Quote:
Originally Posted by Happycarz
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To add to what Harry has posted here is the text from a reply I sent to another member asking for details on the bottom latches.
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All the photos and the two scans are here:
Curb side tank access door latches - iRV2.com RV Photo Gallery
The McMaster-Carr part number is 13435A67. If you type the part number in the search window at the top left of the McMaster-Carr website it should take you to this page:
McMaster-Carr
Exposed Adjustable Draw Latch, 304 Stainless Steel, 1-1/2" to 2-1/2" Latch Distance Cost $17.82 each. You need two.
The angle is 1-1/2 by 1-1/2 aluminum available at Home Depot. If I had your email I would send you a better copy of my sketch. The sketch has all the dimensions I used to make the brackets. There are two pieces of angle cut to 4" long and then one side is cut down to 3/4 inch from 1-1/2 inch. There are two pieces of angle cut to 2-1/2 inches long. Those are trimmed back 5/8 inch on one side. Drilling the holes is important. The shorter bracket is the piece that the small catch of the latch mounts on. See the photos. The shorter pieces are mounted to the longer pieces to form two brackets. It is necessary to mount the two longer pieces of the bracket to the bottom of the door and then attach the other half of each angle. This allows you to get you socket wrench on the bolts that attach the long half of the bracket to the bottom of the door.
I used 11/64 holes for all the bracket holes except the holes that mount the bracket to the bottom of the door. Those holes need to be large enough to accept a #12 Drill Point screw 1 inch long. Drill two pilot holes in each bracket where the drill point screws will pass through. Before drilling them out to a size large enough to accept the #12 screws place each bracket on the channel at the bottom of the door where it will be mounted. Use a scribe to mark the channel at the bottom of the door where pilot holes will be drilled for the #12 drill point screws. Now drill out the holes in the long bracket half to allow the #12 drill point screws to pass through. Screw the brackets half's to the bottom of the door.
Use stainless screws to attach the latch catch to each short bracket half. Also use stainless screws to attach the short half to the long half at the bottom of the door. Ace Hardware is the best place to purchase stainless screws. I believe I used #8 screws but they maybe #10. I did not make a note on the sketch and my memory is not to good anymore. You can improvise where you need to.
One you have the brackets attached to the bottom of the door you are ready to mount the other half of the latch. Take a close look at the photos to see how the brackets are positions and how the latch works. Use stainless machine screws to mount the brackets to the bottom of the motorhome. Screw the adjustable part of the latch so it is in the center of travel of the threads. That will give plenty of travel to adjust in either direction. Place the latch in the catch and hold it up to the bottom of the coach and screw it down. Do both sides and then adjust each latch to make the door close the way you like it.
I believe I have had these latches on for over four years and they have never come unlatched while traveling. I do not set them to compress the door gasket down all the way but just a good firm seat.
Hope I have not confused you with my rambling but as always just give me a shout if you have questions.
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Bob
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