sticky" at the head of the Newmar section........or HERE.