Internal Baggage Door Latch Replacement

[Singingchip]

I have a1996 Fleetwood 35ls. I have a couple of baggage door latches that are broke. Every video I've seen show unscrewing or drilling the latch out. My latches have screws but the actual latch face plate is mounted to the inside of the aluminum frame. Does one have to take apart the frame to replace? If so, what tips do you have? I've included a picture of door side latch.
Thanks

[Unplanned Tourist]

Looks like it's time to get your screwdriver out.
Happy Glamping.

[W4KMA]

If you remove the black cover and remove the lock you can then get to the two rods and see whats going on with them.

[findwaldo]

I had to replace some of mine by unscrewing the sides of the door frame. You should be okay leaving the bottom rail on.

[mrboyer]

New latches are available from B&R or maybe it is R&B Machining. The more you buy in one order, lowers per lock cost.
Remove the two screws in that holds latch to side of frame. Remove 4 short screws from black plastic cover. The is an aluminum rod from latch handle to the latch. Disconnect the rod at the handle. Pry out the latch, but note how the rod is connected to the latch. Connect rod to new latch and push rod and latch into frame edge. I have found that I needed to use a small hammer to tap the latch into the frame. Reconnect the rod to the latch handle. Replace cover with 4 screws. Use two new screws that came with new latch to attach latch to frame. You may need to adjust latch handle screws for smooth operation. I have replaced 21 of my 26 latches. I have two more with me. I know the others will fail just don’t know when. Last summer two failed on the same bin door and opened while driving on the interstate. Pulled off. Took about 20 minutes to replace.

[Al n Cindy]

Which Fleetwood line is your coach? (Discovery, American, Bounder etc.)

Nearly always what breaks is the plastic plunger, not the assembly itself. A fellow Discovery owner sells aluminum replacements that work on nearly all motorhome brands and he provides instructions on how to make the repair (I've used his kit and it works well). I suggest you contact him:

Bruce Plumb
Bruce@RanchGrandKid.com

[mattyrj]

I found this thread in looking to replace two of mine, this looks almost like mine except that my door is all riveted closed. Do I really need to disassemble the door to repair? Advice is needed.

[Fiesta48]

I bought 2 replacements on Ebay.
Rule 1 dont slam the doors shut.
Rule 2 grease everything.
Probably never need them.

[Al n Cindy]

There's no need to replace the whole (& expensive) latch. Those plastic plungers break often. One of our members offers aluminum replacements at reasonable cost, and he sends you a kit for replacing the rivets and instructions. If you have questions, he's happy to talk to you. I found it very easy to do.

Contact:
Bruce Plumb
417-239-4544
http://www.improvedrvparts.com/improved-parts
Bruce@RanchGrandKid.com

[autostop]

You don't need to tear apart the whole frame and mess up with paint. It is very easy and quick see following link. I hope it will help some one.

https://www.irv2.com/forums/f258/f53...sy-594679.html

[2004Horizon]

I was able to replace my 2" cargo door latch (both sides) and the door actuator easily and in about 1.5 hours taking my time.

This effort was easy because all my cargo doors have a removable inspection cover in the center of the door.

And because my 2" latches on each end were rivetted; all I had to do was use a 1/2" bit to drill-off the rivet face; and then use a 3/16" bill to drill out the rivet post in the door frame.

From there you can unclip the articulating metal rods and move swap out the latch.

Tips:

* Be sure not to move the rod more than necessary -- in order to reattach your new parts. Why? You don't want to lose the rod inside the door.

* Be sure you have the plastic nubs facing the right way before your rivet the new latches in place.

* Take pictures of your door actuator as you take it apart.

* Double test your door actuators (lock and unlock) several times with the door open. Note: Only actuate once every 30 seconds since you have a lot of other old actuators in other doors; and after 15+ years these things are definitely on the weak side.

* Lube the key hole and operate the lock with your cargo key.

Note: I sincerely doubt you need to cut the inside door skin on the ends. However, if your inside door skin does not have a plastic cover to access the locking mechanism, then you will have to cut an access hole, large enough to unhook the articulating rod clips. (I figure about 6"x8" is about right.) But hopefully no cutting is required.

PARTS LIST:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BTNC98F...t_details&th=1


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CZBQCR2...1zcF9kZXRhaWwy

[andy29847]

Here is how I repaired 2 doors:

https://www.irv2.com/forums/f104/sto...ml#post6350071

[2004Horizon]

For some reason, the pictures I attached to the post above did not upload, so here they are.

Note: My cargo door are electrically locked/unlocked with a Universal Actuator you can buy on Amazon for cheap. See url links in the post above.

These actuators have small DC motors inside, so if your wire colors are not the same, you just connect the wires and see if it works properly. If not, swap the wires and check, and double check, your door for normal operation before you close it.

[2004Horizon]

I replaced the door Actuator and when I press the "Cargo Door Lock" it does lock, but sometime it will not "open".

I thing the wires are connected in the right polarity, if that is the right word; which means maybe the door mechanism needs to be replaced, because lubricating it has no positive affect.

Note: When I can't "unlock" the cargo door using the automatic fob for door switch, I then can use my key to physically unlock the latch.

So why would a new door actuator be able to lock the cargo door, but not open it with a press of the button?

If I do need a new door mechanism, does anyone know the part number or where I buy one, and how to R&R?

Note: The door actuator is not shown in the picture below so you an see the cargo door mechanism.