Latch Tip: TM Closing Difficulties

A while back, I found that I could NOT close the hold down latch (middle lower latch) when I folded down the TM in prep to head home. This surprised me because previously it had been possible to do so. Aha, you say – the fool left something on the bed or he didn’t get all the Velcro thingamabobs out of the way. Not so, after many crawl in over the couch, I determined that this was not the cause.

Later, I read here some of the responses that were made to a post on a similar problem, and read a response by Bill (I think) in which he asked if one end was “riding up” and causing the problem.

I was not sure how that could happen. Then, as I was walking around the TM while it was closed , I thought to check the draw latches (the latch at each lower corner that are latched down as the TM is folded) to see if all four were equally tight.

Eureka! One of the rear latches (it has a bolt and nut on the inside of the latch) was so tight that the latch was actually very difficult to open. I then loosened all the corner draw latches (the nuts and bolts on the inside of each) and then re-tightened all to about equal snugness using small turns on the bolts in sort of tire lug tightening fashion.

The hold down latch now shuts easily for me with just a step in the stirrup.

[Wavery]

Originally Posted by TravlinOn

A while back, I found that I could NOT close the hold down latch (middle lower latch) when I folded down the TM in prep to head home. This surprised me because previously it had been possible to do so. Aha, you say – the fool left something on the bed or he didn’t get all the Velcro thingamabobs out of the way. Not so, after many crawl in over the couch, I determined that this was not the cause.

Later, I read here some of the responses that were made to a post on a similar problem, and read a response by Bill (I think) in which he asked if one end was “riding up” and causing the problem.

I was not sure how that could happen. Then, as I was walking around the TM while it was closed , I thought to check the draw latches (the latch at each lower corner that are latched down as the TM is folded) to see if all four were equally tight.

Eureka! One of the rear latches (it has a bolt and nut on the inside of the latch) was so tight that the latch was actually very difficult to open. I then loosened all the corner draw latches (the nuts and bolts on the inside of each) and then re-tightened all to about equal snugness using small turns on the bolts in sort of tire lug tightening fashion.

The hold down latch now shuts easily for me with just a step in the stirrup.

Also, be sure that the center latch attaching screws are tight.

Mine came loose once and one time I tried to latch the trailer, I couldn't get the latch closed. After investigating, I found that the screws were loose and the latch have moved to the bottom of it's adjustment (the latch has adjustment slots in the screw-holes).

I moved the latch to the center of the adjustment and the latch caught easily.

I plan to replace the slot head screws with hex bolts (1/4-20 x 1"). I hate slot-head screws....... They are just too hard to tighten properly.

[ShrimpBurrito]

Jim -

I am confused. I ordinarily don't even touch these latches until after I latch the shells with the stirrups, so I don't see how adjusting them could make it easier for you to close the shells. Am I understanding you correctly?

You're talking about this latch, correct?



Dave

[Barb&Tim]

I'm thinking the same as Dave on this one -- ??

Tim

Yes, that is the latch (4 of them). I am no expert and can only tell you what I think. I think the TM ends pivot (self-leveling) as the end rises and drops.

Thus, after closing the TM and one or more of those latches has been tightened (it's easy because all one has to do is turn a nut in the latch as it hangs loose) out of proportionately to the other latches (the other side or at the opposite end of the TM, then it possibly can cause the middle edge of the bed end or of the couch end (I have a 3326) to pivot up enough to keep the middle hold down latch from catching.

My theory may be wrong, but at least for now, the result appears to be good!:

[ShrimpBurrito]

Originally Posted by TravlinOn

the result appears to be good!:

I don't see how it could help, but hey, if it fixes your problem, I agree, keep doing it!

Dave

I never got any instruction on these, but it has been my impression that they are best adjusted snug rather than tight. How do others adjust theirs?

[Wavery]

Originally Posted by Scott O

I never got any instruction on these, but it has been my impression that they are best adjusted snug rather than tight. How do others adjust theirs?

I adjust mine just barely snug. If it vibrates off while going down the road, it's too loose. If it stays in place, it's good. All you want to do is keep the roof from bouncing up and down. If you put tension on that latch, the screws will eventually pull out.

It's been my experience that you should not have to pull down on the roof to get the latch on the catch. If you do, that's too tight. Somethings gotta give.

[Barb&Tim]

Originally Posted by TravlinOn

A while back, I found that I could NOT close the hold down latch (middle lower latch) when I folded down the TM in prep to head home. This surprised me because previously it had been possible to do so. Aha, you say – the fool left something on the bed or he didn’t get all the Velcro thingamabobs out of the way. Not so, after many crawl in over the couch, I determined that this was not the cause.

Later, I read here some of the responses that were made to a post on a similar problem, and read a response by Bill (I think) in which he asked if one end was “riding up” and causing the problem.

I was not sure how that could happen. Then, as I was walking around the TM while it was closed , I thought to check the draw latches (the latch at each lower corner that are latched down as the TM is folded) to see if all four were equally tight.

Eureka! One of the rear latches (it has a bolt and nut on the inside of the latch) was so tight that the latch was actually very difficult to open. I then loosened all the corner draw latches (the nuts and bolts on the inside of each) and then re-tightened all to about equal snugness using small turns on the bolts in sort of tire lug tightening fashion.

The hold down latch now shuts easily for me with just a step in the stirrup.

TravlinOn, What is confusing me is that it sounds like you are closing at least some draw latches before you finish latching the stirrup latches.

My TM instructions say that the four corner draw latches should be latched after all of the stirrup latches are secured and i suppose the procedure is the same on your TM.

Tim

[scrubjaysnest]

Originally Posted by Barb&Tim

TravlinOn, What is confusing me is that it sounds like you are closing at least some draw latches before you finish latching the stirrup latches.

My TM instructions say that the four corner draw latches should be latched after all of the stirrup latches are secured and i suppose the procedure is the same on your TM.

Tim

I have to agree with the confusion, but then we have a 2720SL like Barb and Tim. The instructions are close the rear shell, latch the door side stirrup then the refrig side. Repeat for the front shell then do the draw or travel latches. When we first got the TM I had trouble latching the stirrup latches but for me it was technique.