Hi folks - does anyone know how to find a replacement exterior door holder/ latch? Mine has rusted, and the other part broke off - see photos. Thanks!
Sasha
Hi Sasha, We have replaced this twice in ten years. This bends too easily for me. Weak aluminum material. I want to change it to the hook style next time.
JR Products 10535 Metal C-Clip Style Door Holder - 3" on Amazon.
Take care,
Robin
Thanks Robin - good tip. So the one you sent is the one you DON’T like, correct? Based on your and some others’ reviews, I was thinking of switching to this - anyone have experience with them? Amazon.com: Swess RV Trailer Door Holder Stainless SteelT-Style Catch 5.1''... (https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07MV4XB3R/?coliid=I2I9FKGKZB1V66&colid=AX7DUI2T7X6S&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it)
Hi Sasha,
The hook you posted a link for is the style that our '01 came with.
We have had no issues with it. I like that I choose when to use it. You don't have to yank it off the holder like the one you have that is broken.
Theresa
Looks like a great latch!
On our 2010 RB we have to literally slam our cabin door against the male side of the catch for the factory hitch to latch. And with lots of slamming we could wind up with a bent door (see previous posts on that subject).
Question:
1. Would the long (5") tong on the door bang while driving, or does it somehow stay secured in the down position?
2. Any issue with drilling/screwing 8 S/S screws in the door/coach present any issues?
3. Any special install instruction for the LD install, or this attach and forget?
For $11 bucks and change this looks like a really good solution. I would dread drilling the holes in the coach though!
Cheers!
Tony R. (aka codefour)
Thanks Robin - good tip. So the one you sent is the one you DON’T like, correct? Based on your and some others’ reviews, I was thinking of switching to this - anyone have experience with them? Amazon.com: Swess RV Trailer Door Holder Stainless SteelT-Style Catch 5.1''... (https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07MV4XB3R/?coliid=I2I9FKGKZB1V66&colid=AX7DUI2T7X6S&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it)
The T-style will work fine, you may experience door rattling in windy conditions.
The type you are replacing can last many years with careful alignment.
Larry
The one you chose looks good, but is it going to allow the door to swing to far open and possibly damage the finish? Is a door stop of some kind in order?
Jon
Hi Sasha; That plastic latch does break once in a while. It looks like yours is the original, same for the post. I wrote about this earlier: Coach door latch (https://www.lazydazeowners.com/index.php?topic=31294.msg183121#msg183121).
This is still available. The advantage is no new holes in the wall and door of the motorhome. RV Designer E265 RV Metal Entry Door Holder - 3" (https://www.rvupgradestore.com/C-Clip-Metal-Door-Holders-3-or-6-p/31-1436.htm)
Buy a few extra latches. Sun exposure takes it's toll. RV Designer E244 Door Holder Clip - Colonial White - 3" (https://www.rvupgradestore.com/Entry-Door-Holder-Clips-p/31-1425.htm) Since the clip by itself is more than the post with clip, maybe buy more of the paired parts. One advantage is often I keep the screen door closed, coach door open. I can just pull on the door from inside to close both. Tony R., you can adjust the tension by adjusting the size of the metal part; you won't need to slam the door to get it to latch.
Some here have replaced the holder with this: Amazon.com: Door Stopper, Magnetic Door Stop, Soft-Catch Magnetic Door... (https://www.amazon.com/Stopper-Magnetic-Soft-Catch-Stainless-Brushed/dp/B07VKK4CJ8/ref=sr_1_7?dchild=1&keywords=magnetic+door+stop&pd_rd_r=b3081e60-a280-472c-ba0e-ca00f8f91a5e&pd_rd_w=fnd47&pd_rd_wg=1ltO3&pf_rd_p=0ec05f25-9534-48fe-9c3e-40b89957230e&pf_rd_r=YEDYF6GR4V20NFM5086N&qid=1607882869&sr=8-7)
It has a shock absorber, so no slamming the door. Outside parts are stainless, but you would have to drill some new holes. The screws are covered and not visible. The magnet is really strong. Maybe the person who put this in can comment on how well it is holding up. I bought one (sitting in the box) to check it out. I may use mine in the house to hold the door to the garage open (while bringing in groceries). RonB
If you get a magnetic door stop, I recommend Amazon.com : Cucumis Stainless Steel Door Magnetic Door Stopper Bedroom Door... (https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B076XZN4XV/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
It is shorter than the one in the previous post and will not inadvertently catch on something. The long one is wider than the side mirrors.
"If you get a magnetic door stop..."
I would be very skeptical that a magnetic door stop would be adequate to hold the coach door open in some of the winds I have encountered. Once the wind grabs that door it's Katie bar the Door! And the latch mechanism does not take kindly to being slammed together. :o
You guys are the best! This is such a great community. Really appreciate all the helpful tips. Going to look more closely at all of these options. I’m just v happy to have our LD back from the shop after the gas tank replacement and roof reseal. Cheers
Sasha
A gust of wind can - and does! - easily catch an open and "latched into the keep" entry door and send it slamming hard into the frame; I still have the original "post", but have replaced the plastic latch a couple of times over the years. If I want to leave the entry door open and there's a chance for any wind (it does not take much!), I hook a bungee around the inside door handle and loop and hook it over the mirror arm. Saves a lot of "door whanging" and subsequent heart palpitations! ;)
"I hook a bungee around the inside door handle and loop and hook it over the mirror arm. Saves a lot of "door whanging" and subsequent heart palpitations!"
Bungee cords are magic, and have a lot of uses. We use one for the door all the time, wind or no!
Virtual hugs,
Judie
Hi Sasha; I measured my unused magnetic catch at 3.5", so it doesn't stick out much farther than the door stop you have now. With the plated steel loop, a short bungee can be attached from the metal loop, around the inside door handle, and back around to the outside loop.
12 pounds of attractive force is a lot, but a door has a lot of surface area. I once had winds in the Grand Canyon south rim at 60 mph. and gusts over 75 mph. Sat that out in the 'village' parking lot overnight. Left for less windy climes the next morning. In most instances a wind strong enough to dislodge the door, you probably want the door closed anyway. RonB
Thank you so much, Ron, that’s very helpful. Cheers, Sasha