Corner latches?

rvcycleguy · 10-21-2013, 12:58 PM

I have had two or more of my corner latches pull out and I want to repair them. With the information I have read here lately, the factory is not taking parts calls? who do I purchase or order these 4 latches from now? Are they unique to TM or available from an RV parts store?

thanks,

rv

davlin · 10-21-2013, 01:11 PM

RV,

The latches are NOT unique to TM. Almost every PUP manufacturer uses them. And online search should get what you need. You CAN order them from TM http://www.trailmanor.com/WebDocs/Se...rtscatalog.pdf, but you have to use one of their dealers to order through. It's kind of cumbersome, but The Car Show is very easy to work with and order through. If your cleat (TM calls this the "Lower Latch Hook") has pulled loose from the outside wall, you may want to refer to my repair shown at http://www.trailmanorowners.com/foru...hp?albumid=154

Dave

rvcycleguy · 10-21-2013, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davlin

RV,

The latches are NOT unique to TM. Almost every PUP manufacturer uses them. And online search should get what you need. You CAN order them from TM http://www.trailmanor.com/WebDocs/Se...rtscatalog.pdf, but you have to use one of their dealers to order through. It's kind of cumbersome, but The Car Show is very easy to work with and order through. If your cleat (TM calls this the "Lower Latch Hook") has pulled loose from the outside wall, you may want to refer to my repair shown at http://www.trailmanorowners.com/foru...hp?albumid=154

Dave

Thanks Dave. Yes, your repair is what I will model mine after. I located a dealer in Ft Worth but must be closed on Monday since they don't answer the phone today. One of the lower latch hooks pulled put a year or so ago and then last week another, so it's time to do all now.

RV

davlin · 10-22-2013, 06:40 AM

rv,

Yeah, I called the same dealer on a Monday (I also live in Texas), and they didn't answer either. That's why I called The Car Show and got good service from them. Interestingly, if the dealer you call doesn't have the part in stock (and most don't) they just call Eddie at TM, and have them drop ship the part to your address.

Is this really "more efficient"?

Dave

rvcycleguy · 10-22-2013, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davlin

rv,

Yeah, I called the same dealer on a Monday (I also live in Texas), and they didn't answer either. That's why I called The Car Show and got good service from them. Interestingly, if the dealer you call doesn't have the part in stock (and most don't) they just call Eddie at TM, and have them drop ship the part to your address.

Is this really "more efficient"?

Dave

Thanks. Not sure of its efficient but I guess the dealer feels involved...

davlin · 10-23-2013, 06:38 AM

I guess. Good luck on your repair(s). Let me know if you have any questions.

Dave

**Bill** · 10-23-2013, 09:16 AM

Guys, bear in mind that the new parts-distribution system is only a couple months old. Does it work perfectly right out of the box? No. Does anything? Probably not.

Each dealer has to decide what selection of parts he will keep in inventory (I don't think the factory has a "demand" list), and the quantity, then get them shipped, sorted, and stored - and I assume come up with the front money to pay for them. I very much doubt that the current in-between situation intended to be permanent.

Perhaps to reassure everyone, I can say that two months ago I ordered a set of 8 pocket stop covers from MCD in Hyannis, MA. They had them in stock and shipped them the same day. Other dealers may not be quite up to speed yet - or maybe I just made a lucky choice.

Bill

**Kidkraz** · 10-23-2013, 09:43 AM

To add on to Bill's comments. Depending on what the problem is and what parts are required, a dealer should help clear up confusion with parts. The factory is geared to build, were the dealer should be working to ensure you get the right part and feel comfortable to do the work yourself, or get your rig in for repair.

10-23-2013, 09:44 AM

Also, keep in mind that TM operates with limited personnel. Having a specific number of dealers calling, who have hopefully screened customer needs and determined the required parts, is much more efficient than the factory taking all the calls directly. This is the way many businesses operate, they are not breaking new ground with this policy.

rvcycleguy · 10-23-2013, 05:22 PM

I spoke to the parts dept for the dealer in Ft. Worth and said that she would get pricing and they would be shipped from the factory direct to me.